What is Detailing and Paint Correction?
Detailing is a term originating from America and refers to the art of vehicle preparation to the highest possible standards. Not simply washing or even polishing but attention to every last detail of the car preparation to leave an outstanding finish. A typical detail as listed below is around 19 Stages long to reach the desired results.
The following photograph shows a sample of just one step of the process where a fine clay is used to remove embedded contaminants from the paintwork. The dirt that can be seen is picked up from just half of one bonnet on a 4 year old car, the removal leaves the surface glassy and smooth to the touch.
Paint Correction is an extra stage typically involved in detailing that deals with the imperfections in the paint surface. The process involves the removal of defects that can occur over time. Including:
- Swirl marks/spider webs - The main cause of a car losing the shine and reflective qualities that it had when new. Most commonly caused by poor washing techniques or automatic washes, Stark detailing can remove the swirls and bring the life of your paint back safely.
- Oxidation – Caused by over exposure to sunlight, typically on older paint types that are not clearcoat protected. Typical examples would be white vans and red cars.
- Buffer trails – These can be caused by poor use of a polishing machine, using the wrong compound or not allowing proper abrasive breakdown. They are seen as wavy lines of reflection across panels.
Before and after paintwork correction:
The first photo below shows paintwork that is in need of correction. The panel shown has already been cleaned, clayed and dried prior to the photo. Many different examples of defects can be seen on the one photographed area:
- Swirl marks - From poor washing techniques. These are the fine
hairlines, typically in circular patterns around the lights.
- Scuff marks - In this case are caused by placing items such as bags on the panel before the boot. They are slightly wider hazed lines that also catch the light.
- Water marks - The indented panel shape has meant that water settles into the dips and remains to dry. This leads to deposits around the edges where the unpure elements have settled, this along with the acidic content of rainwater has etched a hazed area into the paint clearcoat.
The photograph below shows the panel after paintwork correction. The superior quality of the reflection without the previous defects can be cleary seen.
Below is a 50:50 sample photo of a masked line taken during the first step of the correction - the difference in reflection quality is easily noticeable.
The panels above will be followed up with a finer polish to refine the surface finish (and therefore reflection) further. This level surface is 90-95% of the shine that can be seen on paintwork with the small difference made up with finishing treatments.
Before starting any paint correction work the thickness of the paint is measured in Microns using a paint thickness gauge. This precise tool gives the operator detailed information about the surface they are to be working with, from low areas to resprayed areas and more. The average depth readings are recorded and available for the customer if required.
The vehicle is carefully taped up to protect delicate rubber and plastic trim from polish residue and stains before the start of any work:
The correction technique involves the use of advanced chemical polishes applied mostly by machine. The combination of the polish and machine technique allows the operator to remove a microscopic layer of paint (usually around 1-2 microns on a depth of up to 150), this will rid the surface of around 95% of fine scratches and imperfections. 100% correction is often possible but cannot be guaranteed due to random deeper scratches often being present – these imperfections, however, are greatly improved.
Stark can advise you as to what is best for your needs. Whether you require paint correction and long lasting protection for your pride and joy, or a best possible finish to your budget in advance of selling a car or full show car preparation.
Services available:
Stark standard detail
This is a luxury cleaning service that will bring the life and shine back to all areas of the vehicle.
The usual procedure is listed below and takes between 5 and 10 hours to complete. This service is suited to all cars including brand new vehicles.
- Pre rinse
- Vehicle body foamed
- Lower areas and arches degreased and agitated
- Rinse
- Wheels cleaned including tar spot removal
- Tyres cleaned
- Vehicle washed with lambswool mitt
- Wheelarches, door and boot shuts cleaned
- Rinse
- Dried using microfibre drying towel
- Wheels and tyres dressed
- Tar removed from lower contact areas
- Paint and glass cleansed with detailing clay to remove bonded contaminants
- Specialist all in one paintwork polish applied by machine
- Glass cleaned
- Paintwork wax applied (choice available)
- Exterior trim dressed
- Exhaust trim/tips polished
- Final wipe down and spray
Prices (all plus VAT):
1) £115.00, 2) £120.00, 3) £125.00, 4) £135.00, 5) £150.00
(See FAQ for size guide examples)
Stark correction detail
The Stark correction detail is the ultimate procedure to bring your car to its full potential and typically takes up to 24 hours to complete.
Incorpoating all of the processes involved in the Stark standard detail but with the added steps of paint correction and refinement.
Conventional polishes contain mild abrasives with fillers which can improve the finish of the paint by masking some of the defects. This is not a permanent solution however and can never offer perfect paint.
Starks paintwork correction step actually levels and perfects the paint surface before any enhancing products are used. This results in a spectacular transformation which has to be seen to be believed. For more information and examples see our gallery (under construction). Suited to all cars and even brand new vehicles which are often supplied with defects already present.
This service is only available in conjuction with a Stark standard detail. Due to car size and paint variations correction work is charged at an additional £25.00 per hour on top of the prices listed above. An average size vehicle will require around 4-6 hours labour.
Extras (all plus VAT)
Interior detail - from £40.00
Engine bay detail - from £40.00
Maintenance contracts
For annual vehicle maintenance we offer a maintenance service here at Stark where you receive one Stark correction detail followed by 3 Stark standard details at regular intervals over the year. As well as ensuring your pride and joy is always looking at its best condition, subscribing to a maintenance contract gives you a saving of around 10% over the four services bought separately. Please e mail or call with details and car model for a tailored quotation.
Contact:
For any more information, advice or to book:
Please call Stark on 07511 194376 or email detailing@stark-automotive.co.uk
