Before you accept delivery of your new car check the paint - 2015 Subaru STI

[DetailersDomain]

A very good customer of ours picked up his new Subaru STI, at delivery he already noticed that it was in pretty bad shape, but he knew he was coming in for a new car prep and Opti Coat so all was well.

That being said I'm still surprised at how dealers just don't understand how to deliver a car. Why not train your crew to do it right?

Exterior

- Wheels were prepped with Sonax Wheel Cleaner and cleaned up with various brushes
- Tires were spritzed down with Adam’s All Purpose Cleaner and washed down
- Wheel wells were cleaned up
- Washed with Adam's Car Wash
- Decon with Auto Finesse Iron Out
- Wash down and rinsed
- Door jambs were cleaned up
- Nano Scrub AutoScrub
- Dried
- Tires dressed
- Masking
- Paint Measurement
- Compound - Adam's Paint Correcting Polish and Meguiar's M100
- Final Polish - Sonax Perfect Finish 4/6
- Last step - Opticoat
- Inspection with Fenix, Brinkmann, and natural sunlight
- Wheel wells were cleaned - polished - Opti Coat
- Rubber and Plastics Treated
- Exterior windows and mirrors cleaned and sealed
- Exhaust tips cleaned
- Windows were auto scrubed, cleaned, and sealed

Products used:
Adam's Car Wash (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Adams-Car-Wash_p_499.html)
Auto Finesse Iron Out (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Auto-Finesse-Iron-Out--Iron-Remover-500-ml_p_780.html)
Stoner's Tarminator (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Stoner-Tarminator_p_550.html)
Auto Finesse Oblitarate (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Auto-Finesse-Oblitarate--Tar-and-Glue-Remover-_p_773.html)
Sonax Multi Star (http://www.detailersdomain.com/SONAX-MultiStar-Universal-Cleaner_p_928.html)
Sonax Full Effect Wheel Cleaner (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Sonax-Full-Effect-Wheel-Cleaner-500ml_p_324.html)
NanoSkin AutoScrub System (http://www.detailersdomain.com/NanoSkin-Autoscrub-Fine-Pad-6-inch-Pad-Kit-with-Glide-_p_710.html)
Adam's Paint Correcting Polish (http://detailersdomain.com/Adams-Paint-Correcting-Polish_p_936.html)
Meguiar's M100 (http://detailersdomain.com/Meguiars-M100-Mirror-Glaze-Pro-Speed-Compound-32-oz_p_1015.html)
Sonax Perfect Finish (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Sonax-Perfect-Finish-46-_p_916.html)
Opti Coat (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Optimum-Opti-Coat-2_p_326.html)
Optimum Bond Tire Gel (http://detailersdomain.com/Optimum-Opti-Bond-Tire-Gel-Rubber-Tire-Dressing_p_174.html)
Auto Finesse Crystal Glass Cleaner (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Auto-Finesse-Crystal--Glass-Cleaner-500-ml_p_800.html)

Tools used
Uber Wool Wash Mitt (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Uber-Genuine-Wool-Wash-Mitt-V2_p_515.html)
Uber Quick Detail MF Towels (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Uber-Quick-Detail-Microfiber-Towel_p_573.html)
Uber All Purpose MF Towels (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Uber-All-Purpose-Microfiber-Towels_p_182.html)
Rupes LHR75E (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Rupes-LHR75E-Mini-Random-Orbital-Polisher_p_1010.html)
Rupes BigFoot LHR 21ES Random Orbital Polisher (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Rupes-BigFoot-LHR21ES-Random-Orbital-Polisher_p_854.html)
Rupes BigFoot LHR 15ES Random Orbital Polisher (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Rupes-BigFoot-LHR15ES-Random-Orbital-Polisher_p_855.html)
Flex XC3401VR (http://detailersdomain.com/Flex-Tool-XC-3401-VRG-Orbital-Polisher_p_157.html)
Uber Buffing Pads (http://www.detailersdomain.com/5-Pack-Uber-Foam-Pad-55-inch_p_297.html)
Meg's MF Cutting Pad (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Meguiars-5-DA-Microfiber-Cutting-Disc-2-Pack_p_553.html)
Defelsko Paint Meter (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Defelsko-Positest-DFT-Combo-Paint-Meter_p_498.html)
Fenix TK35 (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Fenix-TK35-820-Lumens_p_504.html)
Kranzle Pressure Washer (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Kranzle-K-1122TST-Cold-Water-Electric-Pressure-Washer_p_446.html)
Uber Foam Canon (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Uber-Foamer-Canon-Pressure-Washer-Attachment-_p_204.html)
2 Grit Guard Buckets with Caddies (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Grit-Guard-Bucket-Inserts_p_81.html)
Adam's Firehose Nozzle (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Adams-Ultimate-Fire-Hose-Car-Wash-Nozzle_p_507.html)
Metro Air Force Blaster (http://www.detailersdomain.com/Metro-Air-Force-Master-Blaster-Car-Dryer-8-HP-MB3CD_p_344.html)

