A Deep Dive into the Art of a Luxury Car Approved Car Detailer
When it comes to owning a high-performance vehicle like a Porsche, Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, or McLarern, you know that keeping it in top-notch condition is not only a matter of pride; but also a necessity for maintaining its value and performance.
As you might expect, detailing a luxury car is more than just a simple wash and wax job. As a luxury car-approved car detailer, we adhere to a high standard of care, using specialised techniques and products that are suited to the unique needs of this luxury car brand in the UK.
Here's an in-depth look at what goes into our valeting, detailing, and coating processes for your luxury car and SUV.
Table of Contents
Pre-Inspection
Before beginning any detailing process, we will thoroughly inspect your luxury car for any signs of damage, scratches, or imperfections.
This inspection is a crucial step our team carries because our detailers need to tailor their approach based on your vehicle's specific condition.
Exterior Wash
Once Inspected, we then carry out a detailed exterior wash using the 2-bucket method. This exterior wash consists of the following:
Step 1 - the Pre-Wash
The first step in any of our detailing jobs is a thorough pre-wash to remove loose dirt and debris from the paint, plastic and alloy surfaces.
This pre-wash often involves us applying a pre-wash foam using a foam cannon, allowing it to dwell, and then rinsing it off.
The purpose of this step is to make the car as clean as possible before touching the paint. This step removes the risk of scratching in the rest of the process.
Step 2 - the Two-Bucket Wash
In this step, two buckets - one for clean water and the other for the soapy mixture - are used to clean your luxury car.
However, our valets do not just use any soapy mixture; we only use a high-quality, pH-balanced shampoo that is employed, along with a soft wash mitt.
The two-bucket method ensures that we are not transferring dirt back onto the car as we wash it off and keep it separate.
Step 3 - the Wheel Cleaning
Wheels are often one of the dirtiest parts of the car and always require special attention. Consequently, we use special wheel cleaners, along with high-quality dedicated industry soft detailing brushes, which are ideally designed to scrub every nook and cranny efficiently while not scratching your pride and joy.
Paint Decontamination
Next, after the car is washed, we move on to Paint Decontamination. A wash can only remove the surface dirt well. What a wash can leave behind are more stubborn contaminants such as iron, tar, tree sap and lots more.
For this process, we then look to:
Step 1 - The Clay Bar
A clay bar is then used to remove any contaminants like tar, tree sap, and industrial fallout that a regular wash can not remove.
Step 2 - The Iron Fallout Removal
Our luxury car detailer will then look to use Iron fallout removers. These are used to tackle brake dust and other ferrous particles embedded into the paintwork.
Polishing and Paint Correction
A dual-action polisher is then deployed, along with cutting compounds and polishing compounds. These are deployed to remove scratches, swirl marks, and other imperfections in the paintwork.
This paint correction is where our luxury car-approved detailers' skill shines, as improper techniques here can burn through the paint, causing costly repairs. However, we only use the best-qualified SMART technicians in the area when it comes to this.
Machine polishing with a ceramic coating service is an advanced step in luxury car detailing that we also offer. These combined provide you with both aesthetic and protective benefits.
This process requires our specialised technicians and equipment to achieve the best results. This is broken down as such.
Step 1 - Surface Preparation for Ceramic Coating
After the machine polishing above has occurred, the surface is then wiped down with an Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) solution to remove any residual oils and polishing compounds.
This wipe-down ensures our technicians have the work surface that the ceramic coating needs to adhere correctly to your paintwork.
Step 2 - Application of the Ceramic Coating
A high-quality ceramic coating is then applied to the paint surface. Using precise strokes, the coating is levelled to form a uniform layer. This Ceramic coating offers you numerous benefits. These can include:
Protection Against Environmental Contaminants
The ceramic layer serves as a robust barrier against harmful UV rays, acid rain, and bird droppings, which can damage your paintwork over time.
Enhanced Durability
Unlike traditional waxes and sealants, ceramic coatings last much longer - often up to several years after application.
Hydrophobic Effect
The coating, when applied, repels water, making cleaning easier and extending the intervals between future washes.
Step 3 - The Curing Stage
Once the ceramic coating has been applied, it needs time to cure. This curing can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, depending on the environmental conditions and the product used.
Waxing
A layer of Carnauba wax can then be applied over the sealant or ceramic coating for added protection and aesthetic appeal.
Wheel and Calliper Coating
One of the often overlooked aspects of luxury car detailing, yet highly crucial, is the wheel and calliper coating. Not only does this add a finishing touch to your luxury car's wheels, but it also serves practical purposes such as protecting against corrosion - reducing more costly repairs down the line - and making future cleaning easier.
If this is something you would like us to carry out for you, our process around this tends to consist of:
Preparing the Wheels and Callipers
Before applying any coating to the wheels and callipers, it is essential our team, if not already, thoroughly cleans the wheels and the callipers.
This cleaning stage often involves use using specialised wheel cleaners that are safe for your luxury car's specific wheel material.
After cleaning, a preparatory solution is then applied to ensure that the surface is entirely free of any contaminants and oils that could interfere with the bonding of the coating.
Application of Coating
Once the wheels and callipers have been prepped, a high-quality ceramic coating is then applied.
Ceramic coatings, as above, are highly effective at repelling water, dirt, and brake dust, making them easier to clean in the future.
Our technicians carefully apply this coating using specialised applicators to ensure an even layer has been applied.
Curing Time
After the coating has been applied to the wheels and callipers, it needs time to cure. The curing time may vary, but we recommend leaving your car with us for at least 24 hours at this point. Some advanced coatings, though, may require heat curing - which should only be done by our professionals to avoid damaging the wheels or callipers.
