Blog and Auto Tip with Jean Claude - Detailed Designs Auto Spa

New Custom Asanti Wheels Protected With Modesta BC-06

Last week I got a call from a great client that said he ordered a few sets of Asanti wheels, one set being custom painted. Because he’d used our wheel-off detail and coating and was pleased with it, he wanted the 2 new sets of Asanti wheels to be coated prior to having them mounted. Once the wheels were delivered to Butler Tire, a currier brought them to our shop for the Modesta BC-06 application. Upon completion the wheels were returned to Butler Tire for tire installation and mounting on the car.

Swissvax + Modesta + Clear Bra + Corvette Stingray = Protected Beauty

When one of our loyal clients purchased a new Stingray that he would drive regularly and would be exposed to the elements that Atlanta gives us, his first call was to Detailed Designs Auto Spa so that he could get it protected. He wanted a quality wax, clear bra and a way to ease his longterm maintenance. After speaking for a while about his options and how they would or would not work for his lifestyle with the car, he decided to go with Swissvax Crystal Rock, paint protection film clear bra, Modesta BC-06 for the wheels and calipers and a vinyl carbon fiber stinger stripe.

After a few days with the car, we gave him the call that it was ready for him. The owner was incredibly happy with how the Stingray came out. Here are some photographs we took of the project and the end result.

Before removing factory sticker from the calipers.

After detailing the calipers and coating with Modesta BC-06

With the hood’s carbon fiber vinyl wrap completed, it’s time to install the clear bra and trim out around the vinyl film.

Swissvax Crystal Rock, paint protection film clear bra, Modesta BC-06 and carbon fiber vinyl stinger stripe installed.

Detailed Designs Auto Spa is proud to be the only professional detail shop in the Atlanta area offering Swissvax detailing services, Crystal Rock or Modesta coatings.

Wheel-Off Detail & Modesta BC-06 Coating

Atlanta’s favorite professional car detailing shop, Detailed Designs Auto Spa’s wheel-off detail and coating service gives Atlanta’s automotive owners unprecedented protection and ease of maintenance for years, not months. Modesta BC-06 is the perfect fit for garage queens and daily drivers alike.

Stain-resistance and ease of cleaning thanks to the hardness of the coating film are the most prominent characteristics of the BC-06 glass coating. This thin silica film made from perhydropolysilazane protects the car body and wheels from dust in raindrops that may penetrate soft paints or other painted surfaces and can be removed only with great effort. Thanks to the BC-06 protection cleaning is less intense.

Modesta BC-06 undergoes a chemical reaction when it comes in contact with a painted surface, creating a hard glass coating. It has a tightly packed molecular structure that creates a solid, long-lasting surface. BC-06 is heatproof up to 1,300 °C – enough to protect wheels from burning-hot brake dust.

Modesta BC-06 lasts 3 – 10 years.

Detailed Designs Auto Spa is proud to be Atlanta’s only Modesta authorized installer.

By Jean-Claude Corcoran

Restoring a 27k mile Porsche Panamera’s paint and then protecting and easing maintenance with PPF and CQuartz Finest

There is a surprising amount of owners who come to us looking to restore a low mileage car that has hammered paint and then wanting a quality longterm solution for protecting and easing maintenance after the restoration. Our paint correction service is designed to permanently repair existing surface defects such as swirl marks, acid rain etching, bird dropping and bug marks and oxidation. But how does an owner maintain the corrected surface moving forward? Paint protection film, known as clear bra, and paint coating systems like CQuartz Finest provide that added protection along with previously unavailable ease of maintenance.

Our paint correction and restoration services will take your paint to a level that no dealership or other corner detail shops can reach. Between our extensive experience with paint correction, desire to produce the highest quality work without cut corners, the experience we offer owners of fine automobiles and exclusive services, Detailed Designs Auto Spa is the most qualified to restore and protect your automobile’s finish.

This 27,000 mile Porsche Panamera is another example of the quality we produce. It came in with extensive damage to the clear coat and left with amazing paint after experiencing our Gold package paint correction service. After restoring the paint, all panels except for the hatch(per the owner’s request) were wrapped with paint protection film (clear bra) and then coated with CQuartz Finest.

We invested over 55 hours into restoring just the paint with our Gold package. Now, it’s not common that paint correction takes this long to accomplish. The damage on this Panamera just so happened to be intense enough that we had to pour more than the usual amount of time into it.

