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Dr_Pain
10-06-2014, 11:47 AM
Please read the whole post to understand the reason for this Show 'N Shine

Now this Show and Shine is probably one of the most unusual you will find on a car detailing forum, but you will understand its reason for being later in the post.

SUBJECT: 2014 Exmark Pioneer S w/ the new Kohler VT710HD engine .....WHAT!?!?!?!, You did read that right ;)
CARE: The purpose of the detail was enhance and protect
PRODUCTS: CQuartz DLUX and CQuartz Fabric and Leather

So where should we start??? Here are a few pictures of the state of this BRAND NEW mower. She was selected right off the showroom floor with ZERO hours on the clock!!

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10628180_776583205737389_1092200818272332825_n.jpg ?oh=1a7d9a28728d29eddbf0feff8a341a00&oe=54B811B8&__gda__=1421262802_e52b216b8c28059a9f36534cfbf5eee c

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1959540_776583179070725_8215860247504181545_n.jpg? oh=c3f51d4c57e5e5f49c121fab06492321&oe=54B6438F


As you can see, a little dusty and a little dull. Inspection in the sun revealed the following


https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10612547_776583332404043_1557052871052440964_n.jpg ?oh=a9f6d1bd00e4c392f68efecebf1a5b71&oe=54BC8C8E&__gda__=1421466040_261b175e04f7bf176a953aef6ca78a3 3

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/1011595_776583389070704_72721214539061142_n.jpg?oh =d7b755dc4decd031f1ff94c7f622c574&oe=54ABB972&__gda__=1422540757_9efa76bea1a3f490e2ea94fddb02f06 2


Quite a few scuffs, scratches and swirls. Some directly from the manufacturer, some from the retailer and a lot from people getting on and off the mower on the showroom floor


The first step in beautifying this mower was to give it a bath


https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10492203_776583412404035_5168384695813660351_n.jpg ?oh=8264de160d06b52da34fdbd57c15c32c&oe=54CF341D&__gda__=1421018021_b85bce3634b6f505fd45e4f073be2aa 0

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https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10615371_776583542404022_3571873600135468192_n.jpg ?oh=64242644c2e530dc6e49877ad02403fe&oe=54D0C667&__gda__=1421913357_590e8d14705d32d3c9cdbf74c35eb19 c

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10702208_776583579070685_6344587239669313231_n.jpg ?oh=02b7a1ffba2b2a465f12a40a2abeb88a&oe=54C7D7F1


We then dried the mower using a variety of towels and forced air. Then came a secondary inspection using my Flex light


https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10614126_776583625737347_7679115548487527066_n.jpg ?oh=9431f4c1031c244a35ec824fd540894d&oe=54BAAD4F&__gda__=1420899987_23fe3ef687cdf93e1af1fd42c6c360f 8

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1476474_776583212404055_6533590711361253538_n.jpg? oh=8302a58f23b3ae0ad6e995e0735c2737&oe=54AAC6A9&__gda__=1420511712_caad30ff5c30e852dee353f90dca2ff 6

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We obviously did some test spot and got the following results:


https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/1620890_776583882403988_4155427241901046592_n.jpg? oh=800770799db3f9f44af2a8de7211d8bd&oe=54CF9BCF
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https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10345982_776583975737312_5454487606022842701_n.jpg ?oh=1ffd0a63ac701af178612df179eab6d5&oe=54C9BEFD
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10676317_776584019070641_9217036209951394158_n.jpg ?oh=33f30bff5622e607fa5dcfaa31a2f3af&oe=54BC4C99&__gda__=1421871632_dd9c25b44ffc249fde551ea4cebadc5 e

The WHOLE mower was coated and the following 2 products were used in the process

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10678574_776584242403952_8940355642899679959_n.jpg ?oh=510f08b17f8b0badc0305376a324d823&oe=54BF6222&__gda__=1420500634_3889debb78db0d9d9c300da93ac681e b

