After completing the wet-sanding,...
After completing the wet-sanding, Steve uses the buffer and repeats the process on the scratched area. After wiping the panel, you can see the scratch is barely visible, and the clarity of the overall panel has been significantly improved.
Rather than risk cutting through...
Rather than risk cutting through the clear, Steve applies Crystal Black Carnauba Crème for dark-color finishes (PN SFX-02B, retail $16.95) to a gray finishing pad (PN SFXP-04, retail $9.99). He polishes the panel, and wipes off the carnauba wax residue with a super-plush microfiber polishing towel (PN SFX-M4, retail $6.49). The Carnauba Crème can be applied by hand just as easily, and leaves absolutely no residue. Note how the wax creme almost completely hides the scratch. You can also see the increased clarity and depth of the paint, evidenced by the reflection of Steve's face and hand in the finish.
We let Steve continue buffing...
We let Steve continue buffing and polishing, and caught up with him at the end of the next day for the remainder of the detailing. He cleaned a small dirt spot on the passenger-seat bolster with a spray of SFX Leather, Vinyl and Fabric Cleaner (PN SFX-10, retail $14.95).
After vacuuming, he continued...
After vacuuming, he continued by cleaning and protecting the dash and interior plastic trim pieces with the same cleaner and a microfiber towel. "Although we carry leather and vinyl dressing (PN SFX-14, retail $7.77), I personally prefer the cleaner, as it leaves a very low sheen and has the necessary UV protectant to block damaging radiation," he says.
To protect the rubber on the...
To protect the rubber on the tires, as well as seals and hard plastic, Steve applies SFX's "White Pearl" Tire and Trim Dressing (PN SFX-14, retail $9.99) on a grey foam pad. The dressing is water based and fast drying, leaving a deep-black medium shine. Note the brilliance of the shine on the factory chrome wheels after multiple applications of the Crystal Black Carnauba Crème.
To finish up, Steve uses SFX's...
To finish up, Steve uses SFX's Glass Cleaner (PN SFX-09, retail $4.95) and a microfiber glass-cleaning towel to clean the inner and outer glass surfaces. The glass cleaner is very effective at removing stubborn films that develop on the inside glass and provides a streak-free finish that is safe for window-tint films.
Then Steve applies the tire...
Then Steve applies the tire and trim dressing to all of the door and hatch seals, as well as the plastic and rubber under the hood.
Knowledge is power, and with the information provided in this article, you too should be able to either maintain your collector car or substantially increase its show-worthiness by following the outlined procedures and tips. Car detailing in its highest form requires a trained eye, patience, and experience. The key to your car's finish is washing and drying it properly so you don't introduce scratches and swirl marks; then applying a top-tier paint surface protectant such as SFX's line of crèmes, which blend synthetic polymers and carnauba waxes, or its acrylic paint sealant (PN SFX-03, retail $16.95).
"The procedures illustrated apply to all panels," says Steve, "except that wet-sanding isn't required on every panel, and the remainder of our panels were polished after the car had been buffed out with M105, and then thoroughly washed and dried to remove the compound's residue. Had the Bird been the victim of finer swirling, I could have used a gray finishing foam pad and either my Swirl Eliminator or Meguiar's M205 Ultra-Finishing Polish.
"Choosing the right products to maintain, protect, or renew the paint finish is only half of the battle. Educating hobbyists on how to detail is the key. Brenda's car took approximately 16 hours to complete, but it underwent a stunning transformation. By having a chemist on staff, I-along with selected beta testers-can use what we develop, examine the results, and then continually refine the products to raise them to the desired levels. Our in-house-developed products are offered because they have superior characteristics and performance. We spend money on R&D and product support, and let hobbyists advertise our products by word of mouth."
After having her car detailed, Brenda Neyra relates, "I recognized that the Formula already had swirl marks, paint chips, and paint defects when I purchased it; I planned on having it painted within the next few years. Steve worked absolute magic on the finish; seeing it for the first time after he completed it made me do a double-take to make sure it was really mine. Not only has the car been renewed, but it looks fantastic, with outstanding overall paint clarity and depth that draws your eyes toward the positive aspects of the finish and away from the problem areas."
"Professional" detailing runs the gamut from the mobile detailer armed with a van that's equipped with a chemical tank and high-pressure spray hose to elite paint-finish experts who are highly trained and specialize in hobbyist and exotic vehicles. SFX has a network of professional detailers serving several areas of the country, so look them up on the website if you don't feel comfortable tackling the project yourself.
In most cases, light swirl marks are easy to tackle, as is polishing your car and completing all of the ancillary detailing items, such as cleaning the interior and glass. Just remember that once you achieve the desired results, it will become your labor of love to maintain the detailing level and carry the techniques and tips given here to fellow hobbyists.