Toyota Highlander: Two-Step Paint Correction + Ceramic Coating
by Matt CarterOur first vehicle of 2018 was a 2 step paint correction for a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle was recently purchased by our client who knew it was in rough condition but also that it could be greatly enhanced. This project allowed for an incredible transformation and a great start to the year.
Our Process:
Two Bucket Hand Wash:
Wheels and Tires:
Decontamination:
With the paint completely clean, we were able to fully evaluate the paint condition and tailor a correction process. We landed on a compounding step with Meguiars microfiber pads and Griot’s Garage Fast Correcting Cream followed by Meguiar’s M205 on a white Lake Country Polishing Pad. The results speak for themselves. Check out the transformation achieved on the Passenger front door.
Before- Driver Side Rear Door.
After- Driver Side Rear Door
50-50 hood
The glass had etched water spots that were removed with a light polish using the same polishing step as was used on the paint. These weren’t very bad but glass can get some pretty severe water spots on neglected cars. If you are working on client cars, dont overlook this part of the inspection and make sure to include any water spot removal from the glass in your quote. Its never good to have an extra couple of hours of polishing with a product like ceriglass to get the glass to the same level of clarity as the paint and not be paid for it.
This being January in Illinois, we had to settle for after shots in the shop. Even so, the transformation was evident!
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Looks good.
Which did you apply first, the tar or iron remover?
Thank you David, I like to tackle tar and bugs first, then the third stage of decontamination is the iron x. I want the tar removal early in the wash process so I can be sure the product is completely washed and rinsed away before touching the vehicle with a clay mitt. Tar remover will ruin a clay mitt.
Thanks for responding Matt,
So from what you’re saying, you do the clay process prior to the Iron X application?
Also meant to ask you since I didn’t see it listed on the products used list, what was your tire dressing application on the Highlander?
Happy Detailing!!!
I always perform all my chemical decontamination first, the idea being, remove as much from the paint as possible before touching it with a mechanical process (clay). The tire dressing was optimum Opti Bond Tire Gel.
All the best!
For tar do any of you folks use citrol 266 just started this year I was almost compelled to send the company more money than they sold it to me for that how well it works. I’m almost convinced it’s removing iron as well but still clay and iron x
Hi Matt,
No I have never used Citrol 266. My experience is with Stoner Tarminator and Gyeon Tar. We are switching to the latter for a non aerosol application.
I’m a old rookie but I like to start with:
Tar
Clay
Compound
Polish
Swirl
Wax
Glass
Wheels
Tires
Jambs
What about the beverage breaks?
Did I miss it? Or was there no mention of the ceramic coating? Just asking.
Hi Dan,
We applied Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light to this vehicle. Thanks for reading!
Matt
I missed this when it was first published…
Nice work! I recently detailed a Blizard Peral Highlander, using pretty much the same process minus the ceramic coating.