Chances are you'll learn something new in HUGE detail write up

[DetailedImage.com]

Our latest auto detailing article (http://www.detailedimage.com/Pro-Detailers/Articles/2006-Acura-TL-in-Nighthawk-Black-Pearl/) was put together was designed to take you through an entire detail from start to finish while trying to explain the mindset of one of the top detailers in the industry. The detail was performed on a 2006 Acura TL in Nighthawk Black Pearl, some of the softest black paint out there. With nearly 150 photos and 8 pages of explanation, we broke this article up into multiple sections so it would load faster and be better organized to find the information you are looking for quickly and easily.

Here's an overview of what is covered:

Page 1: Overview, Pre-Detail Prep, Washing and Drying (http://www.detailedimage.com/Pro-Detailers/Articles/2006-Acura-TL-in-Nighthawk-Black-Pearl/1/)
An overview of the detail to be performed
Assessing the easily damaged Acura paint
Starting the detail
Wash the wheels, tires, and wheel wells first
Properly washing soft black paint
Cleaning and washing your exhaust tips
Engine bay detailing
Drying black paint without adding swirls

Page 2: Clay Bar, Polishing, Protecting (http://www.detailedimage.com/Pro-Detailers/Articles/2006-Acura-TL-in-Nighthawk-Black-Pearl/2/)
Using a clay bar to properly prep the surface
Polishing your paint to a swirl free finish
Measuring the paint's thickness
Properly taping your vehicle prior to polishing
Choosing the right polish
Using the proper amount of polish
Results after one pass of Menzerna Power Finish on an orange pad
Polishing lower panels with problem areas
Removing deep etchings from the paint
Safely polishing the trunk lid
Removing scrapes, scratches and other deep imperfections
Safely polishing pillars
Alcohol wipe down after polishing
Post-polish clean up with ONR
Protecting your paint with a sealant

Page 3: Finishing Touches and Interior (http://www.detailedimage.com/Pro-Detailers/Articles/2006-Acura-TL-in-Nighthawk-Black-Pearl/3/)
Dressing your wheel wells and tires
Detailing the interior
Start your interior by dusting
Dressing and protecting the interior
Comparing Optimum Protectant Plus to 303 Aerospace Protectant
Caring for your leather
Streak free glass
Don't forget the sunroof

Page 4: After shots of the Acura TL detail (http://www.detailedimage.com/Pro-Detailers/Articles/2006-Acura-TL-in-Nighthawk-Black-Pearl/4/)

We hope this article improves your detailing knowledge and translates into a better finish for your vehicles.

If you have any questions on anything, please do not hesitate to ask. Let us know what you think!

Enjoy,

Greg @ Detailed Image

[Scottina06]

awesome! Just awesome!

[DetailedImage.com]

Thanks Scott I hope it really helps people see a detail through from start to finish. Let me know if you have any questions!

Greg @ DI

[Dylans3960ccs]

OMG that guy is completely upsesed with 0% contact with the paint! :eek:

it seems like just the wash was over kill?
is it completely nessicary to go to this level of percaution?!

['00 UnLimited]

it is if you desire that level of perfection

[Dylans3960ccs]

^^ well that'd be nice but the shine only lasts so long if your just doing a wash.

I guess he's just demonstrating what level you can take it to lol

['00 UnLimited]

but a proper wash keeps the paint looking it's best for longer, not to mention helps you avoid the need for a full correction all the time.

[Dylans3960ccs]

True, but I think that these are extreme measures to take for a wash.

[chefalan23]

holy shit that guy has OCD

[Dylans3960ccs]

^^ :lol:

[Matt]

Keep in mind this is a process to perfect a vehicles paint... did you really expect him to bust out just a bucket some water and a rag, lol.

This is not something that needs to be done every wash, more like once a year (maybe longer if you wash your car properly -- i.e. doing what he does, lol).

[B.P.O.D]

sounds amazing greg can't wait to read this!!!

[DetailedImage.com]

sounds amazing greg can't wait to read this!!!

Sorry if I was not clear but the detail is already done. Just click on those links to start reading up and checking out the pictures. Let me know if you have any questions.

Greg @ DI

[LTrainGC]

http://www.detailedimage.com/photos/esoteric/NBP06AcuraTL/IMG_5018.JPG

WOW. This is absolutely STUNNING.

