Elevation

Does ceramic coating protect against rock chips?

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 23:11:13 GMT

Does Ceramic Coating Protect Against Rock Chips?

Ceramic coating has quickly become one of the most popular protective measures for vehicles, offering a glossy finish and impressive protection from the elements. But let's cut to the question that's on your mind—does ceramic coating protect your vehicle against rock chips? Spoiler alert: it's not a magical force field, but it can help in some areas.

What Does Ceramic Coating Actually Do?

Ceramic coating is like a superhero suit for your vehicle. Made from liquid polymers (typically silicon dioxide or similar materials), it bonds with your vehicle's paintwork to create a long-lasting, protective layer.

Here's what ceramic coating brings to the table:

Shield From Environmental Damage

It protects your vehicle from UV rays, oxidation, bird droppings, and acid rain, keeping your paint job vibrant and fresh!

Easy-To-Clean Surface

It's hydrophobic, meaning water and dirt have a tough time sticking to your vehicle. Translation? Less scrubbing for you and more time to hit the road.

Enhanced Gloss and Shine

Ceramic coating elevates that factory-fresh shine to a mirror-like finish that you can't stop admiring.

It’s an unbeatable option for protecting and preserving your vehicle’s look, but every superpower has its limits.

Can Ceramic Coating Protect Against Rock Chips?

Alright, here's the deal. While ceramic coating is fantastic at guarding your vehicle's surface from scratches, swirl marks, and minor abrasions, it’s not built to handle the heavy-duty impacts of flying rocks or gravel.

Imagine a pebble kicked up by a speeding truck—it’s coming at your vehicle with serious force. Ceramic coating, being just a thin protective layer, isn’t strong enough to absorb that kind of impact. A rock chip can break through it and ding your paint, plain and simple.

That said, ceramic coating may provide some help by acting as a "buffer" between the paint and the projectile. However, don’t rely on it as your sole defense against rock chips if you're driving on gravel roads or highways often.

If Rock Chips Are a Concern – Consider PPF!

If rock chips are keeping you up at night, don’t panic—we’ve got you covered! Your best bet is to pair ceramic coating with Paint Protection Film (PPF) , also known as a clear bra.

PPF is a thick, self-healing film designed to absorb the impact of rocks, gravel, and other debris. Plus, the self-healing properties allow minor scratches or scuffs to fade away with heat. Here's how this dynamic duo works when paired together:

Ceramic Coating + PPF = The Ultimate Protection
PPF handles the heavy hits from rock chips.
Ceramic coating keeps your vehicle glossy, easy to clean, and UV-protected.

Combined, these two products are like PB&J—they just work better together.

The Bottom Line

Ceramic coating is a game-changer in protecting your vehicle’s paint from scratches, environmental damage, and dirt. But when it comes to full-on rock chip protection, it’s not the hero you need. For ultimate defense, layering ceramic coating with Paint Protection Film (PPF) is the way to go.

Have questions about ceramic coating or PPF? Contact Elevated Auto Protection for the answers to your questions—we’d love to help!

Is paint protection film worth it?

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 23:11:12 GMT

Is Paint Protection Film Worth It?

Protecting your vehicle's finish is no small task—if you care about keeping it looking flawless, you’ve probably already considered options like wax, ceramic coating, or one of the most popular solutions out there right now: Paint Protection Film (PPF) . But is it really worth the investment? Stick with us as we answer all your burning questions about PPF, what it does for your vehicle, and why it might just be the best decision you’ll make for your ride.

What is Paint Protection Film?

First things first—what exactly is PPF? Paint Protection Film, sometimes referred to as clear bra, is a transparent, ultra-durable urethane film applied to the painted surfaces of your vehicle. Think of it as a protective skin that guards your vehicle against damage from the elements, road debris, and scratches.

PPF is a proven technology, and thanks to advancements in modern technology, it is tougher, longer-lasting, and virtually invisible—meaning it preserves your vehicle's showroom shine without altering its appearance.

Why Is PPF Worth the Investment?

We get it—PPF isn't the cheapest option out there, but the benefits carry serious value. Here’s why it earns its keep every time.

Resale Value Boost

A well-maintained exterior can work wonders on your vehicle’s resale value. PPF keeps your paint in top shape, immediately appealing to potential buyers when it’s time to sell or trade-in.

Long-Term Savings

While the upfront cost of PPF may seem high, it actually saves you money in the long run. Repairs for scratched or chipped paint aren’t cheap, and a full repaint can drain your wallet. PPF eliminates that worry.

Peace of Mind

If you’re the kind of driver who winces at the sight of a scratch or a chip (who isn’t?), PPF will stop those moments of heartbreak. Drive without that nagging fear of cosmetic damage.

Customized Protection

The beauty of PPF is that it’s totally customizable. Want it on just your hood and bumper? Done. Prefer to wrap your entire vehicle for maximum coverage? Easy!

