2014 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 Full Detail + Coating with Pinnacle Black Label

[Tato]

Dear AGO friends,

Today I'll be sharing one of the latest works performed at my 'old home-based detailing business' before moving to my new Detailing Studio.

If I had to pick a single car brand to work with, Mercedes would be on top of my list: their cars are not only beautiful but very well constructed in every detail, their paint is a pleasure to work with (for my taste), and all those factors positively converges to a successful results achievement. In Portuguese we'd say it 'Answers very well' to careful detailing approaches.

I'll try to be brief on text part and let the pictures do the talk. I'll also do my best to share details of my process, however, feel free to ask if you need further information on any subject.

Here it is, arranged for a full detail + coating. Unfortunately (IMO) customer neglected it more than necessary before bringing it to my garage for new car prep, but like many say, better doing something 'sooner rather than later'...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk01.png

It's convertible features are really cool but I'll not enter in much details on this subject: there was a lot to be done other than playing transformers with my customer's car!
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk01b.png

Damage to rear bumper not only scratched it but detached and bent it. Other than polishing and touch-up approaches, I had to slowly re-shape it by hand using some of my 'Physical Therapist' skills.

It was done few times every 30 minutes or so till I reach the original position. I'm very patient and persistent, but I only reached the desired results right after giving up the task. Uff!, relieved.

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk02.png

More on details, before:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk03.png

Back to the subject, I've agreed with customer on a full detail + coating, but we decided I'd do something (nothing huge) to the bumper scratch. Let's see it again:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk04.png

Here it is during the initial phase of 'repair':
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk05.png

Touch-ups are never a perfect solution, but I was honest when I said to customer defects would be barely noticeable from 1 meter away. Here it is touched up with color, then clear coat:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk06.png

I had an entire neglected car to work with on a time constraint, so I decided not to sand over the edge being repaired, to avoid increasing the damage and also to avoid the 'endless loop' of putting on touch up and removing touch up, over and over.

I looked from a meter away and stopped, enough for that task in that occasion - called it a day and moved on.
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk07.png

Outside observation also demonstrated my conservative approach wasn't the worst decision:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk08.png

Passenger's rearview mirror, scratched:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk09.png

Polished:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk10.png

Honesty shot: (some defects can be too deep for removal)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk11.png

Driver's side had minor contaminants which worked out simpler and faster.
Before:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk12.png

After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk13.png

Emblems - A Passion of mine.

Before:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk14.png

After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/15slk15.png (http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/96983)

Before:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk16.png

After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk17a.png

Sun adding depth:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk17b.png

Small details, huge transformations: I have enough pictures to write a complete thread about only the Mercedes rear logo,
Before:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk18a.png

After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk18b.png

Windshield, wipers, Before1:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk19.png

Before2:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk20.png

After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk21.png

Engine wasn't dirty compared to rest of car,
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk22.png

But it always looks better detailed, clean:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk23.png

Door Jambs, Passenger's Side:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk24a.png

Driver's Side:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk24b.png

After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk25.png

Door Sill, before:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk26.png

After Cleanup:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk27.png

After Polishing:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk28.png

Interior

My coworker gave me only a pair of pictures from interior saying it was all she had. Well, hats off to my wife's synthesis capacity and pristine work performed. Before:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk29.png

After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk30.png

---

Wheels, passenger side, Before:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk31.png

After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk32.png

Driver's side, Before:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk33.png

Close-up:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk34.png

After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk35.png

Feel the Grit:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk36.png

Harsh, contaminated, gross:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk37.png

No more:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk38.png

Driver's side Before:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk39.png

After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk40.png

Outside picture, After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk41.png

Studio picture, After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk41b.png

General view, After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk41c.png

[Tato]

Passenger's side, outside picture, After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk42.png

Passenger's door and handle, After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk43.png

Every crevice and cranny needed to be worked to exhaustion, otherwise I would end with less than desired results. Before:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk44.png

After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk45.png

Glass Roof
Before, water spots, overspray and so...
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk46.png

Feeling harsh as 40 grit:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk47.png

After, smooth, clear and reflective as glass (should be):
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk48.png

Paint evaluation and approach

Similar to the glass roof paint was presenting water spotting, overspray and already exhibiting minor swirls. I've performed a full decontamination procedure consisting of a formal wash, iron-x, tar-x, spotless, and clayed everything out using a nanoskin.

