Ask a Professional Detailer….
Greg @ Detailed Image
My black C280 doesn't look quite as bad as your "before" picture but I would like to get it back to the mirror finish it had when it was new. Using one of the "kits" you recommended, how many hours would it take an amateur to complete the process?
Also, if I didn't want to do it myself, how would I go about finding an auto detailer capable of doing this kind of work (as opposed to someone who is a glorified car waxer) and what would be a reasonable amount to pay for the service?
If its a thick sticker or an emblem I would use the same process but after I use the blow dryer I gently work fishing line behind the emblem/sticker. As long as the glue behind the emblem/sticker is warm or loose the fishing line can usually pop them off no problem. Then just follow the recommendations listed above all the way through.
If you have any other questions please let me know.
Greg @ Detailed Image
Restoring it yourself can have a variety of meanings. The step thats going to give you the most noticeable difference is using a two step polishing combination. Applying the Menzerna Intensive Polish and Menzerna Final Polish II with the Porter Cable 7424 will help reduce the apperance of swirls, remove oxidation and other imperfections in the clear coat. It won't remove every imperfection but significantly reduce them. I'll outline a basic restoration and then a full one with estimated times if done by yourself.
Basic Restoration
Wash/Dry 45 minutes
PC 7424 and Menzerna Intensive Polish 1.5 - 2 hours
PC 7424 and Menzerna Final Polish II 1.5 hours
PC 7424 Wax or sealant 45 minutes
Estimated Total 4.5 - 5 hours
Full Restoration
Wash/Dry 45 minutes
Clay Bar 1.5 hours
PC 7424 and Menzerna Intensive Polish 1.5 - 2 hours
PC 7424 and Menzerna Final Polish II 1.5 hours
PC 7424 and Menzerna Finishing Touch Glaze 45 minutes
PC 7424 and Menzerna Full Molecular Jacket 45 minutes
Poorboy's World Natty's Blue Paste Wax (applied and removed by hand) 45 minutes
Estimated Total 7.5 - 8 hours
To help understand this process better I highly recommend reading our How To pages that outline this exact process. These are two good options and I can certainly custom tailor a package to your needs. These are just some sample packages of what you can do. Let me know what you think of this process and if you'd like more information about how to best complete this detail. Thanks for posting and I look forward to hearing from you.
Greg @ Detailed Image
My black C280 doesn't look quite as bad as your "before" picture but I would like to get it back to the mirror finish it had when it was new. Using one of the "kits" you recommended, how many hours would it take an amateur to complete the process?
Also, if I didn't want to do it myself, how would I go about finding an auto detailer capable of doing this kind of work (as opposed to someone who is a glorified car waxer) and what would be a reasonable amount to pay for the service?
Thanks for your detailed response. One more question: is there a limit to the number of times you can you do this over the life of the car without damaging the paint?
As for regular maintenance, are your recommendations for products and frequency also in the "how-to" section?
A detailing schedule can vary depending on how much time you can commit to the job and your goals. Here is a sample schedule of what you can do to have a well protected vehicle as well as a deep shine.
Step 1 - Wash/Dry
Step 2 - Clay Bar
Step 3 - PC 7424 and Menzerna Intensive Polish
Step 4 - PC 7424 and Menzerna Final Polish II
Step 5 - PC 7424 and Menzerna Finishing Touch Glaze
Step 6 - PC 7424 and Menzerna Full Molecular Jacket
Step 7 - Poorboy's World Natty's Blue Paste Wax
11/06 – Full Detail All 7 Steps
12/06 – Steps 1, 6 and/or 7
01/07– Steps 1, 6 and/or 7
02/07– Steps 1, 6 and/or 7
03/07– Steps 1, 6 and/or 7
04/07– Steps 1, 6 and/or 7
05/07– Full Detail All 7 Steps
06/07– Steps 1, 6 and/or 7
07/07– Steps 1, 6 and/or 7
08/07– Steps 1, 6 and/or 7
09/07– Steps 1, 6 and/or 7
10/07– Steps 1, 6 and/or 7
11/07– Full Detail All 7 Steps
If you'd like a detailing schedule for another detailing package please let me know. I just did it for the full process but would be happy to adjust it if needed. Let me know if you have any questions.
Greg @ Detailed Image
Could you please email me prices on the following:
Step 1 - Wash/Dry - What do you recommend?
Step 2 - Clay Bar & Lubricant - What do you recommend?
Step 3 - Menzerna Intensive Polish
Step 4 - Menzerna Final Polish II
Step 5 - Menzerna Finishing Touch Glaze
Step 6 - Menzerna Full Molecular Jacket
Step 7 - Poorboy's World Natty's Blue Paste Wax
Include the Porter Cable 7424 with the Velcro backer and the recommended Lake Country pads.
Thanks!
Barry
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
If anyone else would like a custom package built for them please let me know.
Greg @ Detailed Image
Thanks for your advice and quick responses to my emails. I just placed my order for the package you recommended. The process was really easy. You've obviously spent a lot of time refining your website and it shows.
It will be a couple of weeks before I can get the time to devote to this project. Once I've got it done, I'll let you know it went.
Barry
Thank you very much for your purchase and support of Detailed Image. Please let me know if you have any questions with the products or during any part of the detailing process. I look forward to hearing about your results with the products.
Greg @ Detailed Image
Below we have posted some before and after pictures of work Detailed Image has done with the service side of our business. These results can be achieved by anyone who is willing to learn about detailing properly with the right combination of products. We can help you pick out a detailing package that best fits your vehicle’s particular needs.
Don't be afraid to post up any questions that you have no matter how simple or complex it is. We’ll do our best to provide you a detailed and timely response.
Before - Notice the house in the background through the haze?

