Porsche Cayenne – Gloss Enhancement Detailing Package
The Cayenne is Porsche’s answer to the SUV market and on its release in 2003, marked a significant departure from Porsche’s trademark sports car designs. Exceeding all expectations, the second-generation Cayenne arrived in 2011 and benefited from several modifications including LED daytime running lights, tailgate tail lights and a more exaggerated slanting roof-line for improved aerodynamics. Added to this, the facelift version is almost 250 kg lighter than the first generation, due to extensive use of aluminium and magnesium, and the combined result increases fuel efficiency – in case any owner was particularly concerned about such things! The interior too was redesigned, borrowing heavily from the newly released 4-door Panamera, another departure from the Porsche norm.
When it comes to action, the Cayenne is a remarkably assured, sporty SUV, with the 3.0 V6 diesel engine producing 258 bhp and 580 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm. An eight-speed automatic gearbox pulls easily through the range, whilst ESP sensors send stop signals to individual wheels seeking traction, helping keep all wheels on the road during inclement weather conditions. Although sitting lower than the first generation, the Cayenne still provides excellent wading height making this a usable 4×4 as well as a comfortable indulgence.
The owner of this 2016 Cayenne had acquired it some four months previously. As a Porsche fan whose career involves a great deal of travelling on the continent, the Cayenne seemed the obvious choice for all those motorway miles. Particular about the appearance of his vehicle, when strong sunlight showed the paintwork to be covered in swirls and scratches with a distinctly hazy appearance, he arranged to bring the car to UF Studio for a number of restorative detailing services including intensive machine polishing. Keen to ensure every surface of the vehicle was protected, he also opted for Alloy Wheel Armour, glass treatment, and for the fabric and leather to be deep cleaned and sealed.
The Cayenne was first in need of thorough cleaning and decontamination. The number plates were removed and the wheels and wheel arches cleaned with UF Safe Wheel Cleaner to eliminate surface debris.
The Cayenne has adjustable suspension which was raised to allow plenty of room to thoroughly clean the normally hard to reach areas. – Matt Back, Master Detailer, UF Studio
After rinsing, the engine bay, bodywork and wheels were degreased to ensure diesel splatters and oil-based contamination were removed.
A detailing brush was used in the engine bay, and the catches for the bonnet, boot and doors to ensure any grease build-up was loosened so it could be rinsed away. Then, UF Iron + Fallout Remover was applied to the wheels, arches, and across the bodywork to eliminate brake dust particles. After allowing the product to work for a few minutes, the solution and contamination were rinsed off.
Iron + Fallout Remover contains an active ingredient that shrinks ferrous particles and changes colour on contact to highlight the product is working. However, the colour change function isn’t always easy to see on darker paint. To combat this Ultimate Snow Foam was applied over the top, so the purple streaks show through the white foam. – Matt Back, Master Detailer, UF Studio
Ultimate Snow Foam was applied through a Kranzle-adapted foam lance attached to a K-1152 TST pressure washer. The thick, creamy lather lifts dirt and grit away from the surface of the paintwork so they won’t be caught in the wash mitt and potentially scratch the surface during the main wash. After rinsing the foam away, the Cayenne was carefully washed using two buckets, one for wash solution, one with plain rinsing water, both with Grit Guards. The wash mitt is loaded with soap and a section of the car cleaned. The mitt is rinsed in the rinsing bucket, transferring the dirt and particles to that bucket. After wringing out the mitt, it can be dunked again into the wash solution. This keeps the dirty rinse water separate from the clean soapy wash water and therefore helps keep the paintwork swirl-free.
A common cause of swirls and scratches in paintwork is dirt on the panels being rubbed on the surface with a wash mitt. Keeping wash and rinse water separate helps prevent this. The Grit Guards are there so the mitt can be rubbed against them, releasing dirt from the mitt’s pile and helping to keep the particles at the bottom of the bucket. – Matt Back, Master Detailer, UF Studio
The Cayenne was rinsed free of suds before an Aqua Gleam De-ionising Water Filter was used to deliver a final, pure water rinse. It was brought into the studio where it was dried using a BigBoi BlowR Pro touchless car dryer. This drying system is powered by two powerful motors that use warm, filtered air to chase water off panels and from areas that would naturally trap droplets, such as trim and around badges. The Cayenne was carefully placed on a hydraulic ramp and raised before the wheels were removed for further decontamination and cleaning, prior to being protected.
When the alloy spokes are closely spaced, removing the wheels is the most efficient way to ensure the rear of the rims has been comprehensively cleaned. It also allows us to thoroughly coat the wheels and the brake calipers to help protect them. Given this car is going to be used frequently and for distance, it made sense to give it the most comprehensive protection possible. – Matt Back, Master Detailer, UF Studio
The paintwork was inspected under high-intensity lighting to reveal its true condition. A proliferation of swirls and scratches was evident, significantly impacting the cosmetic appearance.
Multiple paint depth gauge readings were taken and recorded to verify the uniformity of the clear coat.
Correction of the paintwork was carried out using a combination of RUPES and FLEX machine polishers with Meguiar’s Microfibre Cutting Discs and Koch-Chemie Heavy Cut H8.02 compound.
