Recommended products/routine for mid-tone metallic/pearlescent Subaru's
02 June 2009, 12:07 PM
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Recommended products/routine for mid-tone metallic/pearlescent Subaru's
Compared to their lighter counterparts, mid-tone metallic/pearlescent colours have enough additional colour depth to give them a significantly greater degree of reflectivity. Not only does this make it far easier to achieve a finish with much greater clarity and depth, but it also enhances how wet the paint looks, as more highlights are shown up in the finish. Consequently, it is not difficult to achieve an excellent finish on such colours, and most last step products will produce good results. However, we believe it is always better to work with the characteristics of the paint rather than against them, and for this reason we recommend using a synthetic sealant instead of a natural carnauba wax as the last step product on mid-tone metallic/pearlescent colours. This is because sealant polymer chains tend to cross-link to form an exceptionally smooth, highly dense surface layer that minimises any scattering of light caused by micro-structures in the surface of the paint, meaning that metallic and pearlescent flakes receive more transmitted light and thus appear to stand out more from the base colour (a phenomenon commonly known as flake pop). Moreover, the same smoothing and filling properties also ensure that light is reflected far more efficiently than would be the case with a microscopically rougher, less dense natural carnauba wax coating, meaning that reflections are afforded much greater clarity and depth.
Out of the various synthetic sealants we stock, we favour either the Werkstat Acrylic Kit or Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection for optimal results on mid-tone metallic/pearlescent colours. The Werkstat Acrylic Kit delivers an incredible level of reflectivity characterised by amazing clarity and depth, and makes metallic and pearlescent flakes stand out from the base colour more than any other product we have used. Indeed, on some mid-tone metallic colours we have worked on, it has literally made the flake appear to explode out of the surface of the paint when viewed in direct sunlight. Further benefits afforded by the Werkstat Acrylic Kit include terrific ease of use, even in cold and damp conditions, and excellent durability, with a single application of the three component system typically lasting for around 3 months on a daily driver, although this can be extended almost indefinitely if regular quick detailing is undertaken. Alternatively, Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection delivers an equally outstanding finish, characterised by slightly less flake pop but greater jetting and outright gloss. Further benefits afforded by Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection include terrific ease of use and excellent durability, with a single application typically lasting for around three months on a daily driver, although this can be extended almost indefinitely if regular quick detailing is undertaken.
Given the above, here is the optimal routine and products we recommend for use on mid-tone metallic/pearlescent colours if you favour a very sharp and reflective looking finish (assuming all work is to be done by hand)...
Wash (ideally every week, including wheels)
Advanced Car Wash Kit - Advanced Car Wash Kit - Polished Bliss Car Care and Detailing Kits (choosing the Werkstat shampoo)
Decontaminate (once or twice a year, spring and autumn are the best times)
Step 1 - Autosmart Tardis & Accessories (to remove tar spots, tree sap, etc) - Autosmart Tardis - Autosmart Car Care and Detailing Products
Step 2 - Meguiars Quik Clay Kit (to remove industrial fallout, soot, etc) - Meguiars Quik Clay Kit - Meguiars Car Care and Detailing Products
Polish (after claying, thus done once or twice a year)
To correct swirl marks and other light to moderate defects (fine scratches and oxidation) on your car, we recommend using Menzerna 203S in conjunction with Lake Country German CCS Light Cut Pads. Working small areas at a time using moderate pressure should enable you to correct a reasonable amount of the defects present in just 1-2 attempts per panel. You should be aware from the outset that although this method will yield very good results, it will require a reasonable amount of elbow grease! Of course, if your paint is in excellent condition with no visible sub-surface defects, you can skip this step and go straight to the addition of the protection (see below)...
Menzerna 203S - Menzerna 203S - Menzerna Car Care and Detailing Products
Lake Country German CCS Light Cut Pads - Lake Country German CCS Pads - Lake Country Car Care and Detailing Products
Poorboys Super Thick & Plush Towels - Poorboys Super Thick & Plush Towel - Poorboys Car Care and Detailing Products
Protect (add fresh protection every 6-8 weeks for best results)
Werkstat Acrylic Kit - Werkstat Acrylic Kit - Werkstat Car Care and Detailing Products
This excellent value for money kit includes everything you need to achieve the Werkstat acrylic finish on your car, and works best on lighter colours and metallic/pearlescent finishes. Werkstat Prime Acrylic is a light finishing polish that lays down a tough initial coat of acrylic protection whilst deep cleansing the paint; you should use it once every six months after claying/polishing. Werkstat Acrylic Jett Trigger is a pure spray sealant that should be used to add more gloss and protection every 6-8 weeks; the more layers you build up, the better the finish will get, in terms of both wetness and durability. Werkstat Acrylic Glos is a quick detailing spray and can be used to help boost gloss, lubricate when drying off after washing and loosen the residues of Werkstat Prime Acrylic and Werkstat Acrylic Jett Trigger should you find them hard to remove. Here are full instructions for each major six-monthly detail with the products...