For the polishing step, my test spot guided me towards a white hybrid pad, Menzerna SF4000 and 'Smack's Technique' for the win. In summary, an one-step using the least aggressive approach to get the job done. And the finish provided by SF4000 always (ALWAYS) enchant me.

Before:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk49.png

After:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk50.png

After (under the sun):
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk51.png

Hood sections being inspected for quality after being polished and coated with Pinnacle Black Label Diamond Surface Coating:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk52.png

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk53.png

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk54.png

Hood Sections being inspected under the sun:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk55.png

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk56.png

More on details, Before:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk57.png

After (see it shining down there!)
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk58.png

---

Ready for delivery: Customer arrived and expressed huge satisfaction for the work performed. Reaching customers expectations worth all effort, much more than the 'money reward'.

Follow me through the last walk around:
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk59.png

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk60.png

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk61.png

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk62.png

http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk63.png

... And there she goes... altogether with a free advertising for the 103.9 Intersom FM, one of the best radios we have around!
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/15slk64.png

___

That's it. I felt the need to share a work performed at my old garage in order to honor all the good it brought me through those detailing years. It's the end of a good cycle, and the start of a better one.

I wish by heart to have you by my side during this new journey, since I owe all I do detailing-related to you.

That said please, feel free to ask, comment, add critics, suggestions, you're always VERY welcome.

Thank you very much for watching,

Kind Regards,

From Brazil.

[Aaryn NZ]

Wow!! What a turn around! :dblthumb2:

Absolutely beautiful workmanship. I too am a fan of German cars & dare I say it - love them in Silver. The clarity & detail restored to every part of this car is amazing. Some of the pictures of the before & afters, you'd almost swear it was a different car, camera . . . something - just such a difference. :props:

Great job on the repair too mate, very nice.

Fantastic post! Really enjoyable - thanks for sharing! :dblthumb2:

Aaryn NZ. :xyxthumbs:

[Mask]

Thanks for showing me this thread my friend.
All I can say is WOW!
Amazing work. That machine look flawless and dripping wet... Love these pictures
3565235653

[Tato]

Wow!! What a turn around! :dblthumb2:

Absolutely beautiful workmanship. I too am a fan of German cars & dare I say it - love them in Silver. The clarity & detail restored to every part of this car is amazing. Some of the pictures of the before & afters, you'd almost swear it was a different car, camera . . . something - just such a difference. :props:

Great job on the repair too mate, very nice.

Fantastic post! Really enjoyable - thanks for sharing! :dblthumb2:

Aaryn NZ. :xyxthumbs:

Thank you so very much for kind words Aaryn, really glad you enjoyed and appreciate you taking your time to share your opinion.


Thanks for showing me this thread my friend.
All I can say is WOW!
Amazing work. That machine look flawless and dripping wet... Love these pictures
3565235653

Thank you my friend, your feedback is of much importance as an incentive and a guide towards where I must follow. Count on me.

Best Wishes.

[rms64]

Wow Tato! :applause::applause:

Your attention to the "details of the detail" is amazing. I'd have written that rear bumper off but you made it look nearly new again!

Would you share your process for improving the wipers if you have a moment? This is something I need to address on my 335i.

Great job my friend and great to see you back in action!

[BrianT]

Wow! I was just thinking the other day that we have not seen a "Tato" show & shine in a while. Thanks for taking the time to post your work, you continue to inspire :xyxthumbs:

[fly07sti]

Glad to see you back! Your work on that Benz is there with the very best I've seen. It's quite evident that you love what you do. That Benz hasn't looked that good since it left Germany!

[irvsmith]

That is unreal! Amazing work! How long was that altogether?

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Outstanding work as always Rafael! SF4000 on the white Hybrid really transformed that paint. The afters show your dedication quite well.

Happy to see you back in action again.

[KBsToy]

As always Tato your info and work is top notch...

[sproketser]

That s a great turnaround ! What did you used for the black exterior plastic pieces mate ! Should ve taken forever to detail that Merc .

[Tato]

Wow Tato! :applause::applause:

Your attention to the "details of the detail" is amazing. I'd have written that rear bumper off but you made it look nearly new again!

Would you share your process for improving the wipers if you have a moment? This is something I need to address on my 335i.

Great job my friend and great to see you back in action!

Thanks Rob, great to see you still in action and I truly appreciate you taking your time coming here to share your thoughts.