After:

Side by Side Comparison:

Thank you and we look forward to starting up some great dialogue!
George and Greg
Owners - Detailed Image
WOW, the before and after picutre of that black MB is incredible, I was just wondering how long the outside of that car took to do and what steps you took, one by one?
Step 1 - Wash/Dry
Step 2 - Clear Kote Clay Bar with Clear Kote Quick Shine Clay Lube
Step 3 - Menzerna Intensive Polish (orange cutting pad)
Step 4 - Menzerna Final Polish II (white polishing pad)
Step 5 - Menzerna Finishing Touch Glaze (white polishing pad)
Step 6 - Menzerna Full Molecular Jacket (black finishing pad)
Step 7 - Poorboy's World Natty's Blue Paste Wax (must be hand applied)
The Porter Cable 7424 (recommend advanced kit) is essential in my opinion to generate enough heat to properly break down the product and buff it into the surface. However PC 7424 is very safe and easy to use for even novices.
I worked on that Mercedes personally with someone else and I would estimate it took us 6 hours not including breaks. You can do less steps and still get very good results. I would say the most essential steps would be (1,3,4,6).
As for towels I use only our microfiber towels. We have two towels that use during details which range from plush to ultra plush. We carry some of the highest quality microfiber towels on the market that are very safe for the clear coat so you don't add any fine scratches.
To read more about the entire process I listed above please visit our site's (www.detailedimage.com) How To section. There is lots of good information there and you can always post here or PM me if you have any other questions. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help you get the most out of your detail.
Greg @ Detailed Image
Step 1 - Wash/Dry
Step 2 - Clear Kote Clay Bar with Clear Kote Quick Shine Clay Lube
Step 3 - Menzerna Intensive Polish (orange cutting pad)
Step 4 - Menzerna Final Polish II (white polishing pad)
Step 5 - Menzerna Finishing Touch Glaze (white polishing pad)
Step 6 - Menzerna Full Molecular Jacket (black finishing pad)
Step 7 - Poorboy's World Natty's Blue Paste Wax (must be hand applied)
The Porter Cable 7424 (recommend advanced kit) is essential in my opinion to generate enough heat to properly break down the product and buff it into the surface. However PC 7424 is very safe and easy to use for even novices.
I worked on that Mercedes personally with someone else and I would estimate it took us 6 hours not including breaks. You can do less steps and still get very good results. I would say the most essential steps would be (1,3,4,6).
As for towels I use only our microfiber towels. We have two towels that use during details which range from plush to ultra plush. We carry some of the highest quality microfiber towels on the market that are very safe for the clear coat so you don't add any fine scratches.
To read more about the entire process I listed above please visit our site's (www.detailedimage.com) How To section. There is lots of good information there and you can always post here or PM me if you have any other questions. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help you get the most out of your detail.
Greg @ Detailed Image
Greg @ Detailed Image
Greg @ Detailed Image
As for the products you mentioned both brands are good. I agree that Zaino can be a lot of steps and there may be better options with less time. It sounds like the product you are reffering to is similar to the 303 Aerospace Protectant. This product can be used on rubber, vinyl, plastic and leather surfaces. Itypically use it under the hood, tires, trim, dash board, doors, condole, rubber moldings, seats and more. It adds a nice low gloss finish without the greasy and oily feeling. It also protects those surfaces from UV rays with SPF 40, one of my personal favorites. As for the rest of our products I hope you'll try some and let us know what you think. Let me know if you're looking for any recommendations and I'd be happy to supply them. We also offer 10% off to all MB World forum members when you use the code "10offMBW" when checking out. Thanks again for the post and I look forward to hearing from you.
Greg @ Detailed Image
I didn't remove every scratch and imperfection but I never expected to. I did get most of them, especially the ones I was most concerned about. I've posted some before and after pics. Look at the gloss and the depth of the shine in the after pics. It's amazing and worth every penny and hour I spent.
Anyone else considering doing this, make sure to allow plenty of time and patience. Technique is a big part of this and by the end of the job, you will be better than when you started. Get your supplies from Greg at Detailed Image.com, follow his instructions and you'll get results like mine. Thanks Greg!

Driver's side C-Panel BEFORE

Driver's Side C-Panel AFTER

Hood AFTER

See my reflection? I was standing about 7 feet away.

Greg @ Detailed Image
I was wondering what you use when you are cleaning plastic lenses? Such as the one that covers the speedometer/dash? I notice some people have like a million scratches on these and I was wondering what to use that would not cause any more. I have no idea how people get so many scratches there.
Thanks
Let me know if you have any questions about this process or the products.
Greg @ Detailed Image




