2013 Kia Sportage in Black - Correction + Black Label Coatings

[Tato]

Dear Friends.

This weekend I had the pleasure to work on a 2013 Kia Sportage in Black. The car is relatively new, however presented not only DISO defects and holograms, but also lots of swirls and scratches from improper washing technique afterwards.

Customer schedule a full (interior / exterior) car detail followed by Pinnacle Black Label coatings.

The polishing work was performed using the Flex 3401 polisher, 1st step using PF2500 on orange cutting pads, 2nd step using SF4000 on white polishing pads.

Although perfection couldn't be achieved, I worked my way into putting every effort towards the best finish I could achieve during that time.

Of course, I've enjoyed a lot working on this one, hope you enjoy the follow up.

Here we go!

Arrived:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spb1a.png

Only ~6000km...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spb1b.png

Let's start inspecting the overall condition of the car:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spb2.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77680)

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spb3a.png

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spb3b.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77682)

With little time walking around the car with my swirl finder light, I could find definitive signs of poor polishing work previously performed.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spb4.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77683)

Together with the holograms, some signs of actual paint burns were also found
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spb5.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77684)

Not only swirls, but also stains from the elements
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spb6.png

Everywhere
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spb7.png

The holograms were very noticeable on this black metallic paint
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spb8.png


Time to work!

Interior had dust, stains and general use marks, but nothing that deviates from normal use of a DD.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spi1.png

The interior work was meticulous done by my detailing partner
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spi2.png

She's so careful and talented, it's a pleasure to watch her working.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spi3.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77691)

After doing the interior, we washed the wheels
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spi4.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77692)

Then the entire car, panel by panel, detail by detail using different kind of brushes...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spi5.png


After washing, I reinspected the finish looking for more flaws
Please, DON'T use a rotary if you can't handle it...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spaw1.png

Hazy signs of a poorly made job
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spaw2.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77694)

WTH is this!? lol
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spaw3.png

General aspect of paint was very bad. When not seeing holograms, swirls were evident. Here you can see both altogether.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spaw4.png

To the polishing procedure:

Test spot was performed on the roof, using a white pad and SF4000. Ready to go up there.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spap1.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77698)

This area was chosen because it contained many defects I was willing to remove.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spap2.png

Some polishing work: Smack's technique for Menzerna products, here you can see a few passes...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spap3.png

and the preliminary results after 2 hits of SF4000 on a white pad. That's when I decided to step up on product and pad for the 1st step, leaving my first option for further refinement.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spap4.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77701)

After tackling the whole roof, I went after the A pillars. Product spread:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spap5.png

Product worked (notice change in consistency and transparent aspect)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spap6.png

I've worked the A Pillar through the rear side all at once, cleaning the pad on the fly in between every 2-3 section passes.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spap7.png

Removing residue is a breeze after proper working the product...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spap8.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77706)

After every section I tend to inspect my results.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spap9.png

Here's a 'natural' 50/50 shot between panels. The upper part of the picture shows the start of the section polished within the A pillar approach.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spaaa1.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77708)

Pillar inspection
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spaaa2.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77709)

Although orange and white pads in 4" were protagonists at this work, I also had the help of sorted hybrid pads in 5".
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spap10.png

Vertical panel, inspecting results
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spaaa3.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77710)

Even though there were signs of paint burns, my gentle but effective approach was able to get rid of those nasty defects.
Before:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spaaa4a.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77711)

After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spaaa4b.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77712)

Interior painted parts that presented ugly defects were taken care of. Before:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spaaa5a.png

After hand polishing (MF applicator, FG400):
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spaaa5b.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77714)

Trunk vertical lid, and Kia logo were all polished to near defect free finish:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spaaa6.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77715)

[Tato]

RIDS were present even after intensive polishing, but we decided to leave them there being this a DD.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spaaa7.png

However, the haze, holograms and swirls were all vanished from the finish.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spaaa8.png

Rear bumper, lower part. Let's take a look using different light sources.