The following shots of the project consist of befores, some half done shots(along with some pictures showing how we get our 50/50 shots) and some afters.

Roof(a lot of real estate that is not the easiest to get to!)

A pillars, rear fender and hatch

Beginning the Paint Protection Film installation with the hood.

When we were finished with the clear bra installation, we applied 2 coatings of CQuartz Finest to all exterior painted and surfaces with clear bra installed. Since completing the project, the owner has returned to discuss maintenance and he is completely blown away with the ease of maintenance that CQuartz Finest gives him. We now have quite a few Atlanta Porsches rolling around with CQuartz Finest. Cquartz Finest certainly gives the depth, gloss and ease of maintenance that many are looking for.

The time between finishing the project, which took weeks, and the client showing up to pick up the Panamera was only a few hours of an afternoon. We didn’t have ideal lighting for the most amazing photographs. But we do feel that even with less than ideal photography conditions you can get an idea of how amazing this Porsche came out.

By Jean-Claude Corcoran

Atlanta Porsche Detailing and Opti-Coat Pro Installation on new Macan S

Obviously, Porsche owners in Atlanta appreciate the care, skill and experience that Detailed Designs Auto Spa provides! We have a constant stream of Porsches visiting us for extensive restoration as well as new car protection services. This Porsche owner decided to have his brand new Porsche Macan brought straight to our shop once it was delivered from Chicago for a professional exterior and interior auto detail, Opti-Guard leather coating system, clear bra installation and expert Opti-Coat Pro installation.

Wheels were another area that the owner had a real concern for. The solution that was offered was a wheel-off detailing and Modesta BC-06 installation.

From this project, we hope you can get a good sense of why it’s important to be in touch with how your vehicle could be transported as well as how dirty a new car can really be. Just because “it’s new”, doesn’t mean it’s like-new. But after taking delivery, consulting with Detailed Designs Auto Spa can mean you end up with a Porsche that is better than new, well protected with paint protection film and easier to maintain with an expertly installed Opti-Coat Pro installation.

Once the car was delivered to our shop it was clear that it truly required extensive auto detailing for the exterior and interior.

After detailing the door seal using our safe methods

As a new car, it’s unimaginable that the steering wheel is this filthy.

A half and half shot of before and after safely detailing the steering wheel.

The interior door card was not spared from the filth.

Another half and half, before/after shot.

Interior detailing was required for the fabric surfaces as much as any area.

Once the interior was completely detailed, the leather was coated with Opti-Guard. The exterior received a thorough wash, decontamination, polishing and then clear bra installation and Opti-Coat Pro installation.

The Porsche Macan came out amazingly. After a proper detailing, decon, clear bra installation and Opti-Coat Pro installation, this Porsche owner will enjoy added protection along with ease of maintenance. Another example of our longterm solutions for Atlanta’s most demanding automobile owners.

By Jean-Claude Corcoran

Atlanta Porsche 997 Turbo Cabriolet PPF installation, auto detail, paint correction and CQuartz Finest

One of our most recent auto details was for a client who purchased a lower mileage Porsche 997 turbo cabriolet. His Porsche had extensive swirl marks, some gnarly rock chips and a roof that required a thorough cleaning and protection application.

We were able to get exactly what the owner was looking for with our silver package. Beyond restoring the paint to a better than new condition, the owner was wanting better protection and easier maintenance. By allowing us to install clear bra to the full hood, full front fenders, front bumper and side mirrors he was provided with the protection from road debris and rock chips that he needed. With CQuartz Finest, he then had the ease of maintenance along with an additional layer of protection.

As you can see, we were able to correct the superficial surface issues and get the extraordinary results that we aim for on every project. Atlanta Porsche owners can look to Detailed Designs Auto Spa as their source for auto detailing, paint restoration and correction, paint protection film (clear bra) installations, CQuartz Finest and new car protection options.

By Jean-Claude Corcoran

Tesla Model S Clear Bra Paint Protection Film Installation and Modesta BC-04 application

We at Detailed Designs Auto Spa were proud to have another Tesla Model S visit us for a paint protection film (known as clear bra) installation and Modesta BC-04 application recently. While a lot of our Tesla Model S clients visit us from the Atlanta area, this one joined us from Athens, GA. -which made it the second Tesla Model S to come to us from Athens, GA.

