01' VW Kombi: Menzerna AIO + PBL Coating Booster Review

[Tato]

Dear AG friends,

This weekend I've accepted to detail a 2001 VW Kombi, I must admit, mainly for the fun... I've agreed with owner to do a 'Shine and Protect', at least for this first time detailing his Kombi.

When it arrived, my 2.5y/o daughter (the one at my avatar) asked me promptly:

'- Dad, why did they bring the bus?'

lol! Only that time I've realized what was the real size of the car I was dealing with. I've tried to divide tasks within days, use 'fast turnaround' products and consistent LSP with easy application in mind, everything without reducing the quality of the work.

This thread is not exactly a show and shine, I intended to do this mainly to show my new favorite product ever, the PBL coating BOOSTER! Being the product that good, I would like to say it to you like you say to me what you think is good.

I've also used what was my favorite product ever before Booster arrive, and that was (still is!) the Menzerna Power Protect Ultra (PP Ultra), basically an AIO.

I've got hundreds of pics, so I've tried to select some that may show what I have in mind.

Objective here is simple: share the use of 2 products I like a lot!

To the Pics!:Picture:

This picture describes greatly the paint condition when it arrived
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-before.png

This overspray on the rearview mirror adds to the above info:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/k-before-overspray.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/75073)


After a thorough rinse with plain water, I foam the entire car...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-foam.png

Then rinse.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-rinse.png


Every and any car is detailed here with the same care. We all know that the only thing they need at all is some love...http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/k-detail2.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/75076)

I enjoy using those brushes!
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-detail1.png

I like to foam rinse after them
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-detail3.png

Then rinse with pressure water
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/k-detail4.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/75077)

This picture shows the partial cleaning of the right side of the roof, I was being able to get past the middle from my stand.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-roof-partial.png

Now onto the other side...

I like to foam it before using my mitt
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-wash2.png

Then I go with the mitt over the slickness provided
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-wash.png




Claying the front with fine nanoskin:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-clay1.png

Stepped up to medium grade since contaminants were harsh
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/k-clay2.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/75082)

I always try to use plenty of lube and avoid pressure with nanoskin to minimize marring.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/k-clay.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/75075)

Had to use conventional clay to get the last missing overspray spots:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/k-clay3.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/75083)



Finished wash and clay, but sadly saw how a thorough wash and clay is nothing in front of the real condition of the paint.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-washed.png


At least I was able to remove 98% of overspray
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-oversprayafter.png


Having the car washed, clayed and dried, that was enough for day 1. Doesn't look that bad, uh!?
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/end-day1.png

Now, to the polishing

I've used this thread as a guide, although this is not a classic car or very old paint, I've extrapolated the knowledge shared by Mike Phillips to take care on this one (worth reading for anyone).
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/ask-expert-featuring-mike-phillips/25304-secret-removing-oxidation-restoring-show-car-finish-antique-single-stage-paints.html


Everything starts on the test spot. I was willing to use PP Ultra, but needed to test it on some spot to see the outcome. For that, I've started using a black/gray Finishing Flat Pad by Lake Country:

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-product-selection.png

Brief comment: PP Ultra is a 100% Silicone Free sealing wax with a high gloss effect. It states to remove small surface imperfections, guaranteed hologram free, perfect finish, also a long lasting protection and sealing.

I've used it earlier with white hybrid pad with great success, and it's just as good as it states.

Looking at Menzerna's website, I was able to find out this product has a cut of 2/10 and gloss 10/10 on their scale, putting it on pair with SF4500. A quality fine abrasive polish and a sealing wax by Menzerna couldn't be less than a winner IMO.

To work this product, I use Smack's Technique for Menzerna and Flex 3401 as a foundation base (adapted to reality I'm working on). It works perfect for this product.
(found here: http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/auto-detailing-university/77155-my-technique-concerning-3401-menzerna-products-hybrid-pads.html)

Taped a section on the lateral roof to see how I would deal with 'intricate design':
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/test-spot.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/75107)

Here is the result after some passes, residue and tape removal:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/test-spot-tape-removal.png

Same spot, from some distance:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/test-spot-far.png

Another view, just to be sure we were following the right path:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/test-spot-another.png

This is the pad after the test spot:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/k-pad-used.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/75094)

Like I've said, this wasn't a 'Correction' job, just a 'shine and protect'. This way, the test spot results was just right for what I was looking for.


