2002 Black Jaguar XK8 - 2 Stage Paint Correction

[Rod73]

2002 Black Jaguar XK8

2 Stage Paint Correction

15 Hours of Labor Involved

I only provided the video this time.



I would have like to have collected more pictures and videos, but with the extra time needed to get the car to a place I was happy with that did not happy. I promise my next one will be a little more exhaustive. Hope you enjoy!

Backstory
A new client (nice guy) had contacted me a little over a year back about his weekend car, black 2002 Jaguar XK8. He inquires about the price for a “show car”. He says there is something missing, and he wants the paint to pop. During the vehicle inspection of the black car on a sunny day, I easily see the glaring issue. I tell him, his entire car has swirls and recommend a 2 stage correction package to adequately deal with this problem. He did not believe there were swirls, for the most part, in his paint. This was also in part, I suspect, why he was a little taken back by the price I quoted him. As he did research me.

In his trepidation he told me in more graphic detail about his previous experiences with more budget friendly auto detailers, as I was explaining the service needed to correct the issue and processes involved. He mentioned another detailer used a very high end wax, although he said it left him wanting more, he wanted to know what different about my wax. As I discussed paint correction, he asked if I was technically removing paint. He expressed his concern from a bad experience with a previously owned vehicle. He told me another detailer did a paint correction and the “paint never looked right since”. He was also a little puzzled when I told him how long this would take.

I did not hear from him for several months. Thinking he moved on, my seemingly failed effort to educate my client had become a distant memory. I recently received a message from him ready to book. He was adamant he wanted a service that would address the issue at hand.

Products Used

Polishes Used

Menzerna FG 400
Rupes Medium Gel Compound
Menzerna SF 3500



Rupes Duetto
Porter Cable w/5inch backing plate

3M Automotive Masking Tape

Rupes Blue, Green, Yellow, White Pads
Lake Country CCS Orange, White, Black Pads

Wolfgang Rinseless
P21S Total Auto Wash mixed 1:10

Wolfgang Rinseless for clay lubricant
Fine Clay Bar

Gtechniq Panel Wipe to remove polishing oils and final wipe

Wolfgang Liquid Seal (Last Step Process (LSP))

Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant (tires)



Takeaways

It is a commonly expressed heartache expressed, the challenges of polishing a black car. To those following for wisdom, I will say black is not some magically unique color. A black color system reveals more to the eye. The cream rises to the top. I am not immune to this! This was my most challenging experience performing a two stage correction. This is in part from the paint needing multiple test spots to appropriately correct and uncommon issues with wipe off. My number one suggestion as Mike Phillips says “work clean”. Most people focus on finding the right polish and pad combination in these situations. I did play around with a lot of combinations, but equally if not more beneficial was my decision to switch out my polish removal microfibers and pads more often.

[DetailedByPrecision]

Nice correction with only 15hrs. I agree on working cleaner by switching out pads and towels more frequently
It really makes a difference preventing extra time from going back to remove the newly instilled scratches.

[Paul A.]

Beautiful work, Rod. I actually prefer just the video...more concise in showing the before and after. And that video is nicely done!

You mentioned 2 compounds, Menz and Rupes. Did you cut twice? Just curious.

[Sicoupe]

Looks great my friend!

[Dan Tran]

Nice correction with only 15hrs. I agree on working cleaner by switching out pads and towels more frequently
It really makes a difference preventing extra time from going back to remove the newly instilled scratches.

TOTALLY!!


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[Cabrio]

Nice save! Any comments from the client after seeing the final result?


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[Pats300zx]

Outstanding job !!!

[Rod73]

Nice correction with only 15hrs. I agree on working cleaner by switching out pads and towels more frequently
It really makes a difference preventing extra time from going back to remove the newly instilled scratches.

Thank you! He did have a difficult time grasping how long this would take until the very end. Which he was quite happy. Working clean was something I wanted to bring up up because of the frustrations people will have about polishing black cars. After reading into it and asking a couple questions I'll often find using more pads, microfibers, and a polish removal spray would help make the situation more manageable.

[Rod73]

Beautiful work, Rod. I actually prefer just the video...more concise in showing the before and after. And that video is nicely done!

You mentioned 2 compounds, Menz and Rupes. Did you cut twice? Just curious.

Thank you! I will definitely keep that in mind.

I did cut twice a few times. Mostly unintentional from the start. My test spost with the mild compound and mild pad was perfect. But it was not consistent at all. Probably the most variance I have come across in addition to the worst damage being not in the common place for hand wash induced swirls. For the RIDS that was intentional. But it was the most, what 'was' working but now not acceptable adaption I have experienced. In hindsight I am amazed I powered through in 15 hours.

[Rod73]

Outstanding job !!!

Looks great my friend!

Thanks guys!!!!