What Does PPF Do for Your Vehicle?

Here’s where PPF earns its stripes:

Scratches & Chips? Not Today! This film creates a barrier that deflects gravel, rocks, and any pesky debris that would otherwise chip your vehicle's paint.
UV Protection: Ever noticed your paint fading in the sun? PPF blocks harmful UV rays, keeping your vehicle’s color rich and vibrant.
Self-Healing Technology: Yes, you read that right—PPF can heal itself! Minor scratches and swirl marks disappear when heat (like from the sun or hot water) is applied.
Ease of Cleaning: With its hydrophobic surface, PPF repels dirt, water, and grime, making cleaning a breeze. No more endless scrubbing to get your vehicle shining!

Final Thoughts

Is Paint Protection Film worth it? Absolutely. Whether you’re looking to keep your vehicle looking brand new, protect it from the everyday grind, or simply reduce maintenance costs, PPF is a stellar option.

Not sure where to start? Reach out to Elevated Auto Protection and talk with one of our PPF experts to explore coverage options and get recommendations tailored to your needs. Your vehicle deserves the best—because it’s more than just a ride—it’s YOUR ride.

PPF vs Ceramic Coating

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 23:11:10 GMT

PPF vs. Ceramic Coating: Which One is Best for Your Vehicle?

If you’re passionate about keeping your vehicle looking brand new, you’ve probably come across two popular options—PPF and ceramic coating. But with so much buzz around both, how do you choose? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered! Let's break it down so you can make the best decision for your vehicle.

What is PPF?

Paint Protection Film , or PPF for short, is a transparent film applied to your vehicle's exterior. Think of it as a shield that acts like armor against the elements. It’s made of a thermoplastic urethane material that’s nearly invisible. What makes PPF a game-changer is its self-healing properties. Got a minor scratch? No problem—PPF can repair itself when exposed to heat! How cool is that?

What does PPF do for your vehicle?

PPF is all about providing heavy-duty protection. Here's what it can take on like a champ:

Rock chips and road debris?

Say goodbye!

Scratches and scuffs?

They won’t stick around.

UV rays?

Forget the fading—PPF blocks sun damage.

Preventing stains and discoloration?

PPF’s got it handled!

If you’re someone who’s obsessed with keeping your vehicle looking flawless, PPF is like its personal superhero cape.

What is Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic coating is another powerful contender in vehicle protection. It’s a liquid polymer applied directly to your vehicle’s paint. Once it cures, it forms a hard, glass-like protective layer. Essentially, it bonds with your paint on a molecular level to create a strong, hydrophobic shield. Think of ceramic coating as your vehicle's raincoat and sun umbrella combined.

What does ceramic coating do for your vehicle?

While it’s not as thick as PPF, ceramic coating comes with its own perks:

Glossy shine?

Like a wet-look all day, every day.

Water beading?

Dirt and grime will slide right off.

UV Protection?

Keeps your paint vibrant for longer.

Easier cleaning?

Wash your vehicle in half the time!

Ceramic coating doesn’t provide as much physical protection as PPF, so it won’t save you from rock chips. But for those who love a sparkling, low-maintenance ride, ceramic coating is where it’s at.

PPF vs. Ceramic Coating—Which Should You Choose?

Deciding between PPF and ceramic coating depends on your needs. Here’s how to choose:

Go with PPF if...

You want unmatched protection from scratches, rock chips, or debris.
Your vehicle faces heavy road use or harsh conditions.
You’re after invisible, heavy-duty coverage.

Choose Ceramic Coating if...

You love a glossy, mirror-like finish.
You’re looking for easier maintenance and cleaning.
Physical protection isn’t as high a priority.

Pro tip: Want the best of both worlds? You can combine PPF and ceramic coating for the ultimate duo—rock-solid protection AND that show-stopping shine!

Still undecided? No worries, we’re here to help. Contact Elevated Auto Protection for expert advice to keep your vehicle looking its absolute best!

C8 Corvette protected with PPF and Ceramic Coatings

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:13:17 GMT

With the release of the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette this became Chevrolet's first take on the mid-engine sports car. Though it was met with some slight fears it quickly became once again one of the best bang for the buck performance sports cars available and for good reason. With a naturally aspirated V8 pumping out 495 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 2.5 seconds this car is sure to stay on everyone's radar for years to come!

After waiting for decades to finally buy himself the car of his dreams we quickly became on of the first stops after purchase to help keep everything protected and looking pristine for years to come!