I've answered another thread with a phrase I'd like to use again, told I'm kinda of person who won't ever let his investors down (lol)!, by investors I'm not saying anything $$ related but the time and care you (and friends) put on helping others here, much more important values in my concept.

For the wipers I recommend you to careful remove them and work in a comfortable manner.

Rinse well and use a soft brush with soap or APC and work to clean it up.

At any part of the process you can use Meguiar's #39 heavy duty cleaner to clean rubber parts either using a brush or a microfiber towel, it's a favorite of mine.

If needed, use a glue / tar remover (use a safe for plastic product and always test inconspicuous place before doing the whole) in order to get rid of contaminants. Advantage here is to rinse well the tar remover.

Generally I'd gently clay the wiper (both body and blade), using either conventional clay or nanoskin, but be even gentler with the blade part. I prefer to take a small piece of conventional clay since you'll be shocked with the amount of dirty will come out and generally you'll need to throw away the small piece you used for wipers.

Again, very, very gentle and only few soft passes. You can use running tap water as 'lube' while claying'. Did I say for you to use extra care? If not, you should ;) J/k apart, call me anytime if you aren't sure regarding my "portunglish" directions.

Blow dry. I like using 303 aerospace protectant (even though wipers are external parts and some reserve 303 for interior use). What I do is to open a clean fluffy microfiber towel over a clean surface, put a wiper there, shake well and spray 303 over the piece till good coverage. Using the towel you remove every residual of product and it should be dry to the touch after all.

You can also blow residual 303 and then let wiper rest over a MF towel for some minutes and then reinstall to clean car.

For the wiper arms you may clean them during wash, clay very gentle to remove overspray and/or other contaminants, and then work an AIO product using a microfiber towel/applicator (like xmt360, etc) but I'm using Menzerna PP Ultra for that task, it's as fine as SF4500 and adds protection in one step.

That's from what I remember, please, feel free to ask if you need further info.


Wow! I was just thinking the other day that we have not seen a "Tato" show & shine in a while. Thanks for taking the time to post your work, you continue to inspire :xyxthumbs:

Thanks a lot for sharing your opinion Brian, count on me.


Glad to see you back! Your work on that Benz is there with the very best I've seen. It's quite evident that you love what you do. That Benz hasn't looked that good since it left Germany!

Thank you very much for kind words.


That is unreal! Amazing work! How long was that altogether?

Thanks for the compliments and question. It took close to 3 full working days in order to achieve results shown. Honestly (and why not!?) cleanup took a lot more time to be done than the paint polishing itself.

I decided to project my actions in a working-forward process, and I only took the polisher after all details were done, be it the major defects or the smallest corners and piece junctions I did by hand.

Polishing SURE takes (a lot of) time, but preparation is where I lean to invest most I can.


Outstanding work as always Rafael! SF4000 on the white Hybrid really transformed that paint. The afters show your dedication quite well.

Happy to see you back in action again.

Thanks Mike, truly glad you enjoyed!


As always Tato your info and work is top notch...

Thanks for comment, happy hearing from you!


That s a great turnaround ! What did you used for the black exterior plastic pieces mate ! Should ve taken forever to detail that Merc .

Thanks for comment. Exterior plastics are always an use of Meguiar's #39, or even Mother's R3 (this I like to rinse after so use during wash) for the general cleanup.

What I learned in this forum within time about trim is that cleanup approach is key, be it a good soap, apc, and a brush. Mother's back to black cleaner may also work, and many others, there are excellent options in the market.

Use a soft brush to work your product, although you should use Physics (scrub!), let Chemistry (product) also work for you. For restoration I like results of 303 aerospace, but (now call me crazy, but!) I'm testing Pinnacle Black Label Wheel Coating for a long time now on trim and rubber with nothing but excellent results:

No discoloration, no runs, no paint/glass greasing that you get with other protectants... Clean and apply, buff off immediately - reapply evenly if streaks. Enjoy your beading trim!

Claying may also be done on plastics but also beware of discoloration, always be gentle when working automotive surfaces.


Hope that helps,


PS: Any recommendation above is a rule or the only way to do it, just some thoughts so you can add a thing or two to the way you like to do and/or already do it.

Ask if needed,

Kind Regards.

[sproketser]

Appreciated the comeback , these are some tips/tricks that I ll put to good measure , after my front bumper will be repainted in 2-3 weeks . The guy that had my newer ride didn t care about his ride much as he was buying a new ride .

Keep it on mate .

[haris300]

Nice work buddy. Great save on that rear bumper.