Hello TMC Members!
Appearance Solutions is excited to share the first 2020 Tesla Model Y (Pearl White Multi-Coat) project to grace our shop! We currently have another Y (Red Multi-Coat) in the shop for a full XPEL wrap.
At the beginning of the year we received a call from our previous client @iCeMaNxLb (2016 BMW M4 completed in July 2017) who wanted to discuss paint protection and ceramic tinting options for his Model Y that would be arriving at the end of March. An appointment was scheduled for April.
Like this Model Y, the majority of the vehicles we service receive a combination of clear bra and one of our ceramic coating options. In this case, we applied XPEL to the complete front end, lower rocker panels, and the full rear bumper. After the film was installed, we applied XPEL Fusion Ceramic Coating to the film and coated the remaining painted substrates with Opti-Coat Pro Plus. In addition, for this Model Y we applied XPEL PRIME XR Plus 70% to the front windshield and glass roof, 20% to the front sides and 45% on the remainder. This ceramic window film option provides up to 98% heat rejection and 99.9% UVA/UVB protection.
Below are our standard procedures for each of the following steps in our process:
(1) Arrival (“Drop Off”)
Upon arrival, every vehicle receives a “red carpet” treatment. We begin with a complete walk around of the vehicle. We then install our reusable/heavy-duty protective driver front seat cover, steering wheel cover, and floor mat. Once checked in, the vehicle is assigned to our detailing department and either brought inside our main shop or to our adjacent detail shop. The only time a vehicle is outside is during check in, when it is being washed and when the vehicle is being picked up.
Our 9,000sq. ft. secured facility consists of our main shop, detail shop, and storage warehouse. All the “clean” work (i.e. clear bra, coatings and tint) is done in the main shop and all the “dirty” work (i.e. detailing, polishing, etc.) is done in our adjacent detail shop. The separation of the two is important to allow for zero cross contamination.
(2) Prep Process (First Wash / Decontamination / Paint Correction / Final Wash)
Prior to any application of clear bra or one of our ceramic coating options, we begin by washing the vehicle. This consists of a decontamination process, followed by a clay treatment to remove any stubborn contaminants. Once the vehicle is clean and contaminant free, we begin the paint correction process.
Paint correction is a term commonly used to describe the skillful art of correcting surface imperfections (i.e., swirl marks/spider-webbing, micro-marring, scratches, bird dropping etching, hologram/buffer marks) by using a random orbital machine polisher and a combination of cleansers, polishes and/or compounds, as needed. When properly done, the finish will be high in gloss, depth and smoothness. Done professionally, the removal of these imperfections is perfectly safe and will not cause any damage to the vehicle’s finish. This is a critical step for any quality XPEL clear bra installation or Opti-Coat Ceramic Coating application so we can encapsulate a perfect and clean surface.
Once the paint correction is complete, the vehicle receives a final wash and another final inspection. It is then assigned to one of our four scissor lifts and our team of clear bra specialists starts the next phase.
(3) Paint Protection Film / Ceramic Coating
Over the last 13 years we have been perfecting the art of clear bra and have incorporated ceramic coatings for the last seven (7) years. Combined, we have found these two services to be the winning recipe for long-term paint protection.
We take a custom approach to every clear bra install. To ensure a seamless and virtually invisible installation, we wrap every edge of the film where possible. By doing so, we not only maximize the aesthetic appearance, but also increase the protection and long-term durability.
Once all the film is installed and trimmed, and all the edges heat-sealed with a heat gun, we then begin the coating process. The vehicle is wiped down completely to remove any residual clear bra installation soap. We then begin the final polishing step on all painted substrates before applying any coating. The vehicle is re-wiped with a product designed to remove polishing oils. During the coating process, we turn off all the lights and we have special soft lighting to help us see the coating better during application. This allows for proper cover and the ability to see the product flash and level onto the surface. The film is also coated during this time, along with all exterior glass.
(4) Delivery Ready Process (“Pick Up”)
Almost done! After the vehicle is coated, we prepare the vehicle for pick up. This consists of a complete wipe down and cleaning of the full interior. We also apply a conditioning product to all leather and/or vinyl interior surfaces. The carpet and floor mats are vacuumed, interior windows are cleaned, and wheels and tires cleaned and dressed.
The vehicle is taken outside for its final look over with our entire team. With seven team members, the more eyes we can put on it the better! It also gives everyone the opportunity to appreciate their hard work because every member of the team contributes to each vehicle in some way.
Appearance Solutions has protected hundreds of Model 3’s, Model S’s, and Model X’s, and now we are happy to do the same for the Model Y’s.