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Level 4 Drivers Package PPF
Modesta BC04 Ceramic Coating
Modesta BC06 Wheel Coating
20% Ceramic Window Tint

The Decontamination Wash

Every project begins with a very thorough decontamination wash. We want to make sure that any fallout, grime, tar, sap, overspray, etc. is all safely removed before any application of paint protection film or ceramic coatings can happen. We begin with washing the wheels and tires followed by an application of iron/ fallout remover and a foam bath. After dwelling for several minutes and rinsed off, another foam bath is applied and the hand wash process can begin. Once this is complete then the vehicle can finally be pulled in for a clay bar treatment and onto the lift for the start of the PPF application.

Paint Protection Film - Xpel Ultimate Plus

Every vehicle is precision cut on the graphtec plotter for the specific vehicle. This ensures proper coverage while keeping the knife off of your paint as much as possible.

Level 4 Drivers Package includes PPF on the entire front end of the vehicle, a-pillars, front section of the roof, lower rockers and rear tire impact area.

Ceramic Coating - Modesta BC04

This customer opted for one of my personal favorite - Modesta BC04 ceramic coating. Boasting a 5+ yr durability rating, this thick, durable, high gloss ceramic coating has been one of our customers favorites. This coating actually has a pretty unique application and reacts with water to start the curing process and is finished up with a session with the IR heat lamp. First though, a healthy mid level polish and a thick layer of Modesta's primer polish!

Final Step - Wipe down and Enjoy the car!

Interested in getting your C8 protected? Contact Us Today!

Lambert Auto Detailing Becomes Elevated Auto Protection

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 19:19:07 GMT

Lambert Auto Detailing Becomes Elevated Auto Protection

Welcome to Elevated Auto Protection, where we take your ride to the next level! Formerly known as Lambert Auto Detailing, we've rebranded ourselves to reflect our commitment to providing top-notch Paint Protection Film and Ceramic Coating services. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to enhancing the longevity and appearance of your vehicle, so you can hit the road with confidence. Whether it's shielding your car from rock chips or giving it a glossy, mirror-like finish, we've got you covered. With Elevated Auto Protection, your vehicle will be protected from the elements and turn heads wherever you go. Stop by our shop today and see the difference for yourself!

02 Corvette Z06 in for Clear Bra and Ceramic Coatings

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 05:25:00 GMT

This Z06 came to us in already great condition but needed a little TLC that may come with a car that's pushing 20 years old. The new owner wanted to add some gloss while protecting the painted surface and enjoying the vehicle on its spirited drives. We landed on performing out single stage paint correction to remove some defects and refine the beautiful red paint. Then to protect it some paint protection film (clear bra) was applied to some front end pieces. To finalize the project all painted surfaces, wheels, glass and trim were covered in there respective Gyeon ceramic coatings. Everything combined will provide years of protection, gloss and ease of maintenance to help preserve this timeless machine!

We began with our thorough paint decontamination wash and clay bar prior to surface inspection

The paint was in decent shape but had a decent amount of swirls from just years of washing. Each of our ceramic coating packages comes with a mid level polish which consists of a good compound stage followed by a polishing stage to refine the clear coat. The end results are great gloss and optical clarity.

Once the paint is at the condition we are looking for we then begin to apply the paint protection film (clear bra) to the front end of the Corvette. After discussing with the client on possible coverages we landed on applying clear bra to the hood, bumper and headlight covers.

Once all of the PPF (clear bra) is applied, all surfaces including the film are prepped for the ceramic coating application. The client wanted a coating that had great durability while providing ease of maintenance landing on our Gyeon Mohs+ 5 yr ceramic coating

Gyeon Mohs+ ceramic coating is a durable 2 layer system consisting of a thick base layer and a quartz based top coat leading behind a long term coating rated at 5 years.

After the ceramic coating has dried we are left with a beautiful 2002 Chevrolet Corvette that is ready to be driven and enjoyed for years to come. Enjoy these after photos!

#ceramiccoating #clearbra #paintcorrection

2018 Ferrari 488 Spider in for Gyeon Ceramic Coatings

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 17:06:00 GMT

This beautifully spec'ed 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider in Blu Corsa came in with its new owner looking for a fresh start and some long term protection. After going over our options we landed on a thorough paint correction of the paint to remove any defects and previously installed ceramic coatings followed by our Gyeon Duraflex 5+yr ceramic coating package along with the wheel faces and windshield.

As with every project, we begin with our thorough paint decontamination wash which includes a pre soak foam bath, iron/ fallout remover and tar remover to loosen up any embedded contaminants in the painted surface.

After our wash, we bring the car in to thoroughly dry and inspect the paint

With being only a few years old, the paint was in great condition. We removed some surface contaminants with the clay bar and then performed out mid level polish to remove the defects and add great gloss to the paint.

