Work Processes
All our processes are designed along a damage limitation strategy. Where no correction work is being carried out, the aim is to maintain a vehicle without causing any further damage to the paintwork whilst cleansing it. Where a vehicle has had correction work, the aim is to prolong the finish, minimising additional periodical work. Below are a range of processes that are used to create and maintain the finish of the vehicle.
Masking:
To ensure the protection of rubber surrounds, chrome plated trim and badges, a vehicle specific masking tape is used to protect these parts. This ensures they do not get impregnated with polish residue or damaged by the polishing machine.
Degreasing:
A citrus based degreaser is used to start breaking down grim attached to the vehicle surface.
Foaming:
Applying foam to the vehicle and letting it dwell, helps to remove loose dirt. The less dirt on the vehicle at the washing process, the better, as there is less chance of instilling new defects.
Two bucket washing:
Using two buckets, one with a soap solution and one clear water with a guard installed, allows the lamb’s wool mitt to be rinsed out regularly whilst using the guard to remove grit. The benefit of a lamb’s wool mitt over a sponge is that grit gets pulled deep into the pile, away from the paints surface. The majority of sponges trap this dirt between the surfaces, inflicting further damage.
Claying:
The washing process is unable to removed contaminants that are bonded to the vehicles surface. By using a clay bar and lubricant, the contaminants are slowly broken down until they are either fully removed or flush with the surrounding surface. This provides a better surface for polishing, also ensuring contaminants are not moved around in the polishing process, causing damage.
Machine Polishing:
This process is used to remove the majority of paint defects. By using various grades of pads, polishes and compounds, most defects can be reduced or removed fully. By using a finishing pad, glazes, sealants and waxes can also be applied.Wet Sanding:
Where extreme defects are apparent, like deep scratches or orange peel, a wet sanding process can be used. This is the last port of call and is not resorted to often. It is a time consuming process and due to the increased abrasiveness there is more chance of breaking through coating layers. The extent of wet sanding is always proportional to the depth of paint available.