The owner of this Tesla Model S was originally looking for Modesta BC-04 and considered layering Modesta BC-05 on top of it. Coupled with extensive clear bra coverage on the front end, this Tesla MS would be better protected from rock chips and easier to maintain with the long term in mind. After multiple conversations, the owner started to lean towards even more extensive clear bra coverage. She was wanting full coverage on the hood, front fenders, front bumper, rear bumper, all 4 doors, rear fenders as well as the side view mirrors. Basically, the only areas not covered by clear bra was the roof and rear hatch. At this point I suggested her husband and her save some money by only having Modesta BC-04 installed. While BC-05 on top of BC-04 would look amazing. Having such extensive clear bra coverage as well as keeping value per dollar spent reasonable meant that I didn’t see quite as much value layering multiple coatings over such extensive clear bra coverage. We discussed the subject and she agreed.

The big question would be the absolute condition of the paint when it arrived. A number of weeks ago, Tesla implemented the use of a waiver for new Tesla Model S owners who wish for their service center/delivery center detailer to not touch the cars. After working with Tesla on a mutual client’s repair, I was confidant that this waiver was in place for a reason that was structured around protecting their new Tesla owners. The waiver, in short, stated that if the new owner chose to forego allowing the Tesla authorized detailers to work on the car, the owner is releasing Tesla from liability associated with the cosmetics of the car. No doubt there was a catalyst for this. But the shame is that it’s not impossible for authorized detailers to make mistakes and cause new damage that would drive up the cost for owners who wanted perfect paint prior to having a coating applied. After a long discussion with the owner and exploring her options, we both felt it was in her best interest to allow their detail shop to do what they are paid to do and then we will address whatever comes. This way if there was any damage, she could have the assurance that she wouldn’t be up the river without a paddle.

The day the car arrived, the owner and her husband drove it straight to our shop. We inspected the car as quickly as we could given their tight schedule to get back on the road.

After washing the car we got to give her the good news that we did not see anything that typical prep work would not address. This meant they were able to keep $1.2k+ in their pocket. This was money they were willing to spend should the paint merit it. We at Detailed Designs Auto Spa love being able to save clients money. This is one of the reasons people bring their cars to us. We have a reputation for not up selling or looking for excuses for clients to spend their money.

The end game was us performing the following services:
Clear Bra Paint Protection Film Installation on:
Full hood, full front fenders, front bumper, side mirrors, all 4 doors, rear fenders and full rear bumper. (with a specific request to wrap all possible edges)
And then all prep work for a coating application and installation of Modesta BC-04 as well as Opti-Glass Pro for all exterior glass surfaces. (the inside of all of the door shuts and hatch were coated as well)

Please enjoy some of the photographs that we took through the project.

Installation of paint protection film with wrap coverage on the doors.

Removal of some frunk(front trunk) trim to allow wrapping of paint protection film.

Application of Modesta BC-04.

How clean we wrap.

Did we mention that we did a custom rear bumper installation? Complete coverage edge to edge.

Complete exterior shots with clear bra as well as Modesta BC-04 installed.

Thanks for viewing and we enjoy all feedback and comments left.

Detailed Designs Auto Spa continues to offer the pinnacle of auto detailing, paint protection film installation, paint correction and automotive paint coating systems to Atlanta, GA. and all of the southeast. We are the only authorized Modesta coatings installer in Georgia. No other shop has our variety of quality coating systems, paint protection film installation, extensive paint correction services and full-time shop’s level of service all under the same roof and with an industry expert as the lead on all projects.

By Jean-Claude Corcoran

Atlanta auto detailing company Detailed Designs Auto Spa, saves Lexus

After being burned by the dealership and having another auto detailing shop in Atlanta attempt to repair his paint, the owner of this Lexus visited Detailed Designs Auto Spa in Atlanta from Alabama to permanently repair his paint and have his car detailed. He was distraught due to the nature of trying to find a quality solution for his car’s cosmetic issues.

It required our Gold Paint Correction Package and over 40 hours of labor. We were able to not just restore his paint, but have it looking better than when it was brand new. This is not just typical auto detailing, this is restorative detailing. No fillers, no glazes, no leaning on waxes to improve the paint. This is the condition of the paint when we are finished. After completing a paint restoration we train our clients on how to properly maintain the finish of the car so that the work completed is a longterm value.