All plastic were enhanced and protected with CQuartz DLUX whereas the seat was protected using CQuartz Fabric and Leather. We are experimenting with CQ F&L because we felt that DLUX would only stiffen the vinyl. We did want something to improve stain protection and to protect against UV deterioration.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10625153_776583665737343_508120292962781712_n.jpg? oh=1014dfe1acaf545b77a75a6449dda9fa&oe=54B656B0&__gda__=1421810126_326fd2a2a328c251fb97e5e690fe805 e


The process started with a good secondary cleaning using CarPro Eraser to remove any oils or remaining soap surfactants (which would prevent proper bonding). We then did a test to show the enhancement processs


https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10351308_776583779070665_6107538007647574021_n.jpg ?oh=91cde3fd66572e3fd29f56fac55bd563&oe=54C7D3A6&__gda__=1420980602_d2f1d4ead3efd8657fce3d38ed63d71 c

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10410547_776583712404005_91953206220066333_n.jpg?o h=0ecf8d902295e2ce284cba8bea96923c&oe=54B60338&__gda__=1421439801_dcbca0e068d46110be2c877c05aa67b 1

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10628251_776583725737337_7525356687631512977_n.jpg ?oh=a44d6562967ecc9b47e4fa162d4676af&oe=54B73009


All of the "paint" (which is powder coating) was protected as well using CarPro CQuartz DLUX. As you can see (below the applicator), there is definitely a darkening effect and a small improvement in gloss.


https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1904271_776583812403995_6850575794503313077_n.jpg? oh=c773765da7d56ddcf0374633843e1d1b&oe=54C5E065&__gda__=1420613540_30179e232509ee1cd1dd5144491acd4 b


Now on to the beauty shots!! All surfaces, pulleys, idler arms etc... (anything that could be reached without being disassembled was coated). This included the rims, gas cap, engine and exhaust shrouds etc...


https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10710866_776584052403971_4028792447669505279_n.jpg ?oh=d7a1a4b8fdc4eab473cae60f535f7de7&oe=54C0CB96&__gda__=1421617916_fe63b3797f5f36532dd83db502f4b25 6

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10599508_776584102403966_7414002751870702043_n.jpg ?oh=45018f120a2173710386a154c4330ad2&oe=54CF94DA&__gda__=1421316203_01155fae238184ff189fe2b7afadc47 c

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/v/t1.0-9/10666102_776584125737297_4993063484153025450_n.jpg ?oh=5d37b0588ef21aca03632206301b0fa7&oe=54C6EA93&__gda__=1421264936_a5cae1f156d00ac45f32df211590e02 a

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https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10710759_776584482403928_8127229419372346497_n.jpg ?oh=8a08e7d8a3aed38ab96c8dba532d8369&oe=54D0E3F2

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10609540_776584512403925_3088509213888627843_n.jpg ?oh=c6e5363424bdf7d28e3062d20ec1a8a7&oe=54C715BC&__gda__=1421126614_8374c37de5fc6ee7788351394cfdba0 7

SO WHY ON EARTH!!!

The answer may or may not surprise you, but here it is. First off, this is my personal lawnmower, so enhancing and protecting it should not come as a surprise to you, HOWEVER the real reason I am creating this S&S is to answer a couple of questions that were posed of me recently. The question related to "How should we enhance and protect "powder coated wheels"!?! The answer is still a complex one but in essence powder coating is "similar" to paint, and CAN be treated somewhat the same. I will offer a note of caution to all you guys reading by saying that the gloss of powder coating is NOT (and does not behave) the same as regular paint. Once you polish on powder coating you may run a real chance of dull in the finish. Powder coating in general is much harder than regular paint, so it does require a little more effort to correct. I used a CarPro Flash Pad and Menzerna products to correct the areas I wanted to correct. Before you ask, "NO" the whole lawnmower was not corrected!!...just a few key areas. We all know how much abuse this thing will go through over the next few months (steel toes full of dirt and "stuff"), so there is no need in thinning down the powder coating to show how well I can correct the mower. So why correct it in the first place? To show that it is possible! Please note that powder coating is a pigment electrostatically bonded to the metal part which is then baked to cure and harden it. As such, correcting it will leave a pigmented residue on your pad, the same as a single stage paint.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10698686_776583915737318_6744621657437796608_n.jpg ?oh=ace6b327c3b5533e7d2daf1faf7cb0fe&oe=54B92367&__gda__=1420998614_674eed3ba13cff68c59abb125d6607b 0