When the paint is at the desired condition, the surface is then prepped for the coating with Gyeon Prep spray. This will remove any polishing oils that may be left on the surface giving a proper bond to the surface. Our Gyeon Duraflex coating is a durable two layer system with a durability of up to 5 years with self care. It consists of a durable hard base layer combined with super slick top layer creating great gloss and easy maintenance. The wheels and windshield also received their respective coatings of Gyeon Rim and Gyeon View

With that - this beautiful 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider is all complete and ready for years of fun! Heres some of the final shots

#ceramiccoating #gyeonquartz #clearbra #paintprotection

C7 Corvette Goes Stealth w/ Matte Clear Bra (PPF), Ceramic Coating and Tint

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 05:26:00 GMT

Being a part of the automotive community for over a decade has given me the privilege to work on and ride in some beautiful, fast and expensive cars. However, being a Chevrolet technician for many years the Corvette will always have a soft spot in my heart. This 2014 Chevrolet Corvette needed some protection while adding some style to show off a little personality. This is where our Matte PPF (paint protection film) can be the answer you may be looking for!

Why choose PPF (clear bra) over Vinyl?

With todays vinyl options there is no denying that you can add some personality to your prized possession within a reasonable price point. So why would you choose a more expensive option? Simply put - Protection

Matte paint protection film is 2-3x thicker than Vinyl while providing a self healing top coat making the gloss paint color into a beautiful satin finish that is sure to turn heads while protecting you from more debris.

Our projects always begin with our thorough paint decontamination wash which consists of a foam pre soak, 2 bucket hand wash, iron/ fall out remover, tar remover and a nice clay bar session. This will ensure that we have a clean surface to start.

The vehicle is then brought in to be completely dried and inspected. To ensure that there are no waxes, sealants or other ceramic coatings on the surface we will perform a light polish to remove light defects and coatings. This allows a great surface for the film to bond to where a ceramic coating may cause the film to lift or not stick in general.

First up was to tint the windows with our ceramic window tint. This will add to our stealth look, add some privacy, block 99% of harmful UV rays and help keep our interior temps down for those long road trips in the Denver sun! Everything is cut in house on our plotter. With how soft glass is getting these days, we want to cut on the car as little as possible.

After the tint is all complete we can begin the installation of our Xpel Stealth paint protection film on all the gloss black painted surfaces. This is installed with modified patterns cut in house with the exception of the hood and rear bumper. This allows us to hide as much gloss as possible while leaving behind a reliable install.

After all the film has been installed, edges have been wrapped and emblems re installed - the film is then prepped for its ceramic coating. The coating will help with maintenance and give the film a nice rich finish to the satin surface. It is applied in a thick layer and worked in before wiping off.

Once the coating has cured this C7 Corvette is now protected and ready to enjoy the Colorado roads!

#ceramiccoating #clearbra #paintprotectionfilm #Xpel

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee - Suntek Ultra Clear Bra and Ceramic Coating Package

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 23:52:00 GMT

The Jeep brand is no stranger to Denver, with only the mountains a short distance away you can find numerous Jeeps out on the trails enjoying nature and climbing rocks. What about the other Jeeps? The ones that haul the family to their events or the commuter to work everyday? Do they need protected as well? The simple answer- yes! The daily driven vehicles need just as much protection as the others, maybe even more! The miles down C470 at 70mph or maybe those times you get stuck behind a dump truck just leaving a construction site. These all have the potential to fling debris up and chip your paint. This is exactly how paint protection film (clear bra) is utilized. Follow along below and watch how we take this 17k mile Jeep finish from swirled and neglected to glossy and protected!

When this 17k mile 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee came to us it was clear it had seen more automatic car washes than we could even imagine. There were large number of swirls, marring and random defects on every panel. As with every project we begin with a thorough paint decontamination wash and inspection.

Unfortunately a used car that has gone through a quick detail at the dealership usually has a lot more defects than we can actually see. When vehicles go through a quick buff and wax it can leave a layer of fillers that can actually make paint look in better shape than it actually is. This paint was no different.

This Jeep Grand Cherokee at only 17k miles required our Multi Stage Paint Correction. This is a heavy session with compound and a polish to refine the surface. Unfortunately, this is all too common with the use of automatic car washes and shows the real cost of convenience.

Along with paint correction this vehicle had extremely dark window tint metered at 0 in the rear and 3% on the front windows making it even difficult to see out of during the day. All of the old window tint was removed, the front windows were tinted to a legal limit and a windshield visor was added to help keep the sun out of the clients eyes during the morning commute.

Front windows are matched with our Suntek Films Carbon 25 or 18

We opted for our level 3 complete front end protection package which includes

-Full Bumper

-Full Hood

-Full Fenders

-A-pillars

-Front Part of the roof

-Headlights, Fog lights and Door Cups

All available edges are wrapped for a near invisible installation and protection

Once the clear bra coverage was complete the vehicle then receives a complete wipe down with a coating prep to remove all remaining soaps, oils and dust. This will give the best possible surface for the ceramic coating to bond with.

