What's in the Detail?
Outlined below are the different stages that make up one of AD's Detailing treatments. The Intensive Wash
We
start with an intensive wash program designed to remove as much surface
dirt as possible prior to hand washing the vehicle. This is done using
a combination of pre-rinsing to remove large particles of dirt and
contamination, followed by the application of citrus degreasers to
loosen stubborn grime and dirt. The vehicle is then covered in a thick
foam using a special foam lance which is left to dwell drawing out the
remaining dirt before a final pressure rinse. The wheel arches and door
shuts are also cleaned using a mild degreaser.
The Two Bucket Method (TBM)
The
vehicle is then hand washed using sheepskin wash mitts and quality
buckets with grit guards. The sheepskin mitts absorb any dirt and grit
into their plush fibres preventing it from being dragged across the
paint surface as with a normal flat surfaced sponge, one of the causes
of swirl marks and scatches in your paintwork. The mitt is rinsed
regularily in a clean water solution removing dirt and grit before
washing the vehicle further with a seperate bucket of clean shampoo
solution. The grit guards in the bottom of the bucket help trap the
grit and dirt preventing it from being washed back onto the paintwork.
The vehicle is then gently dried using non-scratch microfibre drying
towels further preventing damage to the paint.
Alloys & Tyres
Alloy wheels are deep cleaned using a non-acidic wheel cleaner to
remove dirt, brake dust and tar deposits before being polished and then
sealed to enhance shine and protect the alloy/painted surface. Tyres
are dressed using either a matt or slight sheen effect rubber
protectant.
Exterior Trim
All exterior trim and plastics are cleaned and conditioned using a
protective trim dressing. Any chrome or stainless steel (exhaust tips,
badges, grills) is also cleaned and polished. All rubber door seals are
cleaned and conditioned with a rubber preserver.
Removing Surface Contamination (claying) The key to having shiny paint is to create as smooth a surface as
possible, which is why following an intensive wash program the
paintwork is then clayed. This process involves the use of a mild clay
bar and lubricant to remove surface contaminants including sap, tar,
bug residue, fall-out and rail dust, resulting in a silky smooth paint
surface.
Polishing & Waxing The paint is then further cleaned and prepared with a light cut
polish ahead of applying a quality carnuba wax by hand which is then
buffed to a deep gloss shine as well as helping to seal and protect the
paintwork. Sealants can also be applied at this stage either before
waxing to seal in shine or in place of wax to provide a more durable
reflective finish especially on lighter colour vehicles.
Alternatively following the claying stage the external paintwork can
be machine polished (to varying degrees) to remove surface defects such
as swirl marks, scratches, water spots, oxidisation as well as minor
defects, scuffs and blemishes. This will help restore a better than new
finish to most paint surfaces adding depth and clarity which can then
be further enhanced through the application of specialist glazes,
protective sealants and premium waxes. Prior to machine polishing a
paint depth gauge is used to check the consistency as well as thickness
of paint accross the different panels of the vehicle. The PTG will also
highlight areas of repair or respray where caution must be used when
machine polishing.
Detailing the Interior
The interior is then cleaned ensuring all dust and dirt is removed
from every surface. All carpets and upholstery are brushed before being
thoroughly vacuumed. If further deep cleaning is required a warm water
extraction machine is used to shampoo upholstery and carpets. All floor
mats and boot liners are removed and deep cleaned, headlinings are
vacuumed and spot cleaned. For heavy soiling trim is cleaned with an
all pupose cleaner (APC). All dash buttons and air vents are cleaned
using detailing brushes as well as column stalks, the steering wheel,
ash trays, storage pockets, hand brake and gearlever gaitors. A quality
matt finish dressing is then applied to condition and protect all trim
from UV damage as well as repel dirt. All glass is cleaned and then
polished both inside and out ensuring a crystal clear smear free finish.
Leather Interiors With leather interiors all seats and trim are cleaned using a gentle
PH neutral leather cleaner and conditioner (non-oily or greasy) which
soaks into the leather softening and restoring suppleness and leaving a
matt finish as well as restoring that "new leather" scent.
Machine Polishing & Paint Correction
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Engine Detailing
The engine bay is often overlooked when cleaning a vehicle, detailing the engine bay will make hoses and plastics look darker and metals look brighter. The engine bay is cleaned using water and degreasers ensuring any exposed electrical or sensitive components are protected first. The engine is then dried with microfibre towels before the application of a durable weatherproof dressing (silicone free) to all plastic trim & components. Rubber hoses are treated with a rubber preserver, exposed metal is cleaned and polished.