Automotive
Reconditioning
Originated
in California, and is basically taking a car and preparing it to the highest of
standards, by paying attention to every last 'detail'. Many people assume that
it’s the same as the predominantly British terminology, ‘Valeting’; this is due
to some of the processes involved - i.e. cleaning. However the difference lies
within the different stages of each process and ultimately the finished result.
We are talking real perfectionist attention to detail. In some countries they
call it “Salon de belleza para automobiles” (beauty salon for cars) in
California they call it automotive reconditioning
Automotive
reconditioning is the practice of performing an extremely thorough cleaning of
an automobile, both inside and out. Paint renovation is the removal of surface
scratches and blemishes by 'levelling' the paint with a rotary machine, and the
application of a wax or paint sealant to produce a show-quality level of
detail. It can be practiced for personal satisfaction, and it is also performed
to prepare a car for a Concours d'Elegance (often shortened to just Concours),
a car show that features the appearance of cars. Elements of exterior reconditioning
include claying, polishing, and waxing.
Interior reconditioning involves the cleaning
of the interior of a vehicle using vacuums, liquid cleaners, and brushes.
Engine reconditioning involves cleaning the engine bay area of dirt and grease
by using degreasers and all-purpose cleaners.
Automotive reconditioning; Knowledge, Experience, and the
Applicable Chemistry; balanced to provide Aesthetics
Formulate
a plan, then utilize proper techniques, combined with quality products is what
makes a reconditioning outcome successful. It also takes a willingness to
experiment, which usually means deviating from the product manufacturers
directions, making objectives observations based upon experience and adjusting
the techniques used as necessary, always keeping an open mind on manufacturer’s
claims for their products.
Elements
of exterior reconditioning include claying, polishing, and waxing. Interior reconditioning
involves the cleaning of the interior of a vehicle using vacuums, liquid
cleaners, and brushes. Engine reconditioning involves cleaning the engine bay
area of dirt and grease by using degreasers and all-purpose cleaners.
Experience; it takes time to learn how to use the various tools correctly along
with the appropriate products. Knowledge; takes an open mind, a willingness to
learn and experiment, while taking time to learn from others
The
number of vehicles worked on or the amount of ‘time’ you have in reconditioning
does not make necessarily make you a top class detailer (it is possible to make
the same mistakes over and over again- just because it works and that’s the way
you’ve always done it, are very pathetic excuses.
Analysis
and diagnosis is the best approach to take. All professionals, even doctors
refer to their medical books or to other doctors for advice when they are
confronted with a problem to which they don’t have the answer to. A paint film
surface is a delicate thin coating; easily dulled and very easily scratched and
/ or damaged.
So if
you are confronted with a problem that you can’t solve on your own, seek advice
from an expert on what has proven to work without causing damage. Choose
carefully the advice you listen to and more importantly what advice you act
upon. As opposed to an opinion of what might fix it.
A
detailer combines chemicals, equipment as well as knowledge of the materials
used in automotive manufacturing (vehicle surfaces). ‘Chemicals’, refers to the
cleaning and protection products used, ‘equipment,’ refers to the tools used,
for example, random orbital polishers, high-speed rotary polishers, extractors
and power washers, to name but a few.
Vehicle
surfaces require a basic understanding of chemistry and how to rejuvenate and
protect each of the many and varied material surfaces, regardless of its
specific surface composition making objective observations based upon experience,
the results obtained, and adjusting the techniques and products used as
necessary. Reconditioning also takes a willingness to experiment, which usually
means deviating from the product manufacturers directions, making objectives
observations based upon experience and adjusting the techniques used as
necessary, always keeping an open mind on manufacturer’s claims for their
products.
Cleaning
Analysis
and diagnosis is the best approach to take. All professionals, even doctors
refer to their medical books or to other doctors for advice when they are
confronted with a problem to which they don’t have the answer to. A paint film
surface is a delicate thin coating; easily dulled and very easily scratched and
/ or damaged.
So if
you are confronted with a problem that you can’t solve on your own, seek advice
from an expert on what has proven to work without causing damage. Choose
carefully the advice you listen to and more importantly what advice you act
upon. As opposed to an opinion of what might fix it.
Reconditioning
is an essential part in the maintaining the appearance of a vehicle. The
objective when reconditioning a vehicle is to make a vehicle look as good as it
can. In many cases make it look better than it was when new. Reconditioning can
take a lot of time, but the results are always worth the effort. Proper reconditioning
will also protect a vehicle from environmental hazards that can rob life away
from your vehicle. In order to attain and maintain an optically perfect shine,
you must protect it from natural deterioration and dullness that occurs over
time.
Reconditioning
can be very simple and fun if you use the correct methodologies and products
that work. Research other options and products, test them and then make an
objective decision based upon factual information not hype or brand loyalty.
After all, how can you fully understand and properly use any product unless you
have all the facts? It is also recommended that you should also verify any
information that anyone shares with you.
The
only way to do this is a consistent three-step routine; Clean, Polish, Protect
The
question is... Do I
buy a new car or keep my present one and do my best to keep appearance at its
best and maintain it at top value?