The paint, clear bra, wheel faces and windshield were all coated

After the curing process is complete we have ourselves an extremely glossy and well protected daily driven vehicle. This client can drive worry free while enjoying the great benefits of a ceramic coated vehicle!

Curious about your protection options for your daily driver?

Lambert Auto Detailing

www.lambertautodetailing.com

#ceramiccoating #paintprotectionfilm #clearbra #denverclearbra #suntekfilms #paintprotection

2019 McLaren 600LT - New Vehicle Armor

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 18:01:00 GMT

This twin turbo v8 produces an astounding 592 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque while catapulting this land rocket from 0-60 in an estimated 2.9 seconds. The McLaren 600LT was made for racing and this beautiful spec'd version sits as a perfect example!

This vehicle came to us with the goal of light defect removal, ceramic coating and window tint services. I know what you're thinking... $330k and this vehicle requires paint correction? The simple answer is yes. Even after paint any vehicle goes through assembly, testing, transportation, dealership inspections and a possible test drive or 2. During this time it is almost impossible to guarantee 0 contact with a painted surface. This is where we come in.

We start off with our signature decontamination wash which consists of several rinse sessions, foam bath, 2 bucket hand wash, tar remover, iron/ fallout remover, final rinse and a clay bar session of the entire vehicle to remove any remaining contaminants on the surface.

After the decontamination wash is complete, we can begin our inspection process which consists of measuring paint, looking for problem areas and performing a test pass to find out the correct pad and polish combo while removing as little clear coat as possible.

Though these cars are built to go fast, it is not uncommon to find buffer trails, sanding marks, and other random defects.

After our inspection and planning process is done I go ahead and tint the windows. This gives an optimal cure time for the adhesive to dry. Between the doors that go up and not out, the tiny back window, Alcantara covered interior, role bars and the Senna carbon fiber bucket seats; this was by far one of the most awkward cars I have tinted!

The customer opted for our Suntek Films Ceramic IR 20 which gave it great heat rejection, privacy, UV protection and just added great style to the sleek look!

Patterns are cut in house on our Grapthec 8600 plotter. This keeps a knife away from the expensive glass.

Some photos below of the paint correction process. As you can see from a few photos, we were able to remove a substantial amount of haze and swirls from the paint to show off the true brilliance of the white paint. All carbon fiber was polished to perfection and even the insides of the doors had rotary haze from not being finished down properly.

After hours and hours of polishing you truly get to see the details in engineering that go into these vehicles and why they cost what they cost. Every fin, valley and vent has a purpose. My favorite part? The high mounted center exit exhaust!

Our coating of choice on this project was Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra Black. This consists of a base layer of Crystal Serum Ultra topped with a layer of EXOv4 and finally a top layer of C2v3. We also threw on a single layer of Crystal Serum Ultra on the wheel faces to help keep the black finish as clean as possible! With that, out 2019 McLaren 600LT project is complete. These are truly great vehicles and was an absolute blast to work on. Now out client can enjoy years of protection and easy maintenance!

Are you curious about options for your vehicle?

Lambert Auto Detailing

www.lambertautodetailing.com

info@lambertautodetailing.com

#ceramiccoating #paintprotection #gtechniq #crystalserumultra #mclaren #600lt

2019 Shelby GT350R - STEK DYNOshield and Crystal Serum Ultra

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 19:00:00 GMT

There's no denying the racing history that is the Shelby name and the new 350R is exactly that! The GT350R stacked with its suspension upgrades and carbon fiber goodies is ready to hit the track from the factory.... after some paint protection film and protective coatings of course!

Unfortunately, given its track oriented build style this vehicle sat on a showroom for sometime and was subjected to countless days of dusting and quick dealership washes. Along with being a softer black paint we were in for some work.

2019 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R

- Multi Stage Paint Correction

- Level 3 Full Front Paint Protection Package

- Crystal Serum Ultra Black Protective Coating Package

- Wheels Off Coating

As with all of our projects we begin with a full decontamination wash. This consists of a foam bath to help break up and contaminants from the surface. Followed by the application of iron/ fallout remover, rinse, 2 bucket hand wash, rinse and a deep clay bar session. These initial steps are some of the most important when paint protection film and protective coatings are applied.

One of the most common questions we get asked is "my vehicle is brand new, why would I need a paint correction?"

Unfortunately, before you take delivery of a vehicle they go through assembly, inspections, transportation, pre delivery inspections and the purchase wash. If you vehicle was inventory then it can get washed weekly where it is rinsed off and dried with the same towel as the rest of the inventory. This GT350R came into the shop with 120 miles and was riddled with rotary burns, deep scratches and swirls.

* This picture shows a spot on the hood that was quick buffed in an attempt to repair a few scratches from the dealership.