Final Inspection and Buffing
Once the curing time has elapsed, the wheels and callipers are carefully inspected to ensure that the coating has adequately bonded to the surface. Any excess or uneven layer is then buffed out to leave you with a smooth finish.
What are some of the Benefits of having your Wheels and Callipers Coated?
Coating your Callipers and Wheels has a number of benefits. Some of these include:
- Enhanced Appearance
The coating provides a glossy finish that enhances the visual appeal of your luxury car’s wheels and callipers.
- Ease of Cleaning
Once coated, wheels and callipers are much easier to clean and maintain.
- Protection
The coating offers you an added level of protection against environmental contaminants, brake dust, and the harsh conditions of the road.
The inclusion of this step in your detailing regimen not only adds an aesthetic appeal but also prolongs the life of your wheels and callipers, ensuring they remain in pristine condition for years to come.
Glass Coatings
Another level of detailing service we can supply is luxury car Glass Coatings.
Glass coatings are essential to a comprehensive luxury car detailing process, particularly for enhancing visibility and safety. These coatings repel water, making it easier for drivers to see in inclement weather and simplifying your cleaning process.
When it comes to our Glass Coating processes, these can consist of:
Step 1 - the Glass Cleaning Stage
Before any coating can be applied to your glass, we must have a clean surface to work on. Consequently, we use specialised glass cleaners to remove dirt, grime, and any pre-existing coatings or treatments.
Step 2 - Surface Preparation
After cleaning, we then look to prepare the glass surface further. This preparation is done with a clay bar - or similar treatment - to remove any lingering contaminants that stubbornly remain after the cleaning stage.
This step ensures maximum adhesion for the coating when applied by our detailing technicians in the next stage.
Step 3 - The Application of the Glass Coating
Our detailers will then carefully apply a high-quality glass coating using a sponge or applicator pad.
The coating is then levelled to form an even layer, as the proper application is crucial to prevent streaking and ensure you receive a uniform protection.
Step 4 - the Curing Time
Like the other coatings, the glass coating then requires time to cure. The duration can vary depending on the product and weather conditions but typically ranges from a few hours to a full day. During this period, we keep the glass dry to allow a perfect cure. </p
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Benefits of Glass Coating
Automotive Glass coating has a number of benefits. These can consist of:
- Improved Visibility
A glass-coating significantly improves visibility during rain by causing water to bead up and roll off the glass.
- Easy Cleaning
Dust and dirt are less likely to stick to a coated surface, making the glass easier to clean.
- Durability
Quality glass coatings are long-lasting and can withstand environmental factors like UV rays and acid rain.
Interior Detailing
When cleaning your luxury car's interior, we have devised a detailed process to ensure it comes up showroom-ready. This process consists of:
Vacuum and Dusting
Our Valeters will start by vacuuming the interior and dusting all your surfaces.
Upholstery and Leather Cleaning
Once vacuumed, our detailers will use specialised cleaners to treat leather, fabric, and other upholstery materials. Conditioning products are then applied afterwards to keep the leather soft and supple.
Dashboard and Trim
Plastic and vinyl surfaces are then given our detailer's attention, with them being cleaned and treated with UV-protective sprays.
Fabric Roof Treatments
For luxury car models with a fabric convertible roof, specialised care and treatment are taken to maintain the integrity and appearance of the top roof.
These Fabric roof treatments not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also offer further enhanced protection from various environmental factors that they wouldn't have been protected with prior.
When it comes to the Fabric roof treatments, our process can tend to fall around these lines:
Deep Cleaning
The first step in treating a fabric roof is a thorough cleaning. Consequently, we deploy a specialised fabric roof cleaner to remove dirt, grime, and any mildew that might have formed.
A soft detailer bristle brush is then employed for better cleaning while ensuring the fabric is not damaged whilst doing so.
Stain Removal
Any stubborn stains are then treated with further specialised stain removers that are designed to be safe for fabric roofs.
Our detailers have years of experience knowing which cleaners to use on which fabric roofs to ensure that the cleaner won’t discolour or damage your fabric.
Application of Protective Treatment
Once the roof is then clean and dry, a protective treatment will then be applied by our detailers. These treatments can serve you with multiple purposes:
These can consist of:
- UV Protection
To safeguard the fabric from harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause fading.
- Water Repellency
To ensure water beads off rather than soaking into the fabric, thus preventing mildew formation.
- Dirt and Stain Resistance
To make future cleaning easier.
Final Touches in our Detailing Processes
To complete the detailing processes on your luxury car, the windows are cleaned inside and out, the exhaust tips are polished, and the tires are dressed with a water-based tyre shine to give you an excellent professional-level finish.
Porsche Valeting and Detailing Service Final Thoughts
When you leave your luxury car with a us, luxury car-approved car detailer, you're entrusting your vehicle to an expert in your local area who understands this luxury brand's specific requirements and nuances.
Our extensive detailing process ensures that every inch of the car is meticulously cleaned, polished, and protected, thereby maintaining not just your car's appearance but also its value and integrity for years to come.
Transform the look and feel of your luxury car with our unparalleled detailing services. From machine polishing to glass coatings, we cover every aspect to ensure your vehicle remains in its prime condition.
- ☑ Highly Skilled Technicians
Our team specialises in luxury car detailing and uses the best products and equipment available to do so.
- ☑ Comprehensive Services
Whether it's a fabric roof treatment or a wheel and calliper coating, we offer a complete range of services.
- ☑ Convenient Locations
Based in many locations across the UK, we are easily accessible to all luxury car owners in the local area and a field who want that professional showroom-ready finish.
Call us and Get In Touch Now