Apollo Detailing: Full Correction Imola Red '05 BMW 330ci ZHP

Holden_C04

New member
This vehicle was purchased several days prior to it this paint correction. The dealer swirled it quite a bit and applied a type of glaze that hid many of the swirls. It wasn't the worst vehicle I had seen but it did require a multi-step correction.



The weather was overcast and the swirls did not appear until after an IPA wipedown and the sun returned.



Paint Correction Process



-Examine paint condition using dual halogen set-up



-Wash the entire vehicle using the two-bucket method



-Rinse using the sheeting method and dry with waffle weave microfibre



-IPA wipedown to ensure removal of fillers



-Clay with Meguiars Professional Clay and custom formulated spray lubricant



-Re-wash using two-bucket method, sheet-rinse and dry with WW microfibre



-Re-inspect paint using dual halogen set-up



-Tape off a section on the hood to determine the correct method of attack



-Compound with Menzerna PG on Lake Country Yellow Pad



-Polish using Menzerna FP on Lake Country White Pad



-Re-wash using two-bucket method to remove polishing dust and lubricating oils, sheet-rinse and dry with WW microfibre



-Perform inspection of painted surfaces with dual-halogen lighting system



-All painted surfaces and windows sealed with Klasse AIO on Lake Country Black Pad



-Bare hand pure carnauba wax application with Swissvax Saphir



-Kidney grills and chrome window trim sealed with metal restorer



-Plastic/Vinyl/Rubber trim treated with 303 Aerospace Protectant



-Alloy wheels cleaned with Sonax Wheel Gel Cleaner



-Tires dressed with Poorboy's Bold N' Bright



Total time: 12.5 hours









Before shots







05BM330ZHP001.jpg




Dirt covered the vehicle and, combined with the overcast sky, hid the true condition of the paint.



05BM330ZHP002.jpg


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I proceeded to tape off a section of the hood, wiped down the area with 50/50 and did a test correction.







05BM330ZHP004.jpg








The area had some significant swirls and determined that a two-step correction, Menzerna PG followed by Menzerna IP would be appropriate.



Continuing with the paint correction...



05BM330ZHP005.jpg


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Clean wheels :xyxthumbs





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I didn't get any shots during the polish because it was getting late, so it's straight to final finishing.



Paint Correction complete



05BM330ZHP007.jpg


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Observe how my hand bead water after application of Swissvax.





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Prior to removal of the wax.







05BM330ZHP011.jpg








After Swissvax removal.



05BM330ZHP012.jpg
 
Prior to pickup by the owner.









05BM330ZHP014.jpg


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The owner admiring the beautiful Imola Red finish on his new-to-him 2005 BMW 330ci ZHP. A shine that could only be created by Apollo Detailing.









05BM330ZHP017.jpg
 
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Holden_C04 said:
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Oh I wonder what the neighbors think...



Great music by the way, excellent choice.
 
Denzil said:
I'm curious but what effect does it have to apply wax by hand? Is it more beneficial than applying with applicators/pads?



If it is anything like Victoria wax, they say the warmth of your hand is the first catalyst for bonding the wax to the paint. I've done this many times with Victoria wax but I find that it will mico mar the paint, and my hands are not that rough. This is not seen on lighter color cars but on polished dark colors I notice it. I now use a very soft sponge to apply the wax, and it looks just as good as if I did it by hand. It may not last as long but at least I don't mar the paint. Hard clears seem ok but anything else I find will mar so I don't take the chance anymore by hand.
 
people who are not familiar with detailing prolly think waxing with hands is retarded... but man, it looks so fun and prolly the most accurate and controlled form of application
 
Thank you to all who posted.



1) Yes, Holden_Caulfield04 does come from Catcher in the Rye. Good eye!



2) Waxing by hand...



Have not noticed micro-marring issue but will keep my eye on this issue if it does arise.



People who are not familiar with this art do think I am crazy when I do this...



3) Music



I LOVE Beethoven. Best of all, it's free. ;)
 
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