The Cayenne’s panels each reacted differently, so the number of passes and the speed of the machine was constantly being adjusted to allow for this. The microfibre pads were repeatedly refreshed using high-pressure air to blow product and clear coat from the fibres, separating them out to maintain their cutting ability.
Porsche paint finishes are typically quite hard and take quite a bit of work to eliminate the defects which were causing the paintwork to appear hazy and dull.
The paintwork was refined using a RUPES Yellow Polishing Pad and Menzerna Super Finish 3500, a fine jewelling polish that leaves a high gloss shine. Gtechniq Panel Wipe was sprayed onto the panels and then buffed off, ensuring all polish and clear coat residues were removed, preparing the panels for the protective ceramic coating.
The owner had both heard about and seen in action, the results of a car coated with Gtechniq’s flagship ceramic sealant, Crystal Serum Ultra (CS Ultra), and so selected this for his vehicle. Like the original Crystal Serum, CS Ultra is applied as a one-step process but as it cures, it forms into two layers: the lower layer cures to around 7H (on the pencil scale of hardness) to provide a tough but flexible layer. The upper section cures to 10H to provide a swirl resistant surface. Where CS Ultra offers improvement over the original is with the introduction of a revolutionary new 7nm nanoparticle alongside an existing 20nm nanoparticle. As the coating cures, the smaller particles settle into the gaps between the larger particles so the 7H layer and 10H layer blend. This increases the ratio of crosslinked particles which has the effect of reinforcing and thickening the upper layer of the coating for increased durability and swirl-resistance. CS Ultra is also resistant to extremes of pH, protecting the paintwork from acid rain etching, bird droppings, road salts and astringent wash chemicals.
For added slickness, improving the hydrophobicity and therefore aiding the self-cleaning properties of the coating, Gtechniq EXO v4 Ultra Durable Hydrophobic Coating was applied over CS Ultra. Rainwater and waterborne contamination, road grime, and other environmental and industrial fallout are repelled from the treated surface, keeping it cleaner for longer and making the car easier to wash. The gloss and reflectivity this combination of coatings provides are also impressive!
As with all ceramic coatings, CS Ultra is sensitive to ambient conditions, so humidity and temperature must be carefully controlled throughout the application and curing process. As it cures to 10H, the coating requires intensive machine polishing to remove, so care must be taken that the car has been suitably prepared first and the coating is laid down correctly to ensure optimum results and clarity. For these reasons, CS Ultra is available as a service only through Gtechniq-approved detailers. Once installed, CS Ultra carries a manufacturer’s performance guarantee of 9 years.
The wheels and calipers were once more degreased and treated for brake dust particles, a detailing brush used to get into the corners and crevices. The wheels then washed and a BlowR Pro used to dry them. They were then prepared using Panel Wipe before Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour was applied.
This ceramic coating is resistant to high temperatures and therefore will not burn off as the wheels and calipers become hot during use. Water and oil-repelling, C5 inhibits brake dust build-up and so the requirement for harsh wheel cleaning chemicals is negated. Treated surfaces can be easily cleaned during the weekly wash using a pH-balanced wheel cleaner. This helps preserve the integrity of the wheel’s lacquer.
In addition to the paintwork, EXO v4 was also applied to the headlight and rear light covers. The glass was cleaned and sealed with Gtechniq G1 ClearVision Smart Glass. This provides a hydrophobic layer that encourages rainwater to bead on contact and then easily blow away even whilst driving at relatively low speeds.
As the Cayenne is going to be used frequently and for long journeys to the continent, a hydrophobic coating for the windows was a great idea. Because rainwater and contamination are repelled, the glass stays cleaner and clearer during bad weather conditions, reducing eye strain and fatigue for the driver. – Matt Back, Master Detailer, UF Studio
The leather interior was first cleaned using Colourlock Mild Leather Cleaner, a gentle foaming cleaner that lifts dirt out from the pores of the material. This was wiped dry before Gtechniq L1 AB Leather Guard was applied to provide a dust-repelling, abrasion-resistant barrier that also repels water, helping to prevent stains from accidental spillages and also inhibiting dye transfer from Denim or dark clothing. The ‘AB’ denotes it carries an antibacterial function. This helps keep the cabin free from unpleasant smells typically caused by bacteria forming around debris. In addition, L1 provides protection from the drying and fading effects of UV, helping preserve the leather pigment richness – particularly important for dark and, in this case, red leathers. In addition to the leather protection, the carpets were also first vacuumed and then cleaned with a Tornador which ‘swirls’ water and fabric cleaner to draw dirt out from the fibres. Once dry, the carpets were protected using Gtechniq I1 AB Smart Fabric, providing a dirt and water repelling barrier and like L1 AB, carries an antibacterial function. The final stage was to clean the dash with C6 AB Matte Dash.
If you’re going to be doing a lot of driving, you really want the interior to be a place of comfort, so for the owner of this Cayenne, whilst having the paintwork restored so the exterior looked good, it was also important to him that the interior was fresh and protected. Every surface was therefore first cleaned and then protected to ensure it would remain feeling luxurious! – Matt Back, Master Detailer, UF Studio
Pre-delivery inspection was carried out before the owner arrived to collect the Cayenne and the car was given a light dust using a Supernatural Wool Duster to ensure the Cayenne was looking spectacular. The owner was delighted with the results and immediately set off for a trip to the continent! He’s certainly travelling in style!
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