Before (Light A):
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spll1.png

Before (Light B):
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spll2.png

After (Light A):
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spll3.png

After (Light B):
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spll4.png

Taillamp needed some care as well
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/kia-spll5.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/77722)

Got it:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spll6.png

From behind ;)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spll7.png

After extensive polishing work, car was prepped using PBL surface cleansing polish, thoroughly washed for the last time and then coated using PBL line of products, Wheel Coating / Glass Coating / Paint Coating and/or Surface coating whetter they fitted.

Roof overall view, coated:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spff1.png

Hood inspected for the last time after coating:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spff2.png

Took the car outside for delivery:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spff3.png

After extensive polishing and detailing work, customer went away happy with the results achieved
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spff4.png

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spff5.png

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spff6.png

Ready to go!
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/kia-spff7.png



That's it. Although the car was severely hammered, I believe I was able to bring it back to well maintained state achieving a much better finish, repairing the poor work previously made, and leaving customer with a huge smile in his face.

As always, questions, comments, suggestions, critics, are very, very welcome.

Thanks for watching,

Kind Regards.

[Kengo123]

fabulous work!

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Outstanding work as usual Rafael! What an amazing transformation! I'm sure the owner was thrilled with the transformation!

Why was PF2500 chosen over FG400 for your correction step?

Thanks for sharing.

[Hazcat]

That thing was horrendous for such a new car. Nice turn around.

[VISITOR]

nice job, you can see them flakes pop! any chance you can post a short video of smack's/your polishing technique on one panel? this may help some who aren't familiar with machine polishing...

[FrankS]

Beautiful work as usual Rafael, amazing turn around! What dressing did you use on the tires?

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Any chance you can post a short video of smack's/your polishing technique on one panel? this may help some who aren't familiar with machine polishing...

Great idea! I would love to put one together. Hopefully I could get it imbedded and attached in my original "Smack's Technique thread. I will grab my DSLR and stand to shoot a video for this.

[blown03]

That is outstanding !

[Tato]

fabulous work!

Thanks my friend, I saw your website and found it fabulous as well!


Outstanding work as usual Rafael! What an amazing transformation! I'm sure the owner was thrilled with the transformation!

Why was PF2500 chosen over FG400 for your correction step?

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for commenting Mike. The choice for PF2500 was because of paint softness. Even using 2 steps, I suspect I'd have even more work to remove the increased haze caused by the compound.


That thing was horrendous for such a new car. Nice turn around.

I agree! I even consider this kind of DISHO (Dealer installed swirls and holograms option) a tremendous disrespect within the customer. I'm happy I was able to help improving the appearance of such ugly defects. Thanks for commenting.


nice job, you can see them flakes pop! any chance you can post a short video of smack's/your polishing technique on one panel? this may help some who aren't familiar with machine polishing...

Thanks my friend, removing the haziness and defects allowed that flakes to show themselves in a beautiful fashion. This car's paint had nuances in brown / maroon, red / burgundy which made it really beautiful looking personally. I'll try to work my way into a video for your request, thanks for asking.



Beautiful work as usual Rafael, amazing turn around! What dressing did you use on the tires?

Thanks a lot Frank. The dressing used on this one was Smart Dressing, a product from Smartwax company which I bought when my official dressing (CG New Car dressing) went out of stock. I've liked it so much I may use any of them, interchangeable. Thanks for asking.


Great idea! I would love to put one together. Hopefully I could get it imbedded and attached in my original "Smack's Technique thread. I will grab my DSLR and stand to shoot a video for this.

That'll be nice Mike!


That is outstanding !

Thanks my friend, I appreciate your comments.

Kind Regards.

[BRLAHTI]

excellent work!!

[zmcgovern45]

Looks great! Nice work.

[Pinpoint_Precision]

Great work Tato. Gotta love that polish. Does wonders.

[281]

Awesome work Rafael!You can really see the flakes in the paint now!

[10secdream]

Outstanding work my friend. I can't believe how poor of a condition that vehicle was in. Great save and I am sure the owner was thrilled with the results.