In the other thread, someone asked what I would use on the rims to protect them UK or DLUX!?. Either product is a good option but I personally like DLUX. The product is not formulated to work best on paint, but will enhance and protect like any other products. My experience lead me to use DLUX on rims because I find that it has a better longevity. DLUX does not have "great" gloss enhancement but this did not detract me from using it on the whole lawnmower since the gloss factor was not my primary purpose. UK and Finest would definitely ENHANCE the paint better but DLUX makes up for that in the longevity department. DLUX is a little tricky to get right on paint as it tends to smear but with the proper application you can achieve wonderful result. Unlike other coatings, DLUX does crystalizes very quickly on the applicator so use PLENTY suede MF squares (unless you don't mind those crystals creating micro-scratches)

Do I see the enhancement and protection of lawnmowers to be an untapped market?? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! I spent the greater part of 5 hrs prepping and coating (and taking pictures), and would need to charge $450-$500 to make it worth my while (I HATED all the nooks and crannies). Not only that, who in their right mind would spend $500 on something that will be "abused" the first time it mows!?!?! So did I just spend all that time and and money on products on a quest for "fool's gold"??. Absolutely not! As detailers we are often depending on other people's test and reviews to evaluate the prep and installation, and to put the product through its pace. What better "torture" test than to put these products on a lawnmower. We shall see about stain resistance (dye transfer from my jeans) from CQ F&L and the ability for DLUX in cutting down on my post-cut clean up time!?! Will my lawnmower look this good in a year from now???? Only if I don't use it LOL!

dad07
10-06-2014, 11:58 AM
I love IT!!! Guilty of doing this myself Claude you should coat underside of the deck helps keeping it clean.

Got Opti-coat 2.0 on mine.

Nice mower Claude!

Dr_Pain
10-06-2014, 12:01 PM
I love IT!!! Guilty of doing this myself Claude you should coat underside of the deck helps keeping it clean.

Got Opti-coat 2.0 on mine.

Nice mower Claude!

LOL! I seriously should!! I am glad I am not the only one Im the MAN

Sicoupe
10-06-2014, 12:37 PM
Loved reading this write up, best looking mower I've ever seen:)

Tato
10-06-2014, 02:41 PM
Great initiative putting on this thread. The work maintains it's Flawless Finish Detailing quality, doesn't matter if it's a car or a mower.

Not trying to resume your beautiful thread in one sentence, but this one worth the day of lesson to me:

'... so there is no need in thinning down the powder coating to show how well I can correct the mower. '

You not only help us to detail better, but also helps dealing with our feelings and concerns.

Very interesting thread, thanks a lot.

Kind Regards, from Brazil.

Dr_Pain
10-06-2014, 02:52 PM
Loved reading this write up, best looking mower I've ever seen:)

Thanks bud! I now suffer from the "it's too pretty to take out and cut the grass with" LOL!!


Great initiative putting on this thread. The work maintains it's Flawless Finish Detailing quality, doesn't matter if it's a car or a mower.

Not trying to resume your beautiful thread in one sentence, but this one worth the day of lesson to me:

'... so there is no need in thinning down the powder coating to show how well I can correct the mower. '

You not only help us to detail better, but also helps dealing with our feelings and concerns.

Very interesting thread, thanks a lot.

Kind Regards, from Brazil.

I was waiting on your post Rafael, and as usual you are ON THE MONEY! There was no real reason for me to do the work or put up the thread other than to 1) Educate 2) Test some hypothesis and speculations. Hopefully it helped someone and hope to report back that it was the best decision I've ever made LOL!

oldmodman
10-07-2014, 12:22 AM
Well Dr.Pain, it would be just great if you lived next door to me.

Then my neighbors would have someone to compare me to when they call me crazy.

I think the last straw was when I was seen polishing my roll-away tool box. Including the bottom and inside the drawers. And that was just after I finished polishing a filing cabinet.