Once the vehicle is polished to the desired level of gloss and clarity we move onto the other services.

We start with the level 3 paint protection film package. This coverage consists of the hood, fenders, bumper, a-pillars, front part of roof, headlights, fog lights and mirror caps. Vents were pulled and badges are removed to give a very clean install.

Once all of the paint protection film is complete, the paint then received a wipe down with a coating prep. This ensures all soaps, compounds and polishing liquids are free from the surface and the coating can bond to the raw paint. All paint received Crystal Serum Black service which is a layer of Crystal Serum Ultra and topped with 2 coats of EXO. The paint protection film is coated with Gtechniq Halo.

Thats a wrap on this project!

This vehicle is now protected from everything Denver, CO has to throw at it for years to come!

#stekrevolution #ceramiccoating #paintprotectionfilm #clearbra #highlandsranchcolorado #denvercolorado #paintcorrection

End Of An Era - The C7 Corvette

Fri, 08 Nov 2019 21:48:00 GMT

Ever since I could remember I have loved the Corvette. Being from the dealership world (Chevy to be exact) since 2013 I have found myself around them more and more and have grown to find an even stronger appreciation for them. The sound, the easy power, the drivability, and just the looks! With its high power, great handling and lower price points it has been undoubtedly one of the best bang for the buck sports cars around.

With the release of the mid engine C8 Corvette it has made the C7 the last generation of a front engine Corvette and what is now known as the end of an era. With the release of the C7 Corvette ZR1 it put a max on what engineers could change to keep the front engine platform alive. With that we have to flip the script and. Though we are excited to get our hands on a new C8 we are left with plenty of lovable generations to perfect and protect.

The following is the resurrection of a black C7 Corvette that had a run in with another body shop "buff" service. We go in deep with a multi-stage paint correction, Kamikaze paint coatings and wheels off coating as well. With the correct tools and techniques we left this Corvette in better than new condition with a durable layer of protection lasting years and not months!

First, you will notice this service was performed in our previous location (my garage). Though our location has changed we have always taken pride in the details wherever that may be.

As with all our correction services we start off with our paint decontamination process. This allows us to rid the paint of all fillers, debris and environmental fallout that is bonding to the paint. Before any paint correction service we like to see what exactly we are working with to allow for a minimalist approach to compounding and polishing. Our goal is to remove as little clear coat as possible to get to the results we are looking for.

Below are the some defects we found from the previous process. We found large amounts of buffer trails and even an edge that was burned through (they kept it secret) and covered up with paint that did not even match the factory finish. Buffer trails are caused from a rotary buffer. The friction and single circular motion will leave marring and trails on the paint. Though these tools are still used in our studio we finish them with a dual action polisher that then refines those left over marks to a true mirror finish.

After this we pull the vehicle in and get it up on jack stands since this is getting our wheels off treatment as well. We then perform a test spot to figure out our correct pad/ liquid/ pressure combo to get our results.

Being from the technician side of the industry we know the importance of proper jacking techniques which is why we carry a set of corvette lifting pucks on hand!

After we get to our mirror finish with minimal defects we are then ready to prep for coating. This part is crucial to ensure all polishing oils have been removed to allow for proper bonding of the coating. In this case we performed a wipe down the Gyeon Prep and did a final walk around to make sure the paint is at its best. This step is also important! Since we are adding 3 layers of a coating system this can act as a magnifying glass and make any defects left behind even more pronounced. In some cases it is not possible to get all defects, which is ok! We go for as many defects that can be SAFELY removed from the finish. The gloss is not caused by the coating itself. Though it does help, the gloss level below the coating is what really matters. This is why we always recommend a paint correction service prior to installing a long life coating.

For this step we chose to use coatings from the Kamikaze Collection. The ease of use, great durability, and unbelievable finish make the Kamikaze Collection perfect for those sports cars and collectors cars that may not see much use. We use 2 layers of Kamikaze Miyabi and 1 layer of Kamikaze ISM.

Once the coatings are applied we finish this off with a hefty session of IR curing. This step can add durability, gloss, and speed up the curing process so the vehicle doesn't have to stay inside for an extended period of time.

*if coatings get rained on before it has cured then they are prone to water spotting and the coating would have to be re-applied.

After the paint is all set we move on to the wheels which received 2 layers of Kamikaze stance rimcoat after a quick polishing session. The wheel finish can be far more durable than paint making it harder to correct any defects. However, a quick pass with some polish can bring back some gloss and provide a clean surface for the coating to bond to.

After this the wheels are put back on, torqued to factory spec with a digital torque wrench and a final wipe down is completed. The paint now has a durable coating on there giving the customer gloss, ease of maintenance and UV protection. Given that this car isn't driven much the coating will most likely last longer than the 3 year durability.

The following are some final photos of the Corvette project. As with everything my photos really don't do this finish justice! If you don't turn around after you walk away from your car, then you bought the wrong car. This was not the case what so ever.