Appearance Solutions is excited to share the first 2020 Tesla Model Y (Pearl White Multi-Coat) project to grace our shop! We currently have another Y (Red Multi-Coat) in the shop for a full XPEL wrap.
At the beginning of the year we received a call from our previous client @iCeMaNxLb (2016 BMW M4 completed in July 2017) who wanted to discuss paint protection and ceramic tinting options for his Model Y that would be arriving at the end of March. An appointment was scheduled for April.
Like this Model Y, the majority of the vehicles we service receive a combination of clear bra and one of our ceramic coating options. In this case, we applied XPEL to the complete front end, lower rocker panels, and the full rear bumper. After the film was installed, we applied XPEL Fusion Ceramic Coating to the film and coated the remaining painted substrates with Opti-Coat Pro Plus. In addition, for this Model Y we applied XPEL PRIME XR Plus 70% to the front windshield and glass roof, 20% to the front sides and 45% on the remainder. This ceramic window film option provides up to 98% heat rejection and 99.9% UVA/UVB protection.
Below are our standard procedures for each of the following steps in our process:
(1) Arrival (“Drop Off”)
Upon arrival, every vehicle receives a “red carpet” treatment. We begin with a complete walk around of the vehicle. We then install our reusable/heavy-duty protective driver front seat cover, steering wheel cover, and floor mat. Once checked in, the vehicle is assigned to our detailing department and either brought inside our main shop or to our adjacent detail shop. The only time a vehicle is outside is during check in, when it is being washed and when the vehicle is being picked up.
Our 9,000sq. ft. secured facility consists of our main shop, detail shop, and storage warehouse. All the “clean” work (i.e. clear bra, coatings and tint) is done in the main shop and all the “dirty” work (i.e. detailing, polishing, etc.) is done in our adjacent detail shop. The separation of the two is important to allow for zero cross contamination.
(2) Prep Process (First Wash / Decontamination / Paint Correction / Final Wash)
Prior to any application of clear bra or one of our ceramic coating options, we begin by washing the vehicle. This consists of a decontamination process, followed by a clay treatment to remove any stubborn contaminants. Once the vehicle is clean and contaminant free, we begin the paint correction process.
Paint correction is a term commonly used to describe the skillful art of correcting surface imperfections (i.e., swirl marks/spider-webbing, micro-marring, scratches, bird dropping etching, hologram/buffer marks) by using a random orbital machine polisher and a combination of cleansers, polishes and/or compounds, as needed. When properly done, the finish will be high in gloss, depth and smoothness. Done professionally, the removal of these imperfections is perfectly safe and will not cause any damage to the vehicle’s finish. This is a critical step for any quality XPEL clear bra installation or Opti-Coat Ceramic Coating application so we can encapsulate a perfect and clean surface.
Once the paint correction is complete, the vehicle receives a final wash and another final inspection. It is then assigned to one of our four scissor lifts and our team of clear bra specialists starts the next phase.
(3) Paint Protection Film / Ceramic Coating
Over the last 13 years we have been perfecting the art of clear bra and have incorporated ceramic coatings for the last seven (7) years. Combined, we have found these two services to be the winning recipe for long-term paint protection.
We take a custom approach to every clear bra install. To ensure a seamless and virtually invisible installation, we wrap every edge of the film where possible. By doing so, we not only maximize the aesthetic appearance, but also increase the protection and long-term durability.
Once all the film is installed and trimmed, and all the edges heat-sealed with a heat gun, we then begin the coating process. The vehicle is wiped down completely to remove any residual clear bra installation soap. We then begin the final polishing step on all painted substrates before applying any coating. The vehicle is re-wiped with a product designed to remove polishing oils. During the coating process, we turn off all the lights and we have special soft lighting to help us see the coating better during application. This allows for proper cover and the ability to see the product flash and level onto the surface. The film is also coated during this time, along with all exterior glass.
(4) Delivery Ready Process (“Pick Up”)
Almost done! After the vehicle is coated, we prepare the vehicle for pick up. This consists of a complete wipe down and cleaning of the full interior. We also apply a conditioning product to all leather and/or vinyl interior surfaces. The carpet and floor mats are vacuumed, interior windows are cleaned, and wheels and tires cleaned and dressed.
The vehicle is taken outside for its final look over with our entire team. With seven team members, the more eyes we can put on it the better! It also gives everyone the opportunity to appreciate their hard work because every member of the team contributes to each vehicle in some way.
Appearance Solutions has protected hundreds of Model 3’s, Model S’s, and Model X’s, and now we are happy to do the same for the Model Y’s.