Detailed Designs Auto Spa provides Atlanta and the whole southeastern US with quality auto detailing, paint protection film(known as clear bra) installations, paint correction services and interior detailing. We offer signature Swissvax detailing services. Detailed Designs Auto Spa is also Atlanta’s only Modesta coatings dealer and installer. We are an authorized CQuartz Finest and Opti-Coat Pro installation center.

When you consider the reviews our clients leave for us online, the exclusive services we offer and satisfaction guarantee, you will see that we are the premier auto detailing and new car protection company in Atlanta.

We take pride in catering to the most particular car owners and enthusiasts.

To contact us for a consultation, view our contact page.

1964 Jaguar E-Type Coupe Concours d’Elegance Car Detail, clear bra installation and signature Swissvax detail

This professional concours d’Elegance car detailing project came straight to Detailed Designs Auto Spa from the shop that performed the frame-off restoration in Indiana once it was completed. The owner was looking for a concours-type detail but still wanted to drive the car regularly….which is awesome.

Because the owner lived out of state but regularly visits his girlfriend in Atlanta, it was convenient for him to be present for the delivery.

The name of the gentleman that delivered that car is Johnny Carson. I’ve not seen a car hauler display as much care as Johnny did. If you are looking for a qualified car hauler and would like to reach him, his phone number is 770-598-4077.

After we washed and decontaminated the paint, we began our silver package paint correction.

Even though the paint was newly sprayed, there was a real haziness to it.

Polishing relieved the surface defects and haziness, bringing the surface to a beautiful shine.

Because we were limited on time for this project, we didn’t get all of the pictures that we really wanted to. There was a large amount of latex dust all over the new rubber seals. We cleaned all rubber seals and used Swissvax Seal Feed to condition. Some of the shots we did take were some of the loose ends that the restoration shop missed before it left. Rubber seals and grommets were were a common miss. Here’s one of the wiper assemblies that required some attention between the seal and the windshield. Ideally, we could fit a machine in this tight area. Obviously, we can’t but we were able to use a cotton swab to address some of the bonded debris and hard water spots.

Hard water spots in the clear coat that is very tight against a wiper assembly.

Spot was cleaned up while keeping the rubber seal and brightwork safe.

Rear plate area had a lot of leftover compound build up.

Compound build up removed.

Before and afters of more misses in tight areas. All rubber trim was conditioned with Swissvax Seal Feed.

Restored plastics and brightwork.

Another common sight was excessive glue on the new rubber seals. We addressed all of the excessive glue.

More vinyl and plastic surfaces being reconditioned.

Excessive glue was on just about every interior panel. We used Swissvax plastic cleaner and adhesive remover to remove the glue safely.

There was glue all over the interior fabrics. We don’t have a before, but imagine the previous excessive glue shots and imagine that same care given to the fabrics. This was after we removed the adhesive.

There were multiple areas where the upholstery person left loose vinyls/fabrics. We either glued down the areas or sewed them back into a pleasant position. Included in this series of shots is a before, after and stored shots of the floor mats.

Here is a shot that really brings to light how poorly dressed vinyls tend to be. I don’t know anyone who wants greasy vinyl or plastic surfaces. We thoroughly detailed and cleaned the interior vinyl surfaces to remove that greasy feel. Here is a halfway detailed surface. You can see how greasy the right half is as it’s not yet cleaned.

Decontaminating and detailing interior surfaces.

Feeding rubber bits with Swissvax.

Rear spare tire cover required a thorough cleaning and conditioning.

Leather cleaned and then treated with Swissvax Leather Milk.

Wheels removed, detailed inside and out, polished and treated with Swissvax Autobahn.

Working on those hard to reach areas.

After polishing and correcting the paint’s surface, we installed clear bra paint protection film so that the lower painted portions were protected. As mentioned, the owner wanted a car he could drive and enjoy. Clear bra gives the piece of mind that it’s as well protected from rock chips.

Tim working on detailing the engine bay.

The spare wheel well and wheel were treated as if they were on constant display. The tire had some writing on the tread and that won’t do. We cleaned it off.

Applying Swissvax Crystal Rock to the exposed painted surfaces. No area was left untouched.

After a thorough exterior detailing, interior detailing, engine bay detailing, multi-surface conditioning, clear bra installation and application of Swissvax Crystal Rock, she was ready to be enjoyed!

