I recently purchased a 2007 m5 with 28k miles on it, now 30k. Being a typical off lease car I was left with some deep scratches, car wash swirl marks, and acidic rain damage. I had my local detailer spend a day on it and was left unsatisfied and a majority of the damage still there. I came across "lord of the wheel" in the detailing section of the board and called him over to my workshop to re-detail my car. After careful inspection of my paint, he said the only way this paint would look brand new, if not better, would be a complete wet sand followed by a 7 stage paint recondition process. The process would take a few days, but I was willing to do it. Being a typical anal nut, I knew eventually the paint condition would bother me enough to sell it.
Being in the automotive service business, I have access to mechanics and a full workshop. We came up with a fun idea of doing an all out concours style detail with my car fully apart to make sure every single part was perfect. Naturally, everyone thought I was nuts but would help in the process. The entire project was an effort of 3 people with a total of 54 man hours spent. Turns out it wasn't that fun of an idea haha. I'm beyond satisfied with the results and can finally sleep well at night. A funny thing I noticed in the past few days is most people don't park next to it (I guess fearing scratching it, Imagine that in NY). Now all I have to do is find a clear film installer to make sure she stays this way.
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__________________ Current:
2010 750LI xDrive
2010 135i Alpine White
2005 Mini Cooper S
1997 Dodge Ram 1500
Past:
2010 X6 3.5
2009 135i Lemans Blue
2009 750 Li
2009 M3 Convertible Jerez Black Metallic with Silver Novillo Extended Leather
2008 M3 Convertible Alpine White with Fox Red Extended Novillo Leather
2008 M3 Coupe Jerez Black with Fox Red Extended Novillo Leather
2006 M6 Convitible Alpine White with Black Full Merino Leather
Beautiful work! In the end, something like this is much more cost-effective than a respray, it looks just as good if not better than a respray would, and you get to keep the original paint! This is detailing at its best!
Quote:
Originally Posted by dongkeykong
so what does this reconditioning process entail? removal of the clearcoat?
Yes, what you're doing is removing clearcoat to a level that's below the scratches/swirls, leaving a finish that's fresh and perfect. Wetsanding can be the most efficient way to get the job done if the surface is severe enough, but again you need to have the right person for the job that can gauge how much clearcoat is available for you to safely remove. There are tools high level detailers use to measure the thickness of clearcoat. In the end, the results are absolutely stunning!
Beautiful work! In the end, something like this is much more cost-effective than a respray, it looks just as good if not better than a respray would, and you get to keep the original paint! This is detailing at its best!
Yes, what you're doing is removing clearcoat to a level that's below the scratches/swirls, leaving a finish that's fresh and perfect. Wetsanding can be the most efficient way to get the job done if the surface is severe enough, but again you need to have the right person for the job that can gauge how much clearcoat is available for you to safely remove. There are tools high level detailers use to measure the thickness of clearcoat. In the end, the results are absolutely stunning!
Exactly. Expensive, but a bargain in comparison to a new paint job or the premium paid for a mint condition car.
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