Professional detailer in Central NJ?

[flinter]

But I have light swirl marks from the dealer prep "detailers". Can
he removed them with just the $150.00 package I wonder? Its pretty noticeable in
direct sunlight.

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: flinter
But I have light swirl marks from the dealer prep "detailers". Can
he removed them with just the $150.00 package I wonder? Its pretty noticeable in
direct sunlight.


Nope. But you also have to accept that you're going to get swirls overtime from washing, especially on Hondas with soft paint. You're going to have to draw the line somewhere and decide what level of imperfections are acceptable to you. This is another reason why I suggested Opti-Coat - it is much harder than your clearcoat right now, so it is less prone to wash-induced marring and swirls. Plus if you do have to polish it, you are polishing the coating and not your clearcoat.

 

[gofast182]

I'd have to at least see a picture to tell you. A quality finishing product will hide some extremely minor swirls. I'd have him do the panel you suspect most immediately in front of you with the clay and wax/sealant and make your decision based on that. If it's not satisfactory, then let him loose with an extremely light finishing polish (like Menzerna SF4500, nothing heavier), and maybe just on the flats, but not before trying the least invasive option first. It will save you time, money, and potentially an unnecessary polish.

 

[flinter]

Is Opti-Coat permanent?

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: flinter
Is Opti-Coat permanent?

Yes, with proper prep and application. If you get it from an authorized Opti-Coat Pro installer, you can also get a lifetime warranty on the application.

 

[gofast182]

Originally Posted By: flinter
Is Opti-Coat permanent?

Yes.

http://www.detailersdomain.com/Optimum-Opti-Coat-2_p_326.html

 

[SatinSilver]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: flinter
Is Opti-Coat permanent?

Yes, with proper prep and application. If you get it from an authorized Opti-Coat Pro installer, you can also get a lifetime warranty on the application.


Yet, with that Grays detailing link he states "advertised up to 24 months protection". Which doesn't seem to make sense.

Many of the guys on the Accord forum are using the Blackfire system on their new Accords. Maybe have this detailer use some Blackfire Total Polish and Seal on it to help remove/minimize the microscratches on the car and protect it.

http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-total-...CFUVk7Aodsz4A3A

 

[The Critic]

Originally Posted By: satinsilver
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: flinter
Is Opti-Coat permanent?

Yes, with proper prep and application. If you get it from an authorized Opti-Coat Pro installer, you can also get a lifetime warranty on the application.


Yet, with that Grays detailing link he states "advertised up to 24 months protection". Which doesn't seem to make sense.

Many of the guys on the Accord forum are using the Blackfire system on their new Accords. Maybe have this detailer use some Blackfire Total Polish and Seal on it to help remove/minimize the microscratches on the car and protect it.

http://www.autogeek.net/blackfire-total-...CFUVk7Aodsz4A3A

Yeah, the OP's detailer is probably not an Opti-Coat Pro dealer. He's probably using either the CQuartz or 22ple coatings - both of which advertise 24 mo durability. These two coatings deliver higher gloss than Opti-Coat, but at the expense of durability.

 

[gofast182]

We probably shouldn't steer the OP to Opti-Coat at this point. He's uncertain as to what he needs and it doesn't appear the guy he's using does Opti-Coat. We could gum up the works by pushing for the latest and greatest.

 

[flinter]

Ok, If use a authorized Opt-Coat installer/detailer, but also
need the light swirl marks removed, what can I expect to pay?

 

[SatinSilver]

I'd estimate $650 for that. Or have the guy do a one step with Blackfire Total Polish and Seal. Even if you have to buy the Blackfire for $20 plus shipping. Then you're still under $200!

 

[gofast182]

Originally Posted By: flinter
Ok, If use a authorized Opt-Coat installer/detailer, but also
need the light swirl marks removed, what can I expect to pay?

Mr. flinter, I urge you not to over-think it too much. Go with the guy you've found, have him complete a panel with the clay/seal, assess to see whether polish is really necessary, and make a decision from there. Once you see how well that holds up you've got plenty of time to decide whether you want Opti-Coat next year. And post pics when it's done.

 

[Vikas]

Has OP posted any pictures of his car's finish?

 

[flinter]

GoFast,
You are right! I tend to over think things. I will just go with
this guy initially and discuss if polishing is really necessary.
But I just wonder if the mild, light swirls can be removed without
poiishing?

 

[Vikas]

Do you have another car on which you can experiment? Like a friend or family member's vehicle which is little older?

 

[gofast182]

Originally Posted By: flinter
GoFast,
You are right! I tend to over think things. I will just go with
this guy initially and discuss if polishing is really necessary.
But I just wonder if the mild, light swirls can be removed without
poiishing?

You haven't posted pics and we haven't seen the car in person so this is not a question that can be answered here. All I can do is tell you a good LSP will hide some very minor ones and based on what I *suspect* the car looks like, that would be good enough for me on a DD and should be good enough for you, too. As Critic aptly pointed out, you will never eliminate all swirls, particularly on a DD. After Gray's finishes with a clay and seal, odds are you're still going to have a nicer finish than 90% of the cars you encounter on a daily basis. Now just get 'er done!

Let me put it this way. My TSX has some swirls you can see if you're looking closely where the sun shines on it when you walk by in the parking lot at work, however my TSX also has the fewest swirls and nicest finish of all the cars in the parking lot at work. Get it?

 

[flinter]

gofast...Got it! Are pictures allow to be posted here?

 

[gofast182]

Of course they are. But I'd encourage you to worry more about making the appointment and getting it done rather than posting pics so we can debate more small points without having seen the car in person. The only way to know where you stand is have the work done.

 

[SatinSilver]

As long as their clean ones.

 

[gofast182]

Originally Posted By: satinsilver
As long as their clean ones.

Exactly. Nothing worse than a dirty car.