If you managed to make it this far, thank you! I hope our pictures have been enjoyable for you. It was a pleasure to work on such a beautiful car and bring it up to a higher standard while maintaining the integrity of the different surfaces and materials. Anyone can use a brush, microfiber towels and cleaning chemicals. Cleaning, protecting and conditioning with high regard for material integrity takes time, effort and heart. Those are some of the reasons people use Detailed Designs Auto Spa. We put our heart into each project and it shows through in the end. Automobile detailing on this level gives us a great sense of pride for what we do.

We look forward to your feed back.

Check us out at Detailed Designs Auto Spa

By Jean-Claude Corcoran

How to remove bug marks while on the road

70 degrees and sunny with an easy breeze. You’re itching to hit the road. Whether it’s the mountains, the golf course or you’re just driving to work there’s always that chance for a cosmetic accident, ….bug marks or bird droppings. After all, they don’t call them accidents because you planned on having one.

With that said, you can be prepared for a cosmetic accident. Bird droppings, bug marks, tree sap and road goo can impact the health of your paint any time you hit the road. By planning ahead and keeping just a few products in your boot, you can be well prepared to fend off these common enemies to every car enthusiast.

Bird droppings can wreak havoc on paint

Bird droppings and bug marks can etch your clear coat after just a few minutes. Tree sap left on paint can lead to it curing and being near impossible to remove. Chemicals and liquid substances from the road will be more difficult to remove the longer it’s left on the paint. Time is a major factor in all of these circumstances. The faster you can remove the contaminants, the healthier your paint will stay.

There are really only a few products you need that will tackle 99% of the potential problems you can encounter for an emergency.
1) Microfiber Towel(s)
2) Quick Detailer Spray
3) pH-neutral cutting agent

Microfiber Towel:
This towel will provide a gentle means to grab and remove the contaminants after they have been treated.

Quick Detailer:
This is the least aggressive product you can treat a contaminant with. There is a nice variety of products that you can use. I formulate my own quick detailer from Optimum No-Rinse.

pH-neutral Cutting Agent:
This is what you will use to cut heavier contaminants. I am a huge fan of p21s Total Auto Wash.

As far as technique is concerned, there are a number of routes you can take.

If the problem is a fresh bird dropping, try folding up the microfiber towel, spraying one side and place it on the dropping. With minimal time to sit on the dropping, it should wipe up easily. The same technique can be used on a fresh bug mark.

If you’re looking at a heavier contaminant like tree sap, try this. Spray the microfiber towel with the p21s TAW and allow it to dwell for a few minutes. Remove the towel from the paint, flip the towel and spray some p21s TAW on the reverse side and then gently wipe the tree sap. If the sap cleaned up, refold the towel and spray some quick detailer on an unused portion. Wipe the p21s TAW residue off of the paint. Repeat with a different microfiber towel if the one you were using is too wet with cutting agent. This same method can be used on road tar, paint or other heavy road liquids.

If the pH-neutral cutting agent is not biting into the contaminant enough, make arrangements to wash the car soon and get as aggressive as required. Some substances will not simply break down with lighter cleaning agents. The goal is to lightly remove substances quickly, not get so aggressive that you generate surface damage with heavy force.

When doing a spot clean while out and about, do not leave cutting agent residue on the paint in direct sunlight and always follow up your heavier cleaning option with quick detailer. This will ensure that you do not cause chemical filming on the paint which can be very difficult to remove.

By keeping these few items with your automobile at all times, you will be well prepared to take care of many of those common “aww man!” moments that hits at the most inopportune time.

Atlanta Car Detailing, Detailed Designs Auto Spa

By Jean-Claude Corcoran

New Custom Asanti Wheels Protected With Modesta BC-06

Swissvax + Modesta + Clear Bra + Corvette Stingray = Protected Beauty

Wheel-Off Detail & Modesta BC-06 Coating

Restoring a 27k mile Porsche Panamera’s paint and then protecting and easing maintenance with PPF and CQuartz Finest

Atlanta Porsche Detailing and Opti-Coat Pro Installation on new Macan S

Atlanta Porsche 997 Turbo Cabriolet PPF installation, auto detail, paint correction and CQuartz Finest

Tesla Model S Clear Bra Paint Protection Film Installation and Modesta BC-04 application

Atlanta auto detailing company Detailed Designs Auto Spa, saves Lexus

1964 Jaguar E-Type Coupe Concours d’Elegance Car Detail, clear bra installation and signature Swissvax detail

How to remove bug marks while on the road

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