After washing and claying (and corrective polishing if required), start out by applying a basecoat of Werkstat Prime Acrylic using the white Meguiars Microfibre Applicator Pad. Once fully dry, buff off this residue carefully with the Poorboys Super Thick & Plush Towel, using a spritz of Werkstat Acrylic Glos to help loosen the residue if needs be. To complete the process, apply a coat of Werkstat Acrylic Jett Trigger by spraying directly onto each panel and buffing off immediately with the Poorboys Deluxe Mega Towels, again using a spritz of Werkstat Acrylic Glos to help loosen the residue if needs be. To maintain the finish, simply quick detail with Werkstat Acrylic Glos after each wash, and add a fresh coat of Werkstat Acrylic Jett Trigger every 6-8 weeks until the time comes to start over by claying again.
Here are some pictures showing the finish the above products/routine gives on mid-tone metallic/pearlescent colours, in order to give you some idea in advance...
In contrast to the above, here is the optimal routine and products we recommend for use on mid-tone metallic/pearlescent colours if you favour greater colour intensity and maximum gloss (assuming all work is to be done by hand)...
Wash (ideally every week)
Advanced Car Wash Kit - Advanced Car Wash Kit - Polished Bliss Car Care and Detailing Kits (choosing the Blackfire shampoo)
Decontaminate (once or twice a year, spring and autumn are the best times)
Step 1 - Autosmart Tardis & Accessories (to remove tar spots, tree sap, etc) - Autosmart Tardis - Autosmart Car Care and Detailing Products
Step 2 - Meguiars Quik Clay Kit (to remove industrial fallout, soot, etc) - Meguiars Quik Clay Kit - Meguiars Car Care and Detailing Products
Polish (after claying, thus done once or twice a year)
To correct swirl marks and other light to moderate defects (fine scratches and etching) on your car, we recommend a two stage process starting with Menzerna 203S in conjunction with Lake Country German CCS Light Cut Pads. Working small areas at a time using moderate pressure should enable you to correct a reasonable amount of the defects present in just 1-2 attempts per panel. Any remaining defects should then be partially hidden and the overall finish refined with Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish in conjunction with Lake Country German CCS Polishing Pads. Working small areas at a time using light pressure should enable you to partially hide any remaining defects and maximise the gloss in just a single attempt per panel. You should be aware from the outset that although this method will yield very good results, it will require a reasonable amount of elbow grease!
Menzerna 203S - Menzerna 203S - Menzerna Car Care and Detailing Products
Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish - Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish - Blackfire Car Care and Detailing Products
Lake Country German CCS Pads - Lake Country German CCS Pads - Lake Country Car Care and Detailing Products
Poorboys Super Thick & Plush Towels - Poorboys Super Thick & Plush Towel - Poorboys Car Care and Detailing Products
Protect (apply a fresh coat at least every 3 months)
Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection - Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection - Blackfire Car Care and Detailing Products
Blackfire Ultimate LSP Applicator Pad - Blackfire Ultimate LSP Applicator Pad - Blackfire Car Care and Detailing Products
Luxury Deep Pile Buffing Towel - Deep Pile Luxury Buffing Towel - Polished Bliss Car Care and Detailing Products
Here are some pictures showing the finish the above products/routine gives on mid-tone metallic/pearlescent colours, in order to give you some idea in advance...
Out of the various synthetic sealants we stock, we favour either the Werkstat Acrylic Kit or Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection for optimal results on mid-tone metallic/pearlescent colours. The Werkstat Acrylic Kit delivers an incredible level of reflectivity characterised by amazing clarity and depth, and makes metallic and pearlescent flakes stand out from the base colour more than any other product we have used. Indeed, on some mid-tone metallic colours we have worked on, it has literally made the flake appear to explode out of the surface of the paint when viewed in direct sunlight. Further benefits afforded by the Werkstat Acrylic Kit include terrific ease of use, even in cold and damp conditions, and excellent durability, with a single application of the three component system typically lasting for around 3 months on a daily driver, although this can be extended almost indefinitely if regular quick detailing is undertaken. Alternatively, Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection delivers an equally outstanding finish, characterised by slightly less flake pop but greater jetting and outright gloss. Further benefits afforded by Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection include terrific ease of use and excellent durability, with a single application typically lasting for around three months on a daily driver, although this can be extended almost indefinitely if regular quick detailing is undertaken.
Given the above, here is the optimal routine and products we recommend for use on mid-tone metallic/pearlescent colours if you favour a very sharp and reflective looking finish (assuming all work is to be done by hand)...
Wash (ideally every week, including wheels)
Advanced Car Wash Kit - Advanced Car Wash Kit - Polished Bliss Car Care and Detailing Kits (choosing the Werkstat shampoo)
Decontaminate (once or twice a year, spring and autumn are the best times)
Step 1 - Autosmart Tardis & Accessories (to remove tar spots, tree sap, etc) - Autosmart Tardis - Autosmart Car Care and Detailing Products
Step 2 - Meguiars Quik Clay Kit (to remove industrial fallout, soot, etc) - Meguiars Quik Clay Kit - Meguiars Car Care and Detailing Products
Polish (after claying, thus done once or twice a year)
To correct swirl marks and other light to moderate defects (fine scratches and oxidation) on your car, we recommend using Menzerna 203S in conjunction with Lake Country German CCS Light Cut Pads. Working small areas at a time using moderate pressure should enable you to correct a reasonable amount of the defects present in just 1-2 attempts per panel. You should be aware from the outset that although this method will yield very good results, it will require a reasonable amount of elbow grease! Of course, if your paint is in excellent condition with no visible sub-surface defects, you can skip this step and go straight to the addition of the protection (see below)...