[Matt]

Woo, I'm pretty sure I'm doing my moms car next weekend... soft black paint, HERE I COME!!

Time to order some supplies!

[1 GRAND]

Looks outstanding!

I can't wait until I can retire and do auto detailing full time.

[DetailedImage.com]

Glad to hear the article has been helpful. Let me know if you have additional questions, I'd be happy to help!

Greg @ DI

[Matt]

Glad to hear the article has been helpful. Let me know if you have additional questions, I'd be happy to help!

Greg @ DI

I know I will in the near future, but let me start with this.

How does one determine what polishes should be used on soft paint? How does the extent of paint condition play into that, and also paint color?

My moms car needs a correction, badly. It's a black '03 G35 coupe and has the notoriously soft black paint. 6 years of drive-through car washes, not very well maintained if you ask me.

I would assume something with a heavy cut... I was loking into the Meguires 105/205 combo. Thoughts, help, insight...?

Thanks!

[B.P.O.D]

105/205 is good matt. you always want to do a test spot to see what is needed. always start with the lowest possible solution

[Matt]

105/205 is good matt. you always want to do a test spot to see what is needed. always start with the lowest possible solution

ah, gotcha, good info!

[DetailedImage.com]

I know I will in the near future, but let me start with this.

How does one determine what polishes should be used on soft paint? How does the extent of paint condition play into that, and also paint color?

My moms car needs a correction, badly. It's a black '03 G35 coupe and has the notoriously soft black paint. 6 years of drive-through car washes, not very well maintained if you ask me.

I would assume something with a heavy cut... I was loking into the Meguires 105/205 combo. Thoughts, help, insight...?

Thanks!

Great questions! There is no one right answer and the best answers always come from some trial and error. Every car and it's particular history creates a unique set of problems that can't be answered with a generic answer. After years of detailing I can generally assess the paint and come up with a good game plan of what polish combo is needed, however sometimes it has to be adjusted based on the results. If the car is an 03 and been through the car washes it certainly is going to have it's share of surface imperfections that will need to buffed out. Another huge factor is if you are going to use a buffer and if so which one and with what pads. Hand applications work but the results are pretty limited, while a good orbital buffer will help you generate noticeably better results. Lastly a high speed rotary buffer can help you achieve perfection if you have time and experience. The correct pads for each buffer also help work in each polish by building up the optimal levels of heat and pressure.

In my opinion I generally only do a one step process while working by hand, although two can help. If you have a buffer a two step process with the 105/205 or the Menzerna products can be a huge help. I usually use a medium polish with an orange pad and a light polish with a white pad. A combination of a medium and light polish should make a huge improvement. A heavier polish and pad may be needed but that is a great starting point. If you are interested in a buffer I highly recommend looking at the Porter Cable 7424XP Random Orbital Buffer (http://www.detailedimage.com/Porter-Cable-M17/7424XP-Random-Orbital-Buffer-P331/) and the Flex XC 3401 VRG (http://www.detailedimage.com/Flex-M26/XC-3401-VRG-P128/). They are orbital buffers that can really help you get the correcting ability you are looking for and maximize the polishes. They are paint safe and quite easy to use even for a first time user. We have a full write up in ourguide (http://www.detailedimage.com/Auto-Detailing-Guide/) on how to use each one. I also recommend you look at our DI Packages (http://www.detailedimage.com/DI-Packages-C62/) section where we have bundle deals for each buffer.

If you have any questions about these products or any part of the detailing process please let me know I'd be happy to help you.

Greg @ DI

[DJ BoNiOmArIo]

very helpful

[DetailedImage.com]

very helpful

Glad it helped! Let me know if you have any questions or if you need recommendations.

Greg @ DI

[JDubya]

I love the DI tutorials, they've taught me a ton. I recently made a huge order at DI--my Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl coat is about to get even more brilliant :thumbsup:

[DetailedImage.com]

I love the DI tutorials, they've taught me a ton. I recently made a huge order at DI--my Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl coat is about to get even more brilliant :thumbsup:

Thanks a ton!

Greg @ DI

[AB Jeepster]

great write up Greg. Thank you. I did learn some things....