Before
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0831JJJ_zps93e9e81e.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0833JJJ_zps1a29f0fe.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0835JJJ_zpsead56d64.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0837JJJ_zpsd08b79dd.jpg

Prep - wheels, tires, wheel wells cleaned up - car washed, decon'd, and clayed.
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0838JJJ_zps8eb0d1b1.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0839JJJ_zpsaf8a3c27.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0840JJJ_zps7c957ae5.jpg
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http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0845JJJ_zpsf7e47c14.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0846JJJ_zpsc7a21775.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0847JJJ_zps41ebb5d2.jpg

Using the Uber Wool Wash Mitt for the tops and the Uber Yellow Wash Sponge for the bottom of the car. We do this to prevent dirt getting into the mitts and potentially scratching the paint.
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0848JJJ_zps93949c05.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0849JJJ_zpsd2c59895.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0850JJJ_zpsbc4bfcbb.jpg

[DetailersDomain]

Paint correction
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0887JJJ_zpsa19d3468.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0889JJJ_zpsb8417cc2.jpg
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http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0911JJJ_zps223ea9a9.jpg

[DetailersDomain]

Using the Flex XC3401 to get linear scratches off the wing and rear deck lid.
Using an Adam's Orange Pad and Adam's Paint Correcting Polish.
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0912JJJ_zps507efa3e.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0913JJJ_zps755d5970.jpg

50/50 shots - left side before - right side after.
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0915JJJ_zpscd944e71.jpg

Surprising how dull the paint was on a brand new car.
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0916JJJ_zpsa5582267.jpg

Customer requested to debadge, since the car was new it was quite easy to remove. We used dental floss and remove the emblems. We removed the leftover adhesive with Auto Finesse Obiltarate. Ghosting was remove with the Rupes LHR12 and Sonax Perfect Finish.

http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0918JJJ_zpsecacfd4c.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0919JJJ_zps58614042.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0922JJJ_zps66936cf0.jpg

Results after compound and polishing
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0923JJJ_zps5979eca3.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0925JJJ_zps0902ff58.jpg
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http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0930JJJ_zpsbf20353e.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0931JJJ_zps5445dec7.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0932JJJ_zps0f15c01a.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0933JJJ_zps9c4a73a9.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0934JJJ_zps1b908cc1.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0936JJJ_zps6ca6103a.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0939JJJ_zps4345e24a.jpg

After prepping the paint we applied Opti Coat Pro
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0940JJJ_zps6ba9b860.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0941JJJ_zps1d06a994.jpg

After
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0946JJJ_zpsd4b6eeb9.jpg
http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0959JJJ_zps783cefd0.jpg

[DetailersDomain]

http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0960JJJ_zpsaadce140.jpg
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http://i467.photobucket.com/albums/rr36/detailersdomain/stiiiii/IMG_0943JJJ_zps3e0f171c.jpg

Hope you enjoyed this one.

If you have any questions please post below or feel free to email me at [email protected]

[CLEANA3]

Great job , but man that sti is ugly , the older gens look so much better .

[helix139]

What the heck are some dealerships thinking? SMH. Great work Phil

[raudiace4]

I need paint correction, badly. Do you guys have any shops near the Chicago area? Or places you would recommend?

[DetailersDomain]

thanks guys, sorry no shops that I know off hand in Chicago.

[drx604]

i noticed you used Adam's All purpose cleaner to wash the tires... is that typically the best product to use for cleaning? Trying to find a good product for cleaning and then dressing the tires

And do you recommend a specific type of sponge/applicator for cleaning as well as for dressing after

thanks!

