2012 Volkswagen Passat - Paint Correction Detail by Mr. Sparkle Detailing - Long Island, NY

[Gurge]

New client contacted me regarding his black VW Passat. It was his baby, but had seen some tough times and had noticeable swirls in the paint. We did a wash and pre-inspection prior to booking anything and it wasn't pretty. At that time I also learned that some of the car was original paint and some had been repainted. We agreed to a 2-3 step correction (depending on original or repaint) with the goal being 90% correction or better all around.

Car was dropped off and first started on the interior which also needed some attention. Thorough vacuum, all interior plastic cleaned with megs APC+, leather cleaned and conditioned (OPC 10:1 => CG leather conditioner), fabric insets and carpets steam cleaned (VX5000), dash and doors dressed with 303 Aero

Quick shot of me giving the vents a hot steam injection (heh)

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5132_zps1c84376a.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5132_zps1c84376a.jpg.html)

and another shot after all finished up. Center console shown here featuring Mr. Sparkle Detailing: THE CUP (containing all loose change and randoms found throughout the morning)

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5224_zps52b17f41.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5224_zps52b17f41.jpg.html)


Got started on the outside which was filthy. Wash, CarPro TRIX, speedy prep towel (fine). Took a photo foaming the car with the house mix of CG Citrus wash gloss, dawn, OPC

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5141_zps47e2f7ba.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5141_zps47e2f7ba.jpg.html)


Dried off the car, taped the trim and turned off the fluroscent lights relying on the LEDs only. Did I mention it wasn't pretty? It was even worse after the speedy prep towel. Yet another reminder not to use a clay substitute unless you're planning to polish

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5150_zpsf98c25f9.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5150_zpsf98c25f9.jpg.html)

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5145_zps837977fe.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5145_zps837977fe.jpg.html)


Wont reveal all my secrets, but the experienced in the room will probably figure out what was going on. The following tools, pads and products were all used at some point throughout the lengthy correction depending on the task at hand and size of the panel

Makita 9227C, Flex PE, Flex 3401, Griots DA, PC 7424

Megs M100, Menz FG400, Menz Power Finish

3m low lint wool, Optimum MF compounding pads, LC PFW, LC white

Getting my grind on. Hood required several passes to get decent

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5167_zps3a558518.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5167_zps3a558518.jpg.html)

Big 50/50 on the hood after compounding only. This would be finished down later to improve the clarity

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5177_zps8d8ae002.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5177_zps8d8ae002.jpg.html)


http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5179_zps162ccaba.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5179_zps162ccaba.jpg.html)


http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5182_zps1ac95258.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5182_zps1ac95258.jpg.html)


Sure looks like I'm doing something right. Getting 90% correction or better as planned (some leftovers here and there as you'll see) And away we go....


http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5142_zps5eda35d3.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5142_zps5eda35d3.jpg.html)

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5198_zps9ad89a12.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5198_zps9ad89a12.jpg.html)

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5146_zps6e2ab0bb.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5146_zps6e2ab0bb.jpg.html)

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5203_zpsd6b7f2df.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5203_zpsd6b7f2df.jpg.html)

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5152_zpsea9c0a50.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5152_zpsea9c0a50.jpg.html)

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5205_zps4c7d44d5.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5205_zps4c7d44d5.jpg.html)


http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5200_zps83218217.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5200_zps83218217.jpg.html)


Finished off the job with Blackfire Wet Diamond sealant applied even via DA as shown here

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5187_zps20880a11.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5187_zps20880a11.jpg.html)

Buffing off the sealant with a clean MF towel

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5189_zpsb1ac515e.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5189_zpsb1ac515e.jpg.html)

[Gurge]

And then we stand back and admire our work...


http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5213_zps3c2df40d.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5213_zps3c2df40d.jpg.html)

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5217_zps9d408785.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5217_zps9d408785.jpg.html)

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5214_zps9db5eed7.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5214_zps9db5eed7.jpg.html)

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5206_zps36f94c5c.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5206_zps36f94c5c.jpg.html)


Deep reflections as you can see (both of me and my garage gnome)

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5218_zps46828af3.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5218_zps46828af3.jpg.html)

I also had removed the rear badges on this one per the clients request

before & after close up

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5128_zps484c0a2b.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5128_zps484c0a2b.jpg.html)

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5223_zps4909e727.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5223_zps4909e727.jpg.html)

To start things off - dirty rear end with badges in place

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5123_zps1cd36b54.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5123_zps1cd36b54.jpg.html)