Thank you for following along with us as we corrected and protected a piece of American history! It sure was fun, until next time....

We are south Denver's new vehicle paint protection experts. Located in a purpose built facility in Highlands Ranch, CO offering clear bra, ceramic coatings, paint correction, new car preservation, window tint and premium detailing services. From the daily drivers to six figure exotics we can protect it all!

Adam Lambert

www.lambertautodetailing.com

Tags: #corvette #chevrolet #kamikazecollection #america #rupesusa #rupespolishers #paintcorrection #paintprotection #ceramiccoating #clearbra #paintprotectionfilm #highlandsranch #lonetree #denver #detailer #autodetailing #ceramiccoatinghighlandsranch

#lonetreecolorado #littletoncolorado #highlandsranchcolorado #detailing

Changing the Standards - Audi S4

Thu, 31 Oct 2019 23:57:00 GMT

As the saying goes "It takes six months to build a Rolls-Royce and 13 hours to build a Toyota"

Why is that? Simply put - because quality takes time. Our fast paced lifestyles have caused a shift in most industries and it isn't for the better. It has gone from who can do it right? To who can do it right now in the fastest amount of time for the least amount of money? Ever wonder why the cheeseburger that used to be delicious and take 5 minutes to cook now only took 1 minute but was cold? Why does company A cost 3 times as much and take 3 times as long as company B? The answer is simple - We demanded it. We wanted the same product in less time for less money and in most cases only one thing really changed - The Quality.

Why does our "single-stage correction" service take 8 hours while a dealership can do a "6 stage buff" service (whatever the heck that is) in 2 hours for 1/4 the price? Quality - the tools, the products, the experience, and even the service itself is different. Yes, this bugs me and it bugs me for a reason. Quick shops have made this the new standard of detailing and it shifted the industry for the worst. I ask one question for anything I purchase. It's not "why is that so expensive" but "how in the heck are they so cheap." In most cases the client just really doesn't know and this is no fault to themselves. It is just the simple fact that nobody has ever explained what the real beneficial differences are in A vs B.

The post below is meant as an educational one as we take a repainted vehicle with a very quick "buff" and turn it into a paint job worth noticing.

This is the story of an Audi S4 that belongs to a long time good friend of mine...

After an unfortunate snow incident his Audi was left severely beaten and in need of a new paint job. Not wanting to spend more than the car is worth on a paint job, he enlisted a smaller shop to perform the paint job. After a couple weeks in the elements and sun, he started to notice his paint job wasn't exactly the finish he was looking for. As the fillers started to wear down the real issues at hand started to show.

When vehicles receive a "quick buff" they are left with fillers in the paint which mask swirls, marring, and rotary burn marks. Fillers do exactly what it sounds like, they fill in the voids in the clear coat making damage look less noticeable. Then after a couple weeks of rain or car washes you are left with a finish that may look even worse than when you took it in.

Have no fear!

We performed a full decontamination wash to rid the paint of all forms of compounds, waxes, sealants, etc which can give us a better picture of what we are truly dealing with. We found out it was going to take more than we expected and required our "multi-stage correction" service. This is where we start with a heavy - medium cut compound and finish with a fine polish. To perform this process correctly the timing can be anywhere in the range of 15 hours on up to 40+ hours depending on condition, size of vehicle, and finish that is desired.

With changing a tool, pressure, pad and/or compound we can get the desired finish we are looking for on that certain step of the service. No paint is the same and neither should the system that you are using be. A softer paint would require less aggressive methods to get the same outcome. This is where a "test spot" comes in. Most quick shops use the same all in one with the same pad across, sometimes even on multiple vehicles.

With our #rupes tools, compound and polish setup for our desired outcome we can now begin to go around the entire car. This car required 20 hours of compounding alone with the severity of damage including sanding marks from the body shop. Enjoy the before and after photos below and see why all the long hours make it totally worth it!

When you are physically correcting paint you are leveling out the defects in the clear coat. Yes, it makes your clear coat thinner which is why it is important to have the process done correctly the first time. As clear coat becomes softer and more thin from the factory some cases may be damaged to the point of no return.

Only once we have our desired finish we then can put our level of protection on. If the business performed a correction and bragged about adding 5 layers of wax (true story) to make it look good then it is most likely not done properly! In this case we chose our very durable Daddy-O paint sealant by #shinesupply giving us up to a year of protection with proper maintenance. We also have our choices of ceramic coatings that can be applied for a lasting level of protection that waxes and sealants can't match. However, it is more important than ever to perform a correction before a ceramic coating as these can have a magnifying effect on a finish and actually make defects be more pronounced.

Our sealant is applied with a very soft finishing pad and by machine to give us the most even coverage and left to cure for about an hour allowing it to bond with the surface.