[Q5 Bob]

I need paint correction, badly. Do you guys have any shops near the Chicago area? Or places you would recommend?

Where are you located? There are some good shops around the area.

[helix139]

i noticed you used Adam's All purpose cleaner to wash the tires... is that typically the best product to use for cleaning? Trying to find a good product for cleaning and then dressing the tires

And do you recommend a specific type of sponge/applicator for cleaning as well as for dressing after

thanks!

Adam's APC is great for removing old tire dressing and grime from the tires. Use it in combination with a wheel brush.

For dressing, use Adam's tire dressing applicator with either Adam's SuperVRT or Sonax tire dressing. I recently switched to the Sonax from the Adam's as I feel it is a little more durable.

[raudiace4]

Where are you located? There are some good shops around the area.

I'm in schaumburg. My car was also keyed a couple weeks ago there is a deep gash down to sheetmetal on the trunk lid. The scratch is about 6-7 inches long can that be fixed or will I have to respray entire trunk lid?

[Q5 Bob]

I'm in schaumburg. My car was also keyed a couple weeks ago there is a deep gash down to sheetmetal on the trunk lid. The scratch is about 6-7 inches long can that be fixed or will I have to respray entire trunk lid?

Check out Lustr in Elk Grove Village. It's one of the best in the area. Also, Chicago Auto Pros in Glen Ellyn is supposed to be good too. Not sure about the keying damages. I'm sure a good shop could advise you.

[raudiace4]

Check out Lustr in Elk Grove Village. It's one of the best in the area. Also, Chicago Auto Pros in Glen Ellyn is supposed to be good too. Not sure about the keying damages. I'm sure a good shop could advise you.

Thanks!

[DetailersDomain]

Adam's APC is great for removing old tire dressing and grime from the tires. Use it in combination with a wheel brush.

For dressing, use Adam's tire dressing applicator with either Adam's SuperVRT or Sonax tire dressing. I recently switched to the Sonax from the Adam's as I feel it is a little more durable.

I would have suggested the same, thanks!

[Pilfer]

Question Phil, does Opticoat help to prevent swirls and small scratches for future washes? I had my car opticoated a year ago and noticed some swirls this morning while cleaning my wheels. I'm going to take my car to the detailer for an annual warranty inspection soon, do you think the opticoat would be reapplied under warranty or is it my mistake?

[DetailersDomain]

Great question, the opti coat can resist swirls and marring to a certain degree, however that being said you can swirl and scratch it. Swirls and scratches are not covered under warranty.

When I sell Opti Coat I tell customers it's a great way to protect your car as well as ease up the maintenance on it.

[JimWB]

How much extra time did you spend due to the marring from the dealer? I gave my dealer specific instructions not to touch the paint, yet there were marks much like the car here. They still deny they touched it, but once my detailer pulled out his lights it was obvious someone wiped it down. I guess next time I'll take some sort of light with me to inspect the paint at delivery.

Great job on the Suburu!

[DetailersDomain]

this took us about 12 hours.

Subie paint is not fun, BB for Audis is right up there ; )

[JimWB]

Yeah, the guy that worked on mine said Audi paint scratches easy, yet is hard to correct. He loves working with Porsche paint.

I was tempted to bring my car to you, but the long drive up 95 with new paint scared me. Not many people I would trust with black paint, but you sir are obviously one of the most talented detailers around. After many hours of research I was lucky to find a top notch detailer about 2 hours from where I live willing to drive to my house.

[DetailersDomain]

awesome let me know how it goes.

[Campblett]

I think the protective wrap that Audi uses on their cars during transport from Germany helps avoid a lot of these issues. That being said, the dealers usually are the big paint ruiners.

[JimWB]

awesome let me know how it goes.

All this took place a few weeks back. He did an outstanding job and obviously took a lot of pride in his work. When I dropped my car off last week for window tinting the owner said my detailers clear bra install was one of the best he had seen.

[CLEANA3]

Phil how you like the megs 100 been using the 105 a lot and love , have you used the 101 since they say it's for a foam pad

[DetailersDomain]

they all work pretty good I believe the 100 and the 101 will dust a bit less.

100 is nice product.