Now I am no longer asked if I want to polish their cars for them. Now they go back into their houses or cross to the other side of the street when I am walking down the block.

But now that you have done such a nice job on you new riding mower..............

Maybe I should get started on my roto-tiller.

Mike@DedicatedPerfection
10-07-2014, 05:59 AM
First off congrats on your new mower Claude! She's a beauty!

I would have done the same thing if I picked up a new mower as well. You and I have the OCD Bad!!! Really looking forward to hearing how the protection holds up to the repeated mowings.

Eric@CherryOnTop
10-07-2014, 06:49 AM
That really looks awesome Claude!

I'm glad I'm not the only one around here who is mentally defective enough to take an electric polisher to a lawn mower....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

wdmaccord
10-07-2014, 08:05 AM
This is awesome! I don't think I could honestly take that beast into the yard after making it look that nice. :dblthumb2:

Dan K
10-07-2014, 08:08 AM
I am digging this thread. I am also guilty of doing a little detailing on my mowers, but you have raised the bar! Besides the valuable information that you are providing to others regarding the polishing of powdercoat, the protection you have given the mower will help keep it looking new for a long time. With the price of mowers nowadays it only makes sense keep them as nice as possible.

I hope you will update this thread in the future when you perform simple maintenance washes.

Great job!

Dr_Pain
10-07-2014, 11:15 AM
Well Dr.Pain, it would be just great if you lived next door to me.

Then my neighbors would have someone to compare me to when they call me crazy.

I think the last straw was when I was seen polishing my roll-away tool box. Including the bottom and inside the drawers. And that was just after I finished polishing a filing cabinet.

Now I am no longer asked if I want to polish their cars for them. Now they go back into their houses or cross to the other side of the street when I am walking down the block.

But now that you have done such a nice job on you new riding mower..............

Maybe I should get started on my roto-tiller.

ROFL!!!! I've done the toolbox myself!!! And coated my storage cabinets :xyxthumbs:


First off congrats on your new mower Claude! She's a beauty!

I would have done the same thing if I picked up a new mower as well. You and I have the OCD Bad!!! Really looking forward to hearing how the protection holds up to the repeated mowings.

Thanks Mike! My OCD is sub-clinical, meaning it does not interfere with my abilities to make and maintain friendships and has never interfered with my responsibilities towards my loved one..... so I embrace the OCD acronym as a badge of excellence rather than a psychiatric appellation.


That really looks awesome Claude!

I'm glad I'm not the only one around here who is mentally defective enough to take an electric polisher to a lawn mower....


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thanks Eric! You know, I was a little fearful in sharing this for fear of "being the only one" and being ridiculed however it has been the total opposite. Great to be amongst fellow "metally defective" overachievers :dblthumb2:


This is awesome! I don't think I could honestly take that beast into the yard after making it look that nice. :dblthumb2:

HAHAHAHA!! I have my old Scag that I cleaned up to sell and I think I may just use it till is sell (instead of putting the Exmark in the yard):nomore:


I am digging this thread. I am also guilty of doing a little detailing on my mowers, but you have raised the bar! Besides the valuable information that you are providing to others regarding the polishing of powdercoat, the protection you have given the mower will help keep it looking new for a long time. With the price of mowers nowadays it only makes sense keep them as nice as possible.

I hope you will update this thread in the future when you perform simple maintenance washes.

Great job!

Sheesh! Price of mowers is RIDICULOUS! Residential mowers in the $7k-$8k range!?!?! I could buy a car for that much (and attach a couple of reel mowers in the back). Once I am done mowing I just detail the reel mowers and go for a ride around town. This Exmark as a top cutting speed of about 8mph. Even with a cheap car I could manage some 25mph cutting speed "safely"

oldmodman
10-07-2014, 01:47 PM
ROFL!!!! I've done the toolbox myself!!! And coated my storage cabinets :xyxthumbs:


That's a relief. I guess the Doctor doesn't need to change my medications, after all.

10secdream
10-07-2014, 02:12 PM
In for the durability test :D

Darkoverlift
10-07-2014, 08:32 PM
I will admit my craftsman self propelled sees a detail once or twice a year... If my tool box was in better shape lol...