I've had to 'clean the pad on the fly' after every section with a cotton towel. You can see the towel at the bottom of the picture with what was removed from paint.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-pad-cleanonthefly.png


Pad clean, add more drops and go back to polish!
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-pad-addmore.png

For some 'resistant spots', I've stepped up just a bit using a 5" green LC pad and Flex 3401 4 3/8 Backing Plate
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-padgreen.png

For smaller areas, I've used 4" flat pad on 4" LC backing plate:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/k-pad-small-peasize.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/75103)


Many of this work had to be done by hand, I've used MF applicators with the same Menzerna PP Ultra. It works great and is easy to use by hand.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-byhand3.png

Every place not able to be accessed by the polisher...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-byhand4.png

Here,
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-byhand.png

And many other places I couldn't capture on camera while working. Captured some on door handle:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-byhand1.png

Notice persistant overspray even after thorough claying... This time I've removed them using the PP Ultra by hand
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-byhand2.png

Rear polished (both hand and machine)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-back-after.png

Always finishing late, this is the end of day 2, washed, clayed, dried, and now AIO-polished car
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-end-day2.png


Boosting the shine and slickness

Pinnacle Black Label Coating Booster... Love at first sight (or use).
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/booster-arrived.png

Above you see the package where it arrived. I was finishing to do the same AIO process (PP Ultra) on a 407 Peugeot (but used a white pad for more cutting that time), and willing to use Souveran Wax to top my work (as I do often). When the box arrived, I've grabbed the booster to test and applied some to Peugeot bumper... Wow!

I couldn't believe how easy was that product to spread and buff. The slickness provided is awesome. Shine increase may be 'psychological', but I'm heavily affected by it!

Shortly, I was spraying and spreading the booster all over the Peugeot, and in some minutes I've finished the whole work in a flawless manner. It's the best spray on product I've heard about and used till today, it'll not smear, and will spread far, and easy.

I have some experience with PBL coatings (I apply them a lot), so using the Booster was 'only natural' (like Max@AG always says!)... The same smell, the way the product look when you spread it on surface, the slickness. It's perfect.


Here's how I'm using it (with a Gold Plush MF Towel, an awesome product indeed):
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/booster-intro.png

I spray some 1-2 mists to towel side I'll be using to spread:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/booster-prime.png

Just Spray a fine mist every ~50x50cm area and spread over the whole panel. (I've used ~4 mists for every panel). I also like to spray the panel (spray a mist every 'quarter panel I divide mentally') then go with towel to spread it. It'll spread really easy.

(sorry about folded towel on picture above, it's the only picture I have on this action)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/booster-spreading.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/75119)

to bottom...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/booster-spreading2.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/75108)

Then, flip the towel to the 'fluffy' side, and buff it to a shiny and slick surface:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/booster-flip-towel.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/75115)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/booster-buff.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/75114)

Driver's side Boosted (notice blurry on passenger's glass could not be removed by any polishing method I've tried (as well as Glasswork)).
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/booster-instant.png

The statement 'instantly gratification' is so much true with this product...

'Boosted' the shine and slickness all around...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-back-after2.png

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-front4.png

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-front3.png

License plate installed, ready to leave garage...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-ready-to-leave.png


This is the end, while the car was ready for being delivered to owner.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/k-all-done.png


That's it. Hope you enjoy the reading as I enjoyed working on it!

Please, any critics, suggestions, questions, etc, are always, always welcome.

Thank you VERY MUCH for watching,

Kind Regards.

PS: There may be lots of pics and info missing, forgive me about that. I will try to add everything I can if I/you notice something that needs to be expanded.

[jamesboyy]

You restored that retro looking VW van to like new condition a job well done

[FUNX650]

Thanks, Tato, for this very detailed presentation! :xyxthumbs:

Been awhile since I've seen such a well-kempt VW Bus.