Menzerna 203S - Menzerna 203S - Menzerna Car Care and Detailing Products
Lake Country German CCS Light Cut Pads - Lake Country German CCS Pads - Lake Country Car Care and Detailing Products
Poorboys Super Thick & Plush Towels - Poorboys Super Thick & Plush Towel - Poorboys Car Care and Detailing Products
Protect (add fresh protection every 6-8 weeks for best results)
Werkstat Acrylic Kit - Werkstat Acrylic Kit - Werkstat Car Care and Detailing Products
This excellent value for money kit includes everything you need to achieve the Werkstat acrylic finish on your car, and works best on lighter colours and metallic/pearlescent finishes. Werkstat Prime Acrylic is a light finishing polish that lays down a tough initial coat of acrylic protection whilst deep cleansing the paint; you should use it once every six months after claying/polishing. Werkstat Acrylic Jett Trigger is a pure spray sealant that should be used to add more gloss and protection every 6-8 weeks; the more layers you build up, the better the finish will get, in terms of both wetness and durability. Werkstat Acrylic Glos is a quick detailing spray and can be used to help boost gloss, lubricate when drying off after washing and loosen the residues of Werkstat Prime Acrylic and Werkstat Acrylic Jett Trigger should you find them hard to remove. Here are full instructions for each major six-monthly detail with the products...
After washing and claying (and corrective polishing if required), start out by applying a basecoat of Werkstat Prime Acrylic using the white Meguiars Microfibre Applicator Pad. Once fully dry, buff off this residue carefully with the Poorboys Super Thick & Plush Towel, using a spritz of Werkstat Acrylic Glos to help loosen the residue if needs be. To complete the process, apply a coat of Werkstat Acrylic Jett Trigger by spraying directly onto each panel and buffing off immediately with the Poorboys Deluxe Mega Towels, again using a spritz of Werkstat Acrylic Glos to help loosen the residue if needs be. To maintain the finish, simply quick detail with Werkstat Acrylic Glos after each wash, and add a fresh coat of Werkstat Acrylic Jett Trigger every 6-8 weeks until the time comes to start over by claying again.
Here are some pictures showing the finish the above products/routine gives on mid-tone metallic/pearlescent colours, in order to give you some idea in advance...
In contrast to the above, here is the optimal routine and products we recommend for use on mid-tone metallic/pearlescent colours if you favour greater colour intensity and maximum gloss (assuming all work is to be done by hand)...
Wash (ideally every week)
Advanced Car Wash Kit - Advanced Car Wash Kit - Polished Bliss Car Care and Detailing Kits (choosing the Blackfire shampoo)
Decontaminate (once or twice a year, spring and autumn are the best times)
Step 1 - Autosmart Tardis & Accessories (to remove tar spots, tree sap, etc) - Autosmart Tardis - Autosmart Car Care and Detailing Products
Step 2 - Meguiars Quik Clay Kit (to remove industrial fallout, soot, etc) - Meguiars Quik Clay Kit - Meguiars Car Care and Detailing Products
Polish (after claying, thus done once or twice a year)
To correct swirl marks and other light to moderate defects (fine scratches and etching) on your car, we recommend a two stage process starting with Menzerna 203S in conjunction with Lake Country German CCS Light Cut Pads. Working small areas at a time using moderate pressure should enable you to correct a reasonable amount of the defects present in just 1-2 attempts per panel. Any remaining defects should then be partially hidden and the overall finish refined with Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish in conjunction with Lake Country German CCS Polishing Pads. Working small areas at a time using light pressure should enable you to partially hide any remaining defects and maximise the gloss in just a single attempt per panel. You should be aware from the outset that although this method will yield very good results, it will require a reasonable amount of elbow grease!
Menzerna 203S - Menzerna 203S - Menzerna Car Care and Detailing Products
Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish - Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish - Blackfire Car Care and Detailing Products
Lake Country German CCS Pads - Lake Country German CCS Pads - Lake Country Car Care and Detailing Products
Poorboys Super Thick & Plush Towels - Poorboys Super Thick & Plush Towel - Poorboys Car Care and Detailing Products
Protect (apply a fresh coat at least every 3 months)
Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection - Blackfire Wet Diamond All Finish Paint Protection - Blackfire Car Care and Detailing Products
Blackfire Ultimate LSP Applicator Pad - Blackfire Ultimate LSP Applicator Pad - Blackfire Car Care and Detailing Products
Luxury Deep Pile Buffing Towel - Deep Pile Luxury Buffing Towel - Polished Bliss Car Care and Detailing Products
Here are some pictures showing the finish the above products/routine gives on mid-tone metallic/pearlescent colours, in order to give you some idea in advance...
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