Why Do We Detail? (CQuartz Finest Reserve @ Arete Auto Salon)
If our appreciation for all things automotive is what grounds us, our passion of detailing is what drives us farther into the craft. Creating a stunning finish for each vehicle begins with an understanding of the vehicle and its condition; along with the goals of the client. The process is never exactly the same and a tailored approach is necessary to deliver exceptional results for each unique case. Our training, experience, and ingenuity grants us the ability to adapt to each challenge any given vehicle delivers and exceed expectations.
With CQuartz Finest Reserve, we elevate each aspect of automotive detailing to the highest possible levels. The mindfulness and care we take during each step of the detail, the ultimate refinement of painted surfaces, and the most resilient (not to mention glossy) ceramic coating technology we have ever seen all join forces to transform the experience you have with your vehicle. Our dedication to this process has earned us the opportunity to install CQuartz Finest Reserve, part of the most exclusive group of detailers in the industry. To say that we are proud to be included in this network is an understatement- take a look at our featurette on this Tesla Model 3 and find out what goes into a service of this magnitude!
Square One
As with any of our CQuartz detail services, a typical Hand Wash is just the beginning. Clean water, pH-neutral wash soap, and soft microfiber or merino wool mitts can only remove the surface contaminants. In a perfect world, all contamination would be removed with this simple process. Unfortunately, microscopic particles of various origin bond to the surfaces and require specific products and techniques to remove.
In the picture above, we have already completed the initial wash and are applying CarPro IronX to begin an “exfoliation” of the paint. Tiny bits of brake dust, exhaust and industrial fallout, and other oxidizing metal sit in the pores the paint and need to be loosened carefully before a polymer “clay towel” can be used to gently lift them away. We use similar products to remove bonded tar, mineral deposits, and bug guts. Previously applied wax or sealants are also removed, leaving bare surface for us to work with.
Cleaned, dried, and ready to be further prepared for paint correction! While we are all familiar with navigating all sizes of vehicles around our shop, a second set of eyes makes the process of lining up a vehicle on one of our lifts that much more efficient.
Although long time followers of Areté will recognize our passion for European vehicles (German and Swedish, most notably), we share the same appreciation for all makes and models. We firmly believe that each vehicle deserves the highest level of care possible under our roof.
Paint Correction
With CQuartz Finest Reserve, our standards are informed by CarPro’s mission statement and elevated by our own desire for the absolute best finish possible. In short, if a scratch or swirl can be safely removed, it must be done. This demands our intense focus and experience to accomplish safely, and the end result is a finish that’s glossier, clearer, and more pristine than day one. Take a look at the results on this Model 3 below!
Final Stages: Wheels-Off, Coating & Curing
With this Level 2 CQuartz Finest Reserve detail, we remove the wheels and apply the coating to the calipers and entire wheel surface. The process of applying three layers of Finest Reserve to the body of the vehicle (one more than the standard service), a windshield coating, and the full-wheels-off process, takes a full day. Ensuring long-lasting results that look like nothing else takes time and we are ever-so-patient when working with these products. Infrared curing is used to “bake” the coating by heating panels for a duration of time, creating a harder, more chemically durable finish.
Superior Protection, Superior Finish
CQuartz Finest Reserve, having achieved highly regarded status among clients and detailers since its introduction almost a decade ago, is only available to the best of the best. We are honored to be included in this group of professionals, each pushing ourselves and each other to better the industry and the awareness of what detailing really is. Hand-picked after a thorough examination of our skill, business practices, facility, and desire to attain the best results possible, we have held our certification since opening in 2013. Here’s to many years of detailing to come!
Thanks for reading,
The Team @ Areté