Well
the second part of that question is where proper reconditioning can help. An
investment in your time and top quality products will help you maintain the
finish and looks of your daily driver as well as your "toy." Any
prospective buyer in the future will know that you've taken care of your
vehicle and it's worth the price you're asking for it.
Vehicle
Condition and Resale Price
When
it comes to selling your vehicle, you never get a second chance to make a great
first impression. The most important thing is to clean the vehicle inside and
out, including the engine bay. A clean, shiny vehicle gives the impression that
you cared about the vehicle and maintained its condition. This may also
increase your vehicle's sale price significantly.
To
see just how much the condition of your vehicle affects its valuation and its
resale value we examined some figures from Kelly’s Blue Book and Glass's Guide.
The only variable that changed for each vehicle was its condition, rated fair
or excellent, with a scale of poor, fair, good or excellent.
This
clearly shows the significant differences in the value of maintaining your
vehicle. The average difference was over three thousand dollars or 16% more
when comparing the value from fair to excellent. These figures do not solely
reflect the added value of reconditioning, but clearly it's a large component
of the equation.
Process
over Product
A
product represents a very small percentage of the equation; identification of
the materials, correct diagnosis of a suitable method and the selection of an
appropriate product along with the correct surface preparation and application
methodology will result in the desired result being obtained
Product
Use
Dependent
upon your reconditioning goals and the areas of concern you would like to work
on.You do need to understand some of the basic chemistry behind the materials
and finishes used for automobiles to understand how to care for it.
Diagnosis
is the key, not guess work; the most important thing to find out before you
attempt to clean or care for something is to ascertain what the material finish
is made from. Much the same is true if you’re trying to remove a stain, what
caused the stain (Organic stains, Inorganic stains or Petroleum soils) and what
is the material you are trying to remove the stain from.
Materials
Technology
Automotive
OEM technology is becoming more and more complex requiring educated and skilled
technicians to work on them. As the materials used are constantly changing we
must maintain our knowledge base and utilize the correct products and
application methodologies to keep up with emerging technologies.
It is
very important to be able to recognise the various finishes and materials used
by OEM’s as they all require different methodologies and products for proper
care and maintenance.
Interiors: some automobile model
ranges use different materials for their vehicles interiors; finished leathers
like Aniline, Pigmented, Covered and unfinished materials like Synthetics and
Alcantara, and sometimes combinations of products (Alcantara seat inserts on
leather seating) all of which require different products and applications
methods.
Exterior: paint finish type will also
vary between single stage, base coat clear coat (it’s important to be able to
differentiate between these paint types as methodologies / products vary)
metallic, and Tri-coat pearl paint finishes, which all vary in density (hardness)
Don't
ever stop learning: knowledge of new technology and application methods also
make detailer’s an asset to both a company and its clients and increase the
value of the services offered
Product
Application
The
main priority is to ascertain the material you are trying to clean and then
select a chemical that is compatible to clean it with Providing the cleaning
product selected is suitable, apply product to an applicator not the area to be
cleaned (the only exception to this is glass surface cleaning) apply several
drops of the selected cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area and rub gently
with a clean, white micro fibre towel. Do not over wet. Use small amounts of
the product and blot frequently, do not rub or use too much pressure.
Do not use the product if it adversely changes the material’s
colour or texture.
Focusing
on one person’s methodologies or the products they use will seriously limit
your reconditioning experience and knowledge. Most importantly - choose
carefully whose advice you listen to, and more importantly what advice you act
upon. The misinformation and myths that are so prevalent in the detail industry
is the reason that detailers need to do research on their own. I would strongly
suggest that you verify any information that I or anyone else shares with you.
Attention
to the small details
It’s
often the small things that make the difference between a good detail and an
outstanding one. Once your paint is polished and protected look to the final
details; wheel wells, glass surfaces, tyres and the exhaust tips
Paint
renovation, although the most noticeable aspect of reconditioning; it’s just
the beginning. Cleaning is an essential part in the maintaining the appearance
of a vehicle. The vehicle owner spends most time inside the vehicle, so the
interior attention to details is of paramount importance. The objective when reconditioning
a vehicle is to make a vehicle look as good as it can; both inside and outside;
in many cases make it look better than it was when new. Reconditioning can take
a lot of time, but the results are always worth the effort.
Proper
reconditioning will also protect a vehicle from environmental hazards that can
rob life away from your vehicle. In order to attain and maintain an optically
perfect shine, you must protect it from natural deterioration and dullness that
occurs over time.
Reconditioning
can be very simple and fun if you use the correct methodologies and products
that work. Research other options and products, test them and then make an
objective decision based upon factual information not hype or brand loyalty.
After all, how can you fully understand and properly use any product unless you
have all the facts? It is also recommended that you should also verify any
information that anyone shares with you. The only way to do this is a
consistent three-step routine; Clean, Polish, Protect
I
hope the above article was informative. By having some understanding of the
‘What’ and ‘Why’ as well as the ‘How’ along with a little science to help you
understand how the chemicals we use react, you can achieve the results you
desire.
Questions
and/ or constructive comments are always appreciated
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