Audi A6 - Corrected and Coated - CarPro Essence - CQuartz UK - Attention to Detailing Peoria

[zmcgovern45]

​This vehicle was brought to us for some deep cleaning and paint correction to restore some gloss and shine in the paint. After many, many hours reviving the paint, the vehicle was coated in our standard ceramic coating for added protection. In the end, the vehicle turned out great. The paint is now deep and dark with clear and vibrant reflections. A true example of how great black vehicle can look!


Process
Tires: Tuf Shine Tire Cleaner & Tire Brush
Wheels: P21S Gel Wheel Cleaner & Various Brushes
Foam Soak: Citrus Wash
Wash: Citrus Wash
Chemical Decontamination: IronX and Tarminator
Mechanical Decontamination: Medium Speedy Prep Towel with Glide for Lubrication
Wash: Citrus Wash
Tape: CarPro 1" Tape
Paint Thickness Measurements: Defelsko Combo Gauge
Paint Correction: Griot's Garage Fast Correction Creme on MF pads via GG21, GG 3rd Gen DA, and Rupes LHR75e
Polishing & Coating Prep: CarPro Essence on Yellow Griot's Perfecting Pads via GG21, GG 3rd Gen DA, and Rupes LHR75e
Paint Protection: CarPro CQuartz UK (1 coat, baked with IR lamps)
Wheel Protection: CarPro HydrO2
Glass: Meguiar's D120
Exhaust: CG Metal Polish with #0000 Steel Wood and MF towel
Tires: CarPro PERL (2 coats, neat)



​The wheels were incredibly dirty and coated with brake dust







The engine was lightly dirty




As always, we begin by cleaning the tires. Dirt and grime is removed and rinsed away





​We continue to the process until the tire cleaner remains white indicating the rubber is clean





​The wheels are then soaked with a pH neutral cleaner




​Wheels are thoroughly scrubbed to remove dirt and grime




​The vehicle is then soaked with a heavy layer of shampoo to begin the cleaning process. The vehicle is then thoroughly washed and decontaminated.




​Once the paint was clean, we began the paint correction process.

Before Correction




After Compounding




Before Correction




After Compounding





After Finish Polishing





50/50 showing the increased color and clarity after final polishing





Before Correction





After Compounding





50/50 During Compounding





Before Correction





After Compounding





After Polishing





50/50 Showing increase in color and clarity while polishing







*****************************************
We interrupt this thread to share a few quick thoughts on Essence.

When doing a 2 step correction, it seems like Essence is going to be a no brainer. It worked great as a final polishing step to easily clean up haze left by the cutting process. It behaved just like Reflect. If you have used Reflect, you know there is a bit of technique involved, but once you know how to work the product it is insanely easy. Wipe off is a breeze, too. A few passes with a clean microfiber towel and no more residue. It is not sticky, or hard to wipe either... it was a real pleasure to use!

I also did some testing using Essence on a MF pad to increase cut, and I was pleasantly surprised at the defect removal and clarity. Will have to do more testing on various paints, but I'm hopeful this product will become a very regular part of our services for coated vehicles.


Now back to the Show N Shine
*****************************************






Working hard, removing defects from the side skirts




Incredible gloss after correction




The paint was then protected with a ceramic paint coating that was then baked onto the paint




Exhaust before polishing




Exhaust after polishing




​The paint looked great once completed. Deep, clear reflections.















​The following morning, the engine was dressed and interior received a light cleaning





​The paint looked great in the sun.















​Nothing better than glossy black paint!



As always, thanks for reading! Please feel free to leave comments and/or questions below.

-Zach

[RaskyR1]

Great work as usual, Zach.

Really loving the Essence so far.

[zmcgovern45]

Great work as usual, Zach.

Really loving the Essence so far.

Thanks!

I can't wait to use it some more. Very pleased with my first experience with it... proved to be a great polish, and made the coating prep process far less stressful. (I never look forward to the IPA wipedown process on black cars!)

[mbkite]

Awsome job thanks for taking time to show us all..

[Sicoupe]

Absolutely beautiful work Zach!

[davey g-force]

Very nice work once again Zach!

I think CarPro could be onto a winner with Essence.

I'm hopeful this product will become a very regular part of our services for coated vehicles.

Do you think it will compromise the coating by lightly polishing it? Or is the idea that it also leaves some ceramic coating behind to compensate?

I kind of struggle with the idea that a product can polish/clean, yet also leave something behind at the same time..

[Charisma]

Can't wait for my large bottle of Essence to show up now!

[Levinz11]

Sorry if I missed it but...did you do any IPA/Eraser wipe between compound and Essence?

[zmcgovern45]

Sorry if I missed it but...did you do any IPA/Eraser wipe between compound and Essence?

You didn't miss it... I just didn't mention it... but we wipe down each panel quickly with IPA before moving on to the next panel. CarPro hasn't specifically said this is always necessary, but better safe than sorry. Griot's Fast Correcting Creme doesn't contain any waxes or fillers (according to the label), so I'm sure it would have been fine either way.

-Zach

[tenblade2001]

nice work!