Our Process
We take pride in creating moments that make people stop and stare, whether it’s turning heads as you drive by, helping your vehicle command top dollar at sale, or preserving a truly special piece of automotive art.
Our restorations are not rushed. Many exceed 12 hours, and often far more. This is work driven by craftsmanship, passion, and respect for the vehicle, not shortcuts or volume. Every surface, panel, and detail is addressed slowly and methodically. For our premium services, we document paint thickness, vehicle condition, and each major stage of restoration to ensure transparency and precision.
1. Initial Documentation
Every project begins with comprehensive photography. This establishes a clear baseline of your vehicle’s condition and guides our restoration plan. For Signature Restoration clients, this documentation is compiled into a detailed final report.
2. Decontamination Wash & Wheel Service
We begin with a multi-bucket strip wash and professional iron removal treatment.
- The strip wash gently removes surface contaminants, oils, waxes, and debris
- Iron remover dissolves embedded metal particles within the paint
- When appropriate, vehicles are placed on jack stands and wheels are removed
- Fender wells, wheels, and brake calipers are deep cleaned
- Optional ceramic coating may be applied to wheels and calipers
Wheels remain off until final trim restoration is complete, ensuring a fully finished result.
3. Clay Bar Decontamination
After washing, we use fine or medium-grade clay bars to remove deeply embedded surface contaminants. While light marring can occasionally occur, this is expected and fully corrected during polishing.
4. Paint Assessment & Measurements
Once fully decontaminated, we pause to take precise paint thickness readings and additional photographs. With no fillers, oils, or protection present, this stage reveals the true condition of the paint.
5. Trim & Surface Preparation
All plastic trim and non-painted surfaces are cleaned prior to polishing. This prevents contamination during correction and ensures a flawless final finish. After cleaning, the trim is taped to prevent staining and burning from compounds.
6. Paint Correction & Jeweling
We utilize professional-grade Rupes compounds and polishes, including their Coarse, Fine, and Ultra-Fine / UNO Pure systems.
- Cutting Stage: Removes moderate defects, wash marks, and deeper marring
- Polishing Stage: Eliminates fine swirls and refines clarity. Windows also receive Sonax glass polish with a heavy cut wool DA pad.
- Jeweling Stage (Signature Restoration): Ultra-fine finishing for maximum depth and gloss
This final stage produces an exceptionally deep, wet, mirror-like finish that is free from haze or holograms that many detailers leave behind. It creates the perfect foundation for long-term protection.
7. Ceramic Coating Application
We apply only premium ceramic coatings selected for durability, slickness, and visual clarity. Our current preferred coating is Clean 7-Year Ceramic Coating, known for its exceptional gloss and longevity.
8. Protective Topper (Signature Restoration)
For select vehicles, we enhance the ceramic coating with a high-end carnauba fusion wax.
While not necessary for all vehicles, this layer:
- Enhances warmth and depth of reflection
- Improves tactile smoothness
- Adds a sacrificial protection layer
This option is ideal for collectible vehicles and garage-kept cars driven occasionally.
9. Glass, Trim & Final Inspection
We finish with full trim and glass restoration, including:
- Light glass polishing
- Trim hydration and conditioning
- Wheel reinstallation
- Final inspection and detailing walk-around
Every vehicle is reviewed thoroughly to ensure no detail is overlooked.