Is the Power Protect Ultra (PP Ultra) strictly a
Menzerna GmbH Germany product?
{I don't see it on the Menzerna USA or AGO's website :(}

And I never would have thought to use PBL Booster on top of the PP Ultra...
However...You did; and the results need no explanation!

Keep up the good work!

Bob

[Tato]

Thanks @jamesboyy for kind words!

Dear Bob, thank you for comments. Interior was also well detailed by my detailing partner, so the complete outcome was good in general from inside out. For full interior in this case I would need to polish all interior metal painted parts, which would be $$$$$ and time consuming.

PP Ultra info can be found at Menzerna dot com, but it's been largely available in Brazil lately.

It's a very interesting product, abrasives have decent cut with polishing pads, and protection seems to be effective. Even with finishing pads it works like a top notch 'cleaner wax'.

Topping the PP Ultra with the Booster came 'by accident' like I've said, I've made a small test - it spread so easy and the surface felt so slick I couldn't stop applying until the whole car was covered.

It was only natural, ahahha

I'm glad you enjoyed,

Thanks everyone for feedback.

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Beautiful attention to the details Rafael! That Kombi looks like it just rolled off the assembly line!

Looks like PBL Booster surely added some gloss and slickness.

Keep up the outstanding work!!!

[lawrenceSA]

WOW so nice to see a well cared for old beauty like that:dblthumb2:

You sure made her shine again for which she and the owner must be very grateful.

Lovely write up too.

Thank you for posting it up

[Flash Gordon]

Nice work Tato :props:

[Tato]

Beautiful attention to the details Rafael! That Kombi looks like it just rolled off the assembly line!

Looks like PBL Booster surely added some gloss and slickness.

Keep up the outstanding work!!!

Thank you for comments Mike, your feedback is always appreciated since I follow many of your guidelines while detailing, and all support you are giving me during those months I'm afraid not being able to payback, ever.


WOW so nice to see a well cared for old beauty like that:dblthumb2:

You sure made her shine again for which she and the owner must be very grateful.

Lovely write up too.

Thank you for posting it up

Nice to hear from you Lawrence, apart from the work while detailing, putting all together in the end to share here takes a lot of time and care as well (you know well about this!). Listening to comments like yours makes worth every time invested on the write up. Thanks for that.


Nice work Tato :props:

So glad you enjoyed, I appreciate a lot your comment as well.


Today I'll receive a 2014 Honda Civic for PBL coating, and after the 12 hours period I'll use the booster to test another statement at product's page:

'Use Black Label Diamond Coating Booster as a topper for freshly applied coatings to amplify the glassy shine!'

Will do my best to be able to prepare a write up as well.

Thanks everyone for comments.

Kind Regards.

[EVOlved]

Great work Tato that must have been time consuming with the contamination and overall size of the vehicle.

[vinharski]

Nice job Tato...a complete makeover

[KBsToy]

Very nice work :)

I like the way the white pops with that PPL booster

[BillE]

OUTSTANDING!

I really have a soft spot in my heart for ANY of the various VW Busses, really sad to see that VW stopped producing them last year.

Bill

[Tato]

Great work Tato that must have been time consuming with the contamination and overall size of the vehicle.

Thanks for comments. This one needed much time as well some 'elbow grease' hahaha In advantage, after doing this one other cars looks so small!


Nice job Tato...a complete makeover

I appreciate your comments my friend!


Very nice work :)

I like the way the white pops with that PPL booster

Unfortunately the slickness cannot be felt on pictures, this product is awesome and I've already arranged one extra unit for shipping this week!


OUTSTANDING!

I really have a soft spot in my heart for ANY of the various VW Busses, really sad to see that VW stopped producing them last year.

Bill

That's true, this vehicle is very popular here in Brazil, I'm pretty sure it would still have it's place in the market.

However, a huge investment in modernization would be needed to attend today's demand, and a complete transformation would be required. Let's wait and see what will come in the next years.

Thank you for comments,

Kind Regards.

[sproketser]

Thanx Tato , just got thid from the link you given me ! Thanx buddy !

That s a great job , nice pics * How To .