Reflections Detailing of Utah: Jet black Jag

Greg Nichols

New member
This was a very busy summer for both detailing and working on my home. Some of my long time followers will notice some changes to my shop. In the near future I hope to post some photos of the entire process done to the shop.



This jet black jag was a new car to one of my old time clients, a guy that views a lot on Autopia. I’ve done his green Vette in the past. Got a call that he just bought a new to him black Jag and it needed my love. It was a good looker from 20’ away, but turned a greyish color upon close inspection.



The dealer tried their best to cover up all the issues, but the owners eye knew better. As I deconed the paint with Autoint 3 stage system, it quickly became clear the paint was flogged pretty bad. Being on the easier to correct level of hardness, my trick was to preserve as much paint as possible and try to get out all the defects. The inital paint meter readings indicated I was in luck with thickness. After a few test spots, more readings, more leveling, readings, inspections......I was feeling good about what needed to happen to meet all the goals of this detail.



Process:



Decon the paint to see what the canvas would show using Autoint 3 step system

Test some panels

105 purple foam wool and my rotary would level the paint and minimize the amount of after polishings needed. Using the KBM style on the rotary worked great

Secondary Polishing of Menzerna 203 and Megs 205 on black pads took out any pad marring and wool haze left behind.

I tried to finish down with 85rd, but no go

Broke out the 3M UF and UF pad and glossed it up perfectly. Yes UF can invert fill with its oils, but rest assured 70/30 IPA made sure I was golden.

My lsp of choice was BFWD on a red pad and PC. The paint was workable, but seem to haze when wiped too much with a MF, and I use Eurow Plush towels! The BFWD is easy on, easy off IME, and it looks amazing on black. A sealant is ideal as this is a daily driver here in UTAH. Winter is harsh on cars!



The interior leather got a good ole leatherique treatment, as the leather was a tad stiff.



Carpets steamed clean, hard surfaces cleaned and 303’ed.



Total time 15hrs to give her the glory deserved.





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The hood had some very unlevel paint, chips, water etching

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Afters! looking at all those befores give me anxiety! Now this should calm the nerves and sedate the neurons some



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In process on this one, sorry to revert to some anxiety again


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Dont’ you feel less anxiety after all these “AFTER” photos? Turned out just like the client wanted, the both of them walked around, and around saying nothing.........I was concerned! He then stated it looks and is perfect. Not perfect exactly, I made the decision to leave a few deep RIDS in to preserve the paint thickness as the best option, that is why I consider my workmanship perfect because I make the tough decisions and preform taking in all the possible outcomes.



Cheers,

GREG
 
advs1 said:
awesome work!!



Thanks Jose! It was a ton of work, but the results make up for the effort!



tdekany said:
I love it! I like working on Jag's black.



This jag black was a lot like Jet black BMW or Bentley gloss black. Easy to mar, but harder to remove deep RIDS. It will be a maintaince chore for sure. But the client is able to do it, if not they have my number! Thanks Thomas



RenuAuto said:
Killer work as always Greg! The transformation is jaw dropping.



Thanks a bunch. Its a transformation I'm proud of, its how every black car should look afterwords. Thanks Grant!



Cheers,

GREG
 
:goodjob

Fantastic work!!! Would have taken some time to do the entire car, and I'm glad it turned out well.

Most important is....the car owner must be hapy!!!!:grinno:
 
gigondaz said:
:goodjob

Fantastic work!!! Would have taken some time to do the entire car, and I'm glad it turned out well.

Most important is....the car owner must be hapy!!!!:grinno:



Thanks man! It took awhile, very glad the client was super patience.



ramtough said:
Biack cat looks ready to pounce now. Very nice job looks like a swimming pool.



When it drove off, it just looked so damn good, made the other black car that drove by a few minutes after look like grey paint.



Cheers,

GREG
 
Always liked the look of those Jags. A job beyond well done. The black looks amazing. Question: You used Menz 203 and Meg 205 as your secondary polishing step? Did you use 203 then follow that up with 205? or Did you mix the 2?
 
ADetailedFinish said:
Amazing work man! Great transformation!



Thanks for the kudos, always a thrill to resurrect a paint job, and give value to the vehicle!



sal329 said:
Always liked the look of those Jags. A job beyond well done. The black looks amazing. Question: You used Menz 203 and Meg 205 as your secondary polishing step? Did you use 203 then follow that up with 205? or Did you mix the 2?



I did not mix them, I used them in different area as needed. Looking at how the paint is reacting to the method or product is what made this decision.......the client was wanting the best possible outcome.
 
Looks outstanding as expected Greg. Kudos for going easy on the paint and leaving plenty of thickness for future corrections - that's the responsible thing to do IMO.
 
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