The sealant is then removed and we are left with a finish that has no fillers and won't disappear after a few washes. The sun was hiding behind the clouds, but we were able to get a couple shots to show the difference in the fender from the original photo.

We hope you enjoyed this informative post and return for further vehicle write ups and how-to's!

Lambert Auto Detailing

www.lambertautodetailing.com

(720)525-8461

info@lambertautodetailing.com

tags: #shinesupply #rupesusa #paintcorrection #polishing #denver #denvercolorado #highlandsranch #lonetree #littleton #englewood #centennial #colorado #autodetailing #ceramiccoatings #coating #paintprotection #clearbra #paintprotectionfilm #newstandards

The Process: Not your average detail...

Mon, 14 May 2018 00:18:00 GMT

Let me start off by saying welcome! I wanted to create my first post into an educational one and show what the process looks like when you select us to correct and protect your vehicle. Our process is one of which takes a lot of time with packages ranging from 8 hours to 40 hours. As we dive into our post we show a summarized glimpse of what it actually takes to bring your pride and joy into a show quality finish. Are there business' out there that can do a wash and buff in 1 hour? Absolutely, but that isn't us.... Enjoy!

We start off with a full paint decontamination. This process is a multi step process and starts out with a foam bath.

Soap used: #shinesupply HotShot Soap

After we allow the foam to pick up as much loose dirt as possible we then spray all surfaces with Gyeon Iron. Gyeon Iron works exactly how it sounds - it reacts with the iron particles that are embedded in the paint and allows us to safely wash them off. After allowing ample time for the product to react we then rinse it off and wash all surfaces with a proper 2 bucket method wash. Even if we are correcting the paint we always use proper wash methods. We don't want to induce any extra scratches that we have to correct later on.

After the vehicle is washed we bring is inside and completely dry the vehicle using compressed air and our Gyeon Silk Dryer. We then continue the decontamination process with using a clay bar or a synthetic clay pad. We chose a clay bar for this 4Runner as we found the paint to be very soft. The clay bar gave us more control around edges and moldings.

Claybar used: #gyeonquartz_us with #Shinesupply clay lube

After we have finished with the clay bar we then do a complete wipe down with Gyeon Prep. This allows us to completely remove any oils and residue and allows us to see the actual condition of the paint. Now, this 4Runner was purchased brand new and came with a lot of marring that most likely was induced from maintenance washes at the car lot.

#gyeonquartz_us Prep with soft wipe towel

Once we have the paint fully decontaminated and prepped we will then go around and tape off any sharp edges, trim, badges and important pieces that we want to protect.

We have found out over the years that not all paints are created equal and because of this we start off every correction with a few test spots. By changing our machine, pressure, pad and/or polishing compound we are able to create the desired finish. After a few test passes we were ready to go!

Machine and pads used: #Rupes duetto with white finishing pad

Once we have corrected every painted panel to the desired level; we then do another complete wipe down with Gyeon Prep. This final wipe down allows us to ensure all compounding and polishing chemicals are removed from the painted surface. This gives us the best bond to the paint when we go to apply our coating. Depending on the severity of defects and dust that is collected from the paint correction process we may just go ahead and wash the vehicle one more time. In this case we were just polishing which gave us minimal dust and was taken care of with a little compressed air.

Now we can begin the coating process! Depending on which level and product that is chosen; this process can range from one step to 3 or 4 steps. We chose to go with our Level 2 coating Gyeon Syncro. It is a new product that was released during Sema 2017 and is considered one of the highest level coatings available to non certified detailers in the Gyeon Quartz line.

Coating used: #Gyeonquartz_us Syncro kit

Gyeon Syncro consists of 2-3 layers of there tried and true Q2 Mohs followed by 1 layer of the topcoat. In this case it is Q2 Skin. The top coat gives it that final layer of gloss and hydrophobic characteristic. We apply the coating in sections allowing the product to flash and then be wiped off.

After each layer is applied we then cure each panel with an IR curing lamp for 10-15 minutes. This gives us added durability, gloss, and speeds up our curing time.

We then went around with one more layer oh Mohs base coat and cured that layer followed one complete layer of Q2 Skin.

Our final thoughts: very excited how this Toyota 4Runner turned out. It is a midnight black paint scheme which has a flake built into it that shows a blue/ silver speck when in direct sunlight. Our Gyeon coating system left this paint protected from all the Denver elements for years to come! We finished off the vehicle with coating the trim and windshield with Gyeon Products. We opted to only coat the wheel faces on this vehicle. Our level 2 coating system normally comes with our wheels off coating service.

Here are some final photos from the project! After hours of polishing it has left the finish with a deep reflection. While the coating adds great gloss to a finish, it is best to coat over an already polishes clear coat.

Thank you for viewing; check back for future projects!