They say if you work hard, you should play hard! And this is what Clean + Shiny founder John Hole did. After many years of work, he was in the position to buy something him and his wife would really enjoy. After having Paint Protection Film installed by our PPF guy, it was time to refine some other areas and apply Gtechniq coatings throughout.
After we performed our usual safe wash, which includes a citrus pre-wash, snow foam, rinse and a two-bucket hand wash, it was time to take the X3 into our unit to begin the detail on John's car. First up, we tackled the intricate wheels.
Our go-to wheel wash media at the moment is The Rag Company's Microfiber Wheel Mitt. They're super soft and allow you to get into all the nooks and crannies to fully clean wheel surfaces, including spokes and barrels.
The suds were rinsed and we used our EGO battery blower to safely dry each wheel. Due to the gloss black details, this was the best option prior to installing Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour; the amount of polishing would be reduced. We are an EGO retailer, check out our the range here.
As part of the wheel coating prep, John used our intricate polishing equipment so that all of the gloss black areas were rid of even the slightest of blemishes. This created a fresh surface ready to be coated with Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour.
Wheel surfaces were buffed, treated with Gtechniq Panel Wipe and then coated with C5 Wheel Armour by in-house wheel expert, Alex.
Meanwhile, wheel hub surfaces were also coated with C5, as it's a really versatile coating for metal surfaces. This would mean that the wheels will always come away from the car if the tyres need changing or if John wants to do another deep clean.
Car wheels can sometimes become stuck to the hubs due to mild corrosion, which can present a safety issue if you're on the side of the road with a flat tyre. Using a coating to prevent this is ideal.
The brake calipers were also coated to make cleaning them easier.
While we had the coating to hand, the exhaust tips were coated. Again, this would make the wash process a little easier and preserve the surfaces.
John and Bill worked together to carefully re-install the wheels.
With the wheels re-installed, it was time for Gtechniq T1. This is a durable tyre dressing that makes the car really 'pop' as the tyres are given a wet-look or satin finish... depending on your preference. For ease of use, we like the Gyeon applicator.
Wheel nuts were torqued to spec and the car, which was on our ramp, was lowered so we could carry on with further detailing.
We then moved onto polishing the glass to remove any minor defects and remaining contamination. This prepares all surfaces for Gtechniq Clear Vision Smart Glass, a 2-year hydrophobic coating designed to make wet weather driving safer.
With glass polishing complete, residue was buffed away and we could then move on to installing Gtechniq G1, which is the first part of Smart Glass.
Due to the way Gtechniq G1 is applied, it always leaves a range of patterns on the glass. This ensures the coating is installed correctly.
G1 is removed using G2, a dedicated residue remover. Similar to G1, G2 has to be used in a specific way as set out in our Gtechniq Accredited training.
One more final buff and the glass coating was complete.
The paintwork on the X3 really only needed a 'tickle' as it was in very good condition. This isn't always the case with new cars so it was a big time saving.
After polishing it was time for Gtechniq Panel Wipe. This prepares all painted surfaces for Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra; their flagship, 9-year ceramic coating. It's also an Accredited Detailer-only product, so we're proud to be able to offer this product to our customers.
Crystal Serum Ultra has to be applied in a controlled environment to maximise coating consistency and performance.
Bill and Josh work tag-team style on each panel. Application is closely followed by the initial 'level pass' with a microfibre towel. This ensures the coating is spread evenly.
This first pass is followed by a 'safety buff' to ensure the coating blends into adjacent passes. If this is not done correctly you end up with sections of paintwork that will appear darker than others.
This is followed by a final buff with a new microfibre towel to ensure all areas are level with no 'high spots'. This is when the coating starts to fully cure on paintwork that has been 'missed' and not fully-buffed.
With Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra now fully installed, it was time for Gtechniq EXO V5, their hydrophobic top coat. Once cured, this gives 12 months of water, dirt and grime repellency and makes cleaning your car far easier.
With it being a product available to the general public, EXO V5 is easier to apply than Crystal Serum Ultra, or the less durable, Crystal Serum Light. However, you still need to concentrate and install EXO V5 correctly on all painted areas.
Each pass of EXO V5 is left to 'sweat'. Once you can see the coating start to separate it's time to level it with a microfibre towel. As usual, our go-to are The Rag Company Pearl towels. Available as a standard pack or perforated, on a roll and packaged in a box.
Bill and Josh worked together to ensure EXO V5 was installed correctly.
Final buffs were completed then it was time to let EXO V5 fully cure. This takes 12 hours before the car can be taken outside and into the elements.
John opted to have Paint Protection Film (PPF) installed on the bonnet and front bumper. This film prevents stones and other debris from hitting the paintwork, therefore preserving the factory finish for longer.
Gtechniq manufactures HALO, which is a dedicated PPF coating. HALO creates a hydrophobic layer which not only protects the PPF, but it also allows any water beading to match that of EXO V5. This creates visual consistency throughout the car when it's been raining. Washing areas of the car with PPF is also as easy as those coated with EXO V5.
Being another product available to the general public, HALO is as easy to apply as EXO V5. It also has similar behaviour when it's time to level and buff.
HALO was applied to the PPF using the included AP2 applicator.
Similar to EXO V5, HALO 'sweats' or 'blooms' when it's time to level and buff.
Out came The Rag Company Pearl towels.
With the bonnet complete and looking dripping wet with gloss, we moved onto the front bumper.
Apply, allow to sweat, level and buff.
With all of the coatings now installed, it was time for our final checks to ensure every surface was fully buffed. EXO V5 and HALO was now ready for the cure time overnight.
The next day John was able to take the X3 home and, of course, we managed to get some photos of the finished car!
Our work became very obvious with the car outside. Every panel had superb levels of gloss, the tyres looked fantastic with the T1 tyre dressing and the glass was crystal clear and fully protected from the elements.
John was very happy with the results and, after years of hard work, the X3 was in good company with his M2 Competition sitting close by!
If you fancy giving your new car the best possible start in its life, feel free to get in touch with us for a custom detailing quote. Our detailing base is in Aldershot, Hampshire and we welcome you to pop down prior or after taking delivery of your car to discuss the options available to you.
Let us make your car clean, shiny and protected. Talk to us today
The Clean + Shiny Team.