After

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5215_zps6dbf4311.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5215_zps6dbf4311.jpg.html)

http://i1354.photobucket.com/albums/q688/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5216_zpsfb21bfdc.jpg (http://s1354.photobucket.com/user/Mr_Sparkle_Detailing/media/Client%20Gallery/VW%20Passat%20-%202012%20black/IMG_5216_zpsfb21bfdc.jpg.html)


It all takes place here in the Mr. Sparkle garage, Long Island NY


Mr. Sparkle Detailing.com (http://www.MrSparkleDetailing.com)


Instagram @MrSparkleDetailing

[artofdetailing]

Nice work. Do you really think the nano skin towels inflict that much damage compared to clay?

[Gurge]

Nice work. Do you really think the nano skin towels inflict that much damage compared to clay?

I am certain of it my friend. I've seen it multiple times. If I'm not polishing the car, no way I'm using a speedy prep or nano mitt. doesn't always make a mess but it does often enough

thats not to say clay wouldn't have caused some marring on this one as well (it happens) but I feel it was worse with the towel which is in line with what I've experienced in the past

[stateguy]

I live on long island how much does a job like that cost?
I have alot of swirls in my honda pilot ans was looking to get this done

[Gurge]

I live on long island how much does a job like that cost?
I have alot of swirls in my honda pilot ans was looking to get this done

the pilot is a big boy. This was a pretty involved correction that you may or may not be looking for. Drop me an email if you like and we can discuss it further. Will do my best to meet the budget and expectations

MrSparkleDetailing@gmail.com


The shop is in west babylon. If you're local we could arrange a time to stop by and have a look under the LEDs to give it a proper inspection. Ive been doing quite a bit of that recently as spring is finally arriving

[jamesboyy]

Excellent work Mr Sparkle you healed all of those passat's bruises, and made that paint shine once again

[SYMAWD]

Great job. I gotta ask though. Once the steering wheel was cleaned, did it become a dry matte black (almost gray)? That's how new VW steering wheels come, but every used VW I get in is a shiny, slippery, gloss black, which indicates body oils. I was just wondering if they can be made like new again with some cleaning because I've yet to see one or try it myself (Not going to bring my detail stuff to work). Thank You.

[Tato]

Looks very nice, wonderful turnaround.

I've noticed more marring with clay mitt fine grade on soft paints compared to 'normal clay', but looks like you're working it too hard, or with inadequate lube?

I also know it won't matter in the end if you'll be doing the complete (and 90%+ perfect) correction you've done.

However, if I won't be able to do that level of correction, I try to be gentle and just 'glide' the clay mitt instead of 'scrubbing', and use some sort of 'wash and wax' as lube to improve the glide, after that only a fine finishing is necessary to get rid of marring (if any).

This way I need more 'passes' of the mitt, but less passes from the polish afterwards.

Nonetheless, your results demonstrate you may be between the top detailers in your area, very professional job.

Keep doing the good work,

Kind Regards.

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Beautfiul turnaround! That black paint was HAMMERED!

[RawDetail]

I've stopped using my nanoskin pad unless polishing. I've seen marring on even very hard paint that I've worked on.

Great job!

[mwoolfso]

Ya'know I have always had a perception that those speedy-prep-like products would introduce more swirls and marring compared to clay.

Nice job Brian.

[Gurge]

Great job. I gotta ask though. Once the steering wheel was cleaned, did it become a dry matte black (almost gray)? That's how new VW steering wheels come, but every used VW I get in is a shiny, slippery, gloss black, which indicates body oils. I was just wondering if they can be made like new again with some cleaning because I've yet to see one or try it myself (Not going to bring my detail stuff to work). Thank You.

to be honest, I'm not sure. I think it had the matte look. I definitely took off some body oils but I can't recall what the starting and ending finish was on the steering wheel.

[Gurge]

Ya'know I have always had a perception that those speedy-prep-like products would introduce more swirls and marring compared to clay.

Nice job Brian.

there are exceptions, but I've seen it enough that if the car isn't getting polished I stick to regular clay. Usually opening with a chemical decon first to lessen whatever the clay will pick up

havent spoken to you in awhile. stop by if you're in the area. maybe trade some samples or whatever.

[Phenompilot]

Fantastic Job on the paint correction! Did you detail the engine bay? I have a 2014 I'm doing and was not sure if I should lightly shower the engine with water. Any help would be greatly appreciated.