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At Smart Pro Detailing in Cairns, we have always been at the forefront of the car detailing industry.

You can keep up to date with exciting company developments, our latest specials and new products on our blog page. If you would like your vehicle to benefit from our industry-leading services, don't hesitate to  contact us  today. Our friendly team look forward to hearing from you.

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Posted by Smart Pro Detailing - 10/12/2018

If you can afford personalised plates, you can afford Modesta!

White Car — Smart Pro Detailing in Portsmith, QLD

Today, we want to focus on a different subject - which is money. Nowadays for most people money is scarce, however people still spend thousands of dollars on personalised plates, upgraded sound systems or engine modifications. But when it comes to protecting their four wheels, it's way too hard to part with the money.


Nowadays you get what you pay for. If you buy an audio system for $500, you cannot expect $5000 audio system sound quality. So, if you get $500 paint protection for your car, you CAN NOT expect that it will perform like a high-end one.


But there is a catch. Your cheaper sound system will continue to work for many years, only with lower sound quality. Whereas lower quality paint protection products tend to work as intended for a very LIMITED TIME, most of the time only months - not even years.


Another myth.... "I got paint protection as insurance for my car's paint". Some companies sell paint protection under a scheme as "insurance" for your car's paint. Meaning, you don't have to worry about your car's paint anymore, that damage will be covered by paint protection warranty, so to speak "lifetime warranty". Without going too deep in the subject of honesty and "doing the right thing" for the customers, lets say..... it is doubtful that your car's paint will always look the same or will always get repaired under "paint protection warranty" after experiencing damage from sun, water spots or animal droppings. We constantly see people battling problems of damaged paint which is supposed to be protected by various brands and their big disappointment when it does not stand to the expectations. Not all brands and products are the same and personal due diligence is a must when choosing paint protection for your car.


Think about high quality paint protection NOT as insurance, but more as security system. A quality coating will actively protect your car's paint, it is visible as hydrophilic or hydrophobic water behavior. You can see it work on your car, it protects paint and helps to keep it clean. With cheaper and lower quality products applied, you CAN'T really see any difference most of the time. With them, easy maintenance is often short lived and scratches and water spots appear almost immediately. That's reality, you always get what you pay for.


So, if you still think that spending around $2000 on High Quality Paint Protection is out of this world, think again. Possible visit to local panel shop to respray damaged bonnet, roof and boot will cost you time and money and IT IS NOT covered by your car's insurance. Although, making upgrades to your car or putting on those sweet pink number plates is FUN. But, none of these mods will preserve value of your vehicle, most will not increase it either. There is a reason why some paint protection coatings cost thousands, you pay for High Quality product and exceptional workmanship. It is all well worth it at the end. Properly protected and maintained vehicles keep value, are much easier to maintain and stay clean longer. For paint protection which works, contact Smart Pro Detailing in Cairns

Posted by Smart Pro Detailing - 30/04/2018

Lets spend 5 minutes on this important issue of paint damage by water spots etching

Rain Spots — Smart Pro Detailing in Portsmith, QLD

First of all, what causes water spots and what are they? Rainwater is not pure. It is naturally acidic, the result of water collecting on dust and smoke particles in the clouds. Comprised of water vapor and any number of contaminants like pollen, mold, bacteria, dust, soil, pollutants, plant parts, algae, and insect parts, these tiny particles make up the condensation nuclei. If you park your car or truck underneath trees or near foliage that drip rainwater onto the vehicle, add toxic chemicals to the impurity stew. Acid rain in the form of raindrops or the moisture that makes up fog, are on the more serious end of the water spot spectrum. If you live near an industrial area or chemical plant the contaminants that make up its condensation nuclei are more likely to be a chemical mix of minerals, debris, gaseous solids. These contaminants are ravenous for your paint and glass. Usually delivered as dusty gray deposits that have bonded to the paint surface, hard water spots aren't easily wiped away and if left unattended, will "etch" the paint or clear coat. Damage from etching appears as rough, crescent or circular-shaped marks where the raindrops evaporated.


There are two types of water spots - above surface mineral deposits and stage two corrosion known as below surface water spot etching, damage caused primarily by hard water and acid rain. If left untreated, both threaten your glass and paint surface. Several products on the market are made specifically for cleaning above surface water spots without scratching, this type of water spots can likely be removed with a simple paint cleaner and an applicator. The chemicals of the paint cleaner will soften the contaminants on the surface while the applicator will provide the light abrasion to remove them from the surface.


Due to large deposits of calcium, magnesium or iron, below surface "hard water" spots and acid rain are the hardest to remove. They may even sometimes take multiple attempts to correct the damage. This type of water spots, the chemical composition of whatever was in the water either was there long enough, or was powerful enough, to Eat the Paint! This is going to require a paint correction and at some cases the damage is irreversible, only option left is paint respray by a professional panel shop.


Even some of the most durable polymer sealants on the market right now may not be enough to stop acid rain etching into the paint given enough time. However, high quality glass coating will prevent below surface water spot etching with little maintenance.


If a car is sitting outside for weeks in the hot sun with acid rain baking into the paint, simple sealant or wax won't be enough to protect the paint. A regular car wash regimen is required and high quality pure glass coating is recommended, which after professional installation will protect paint surface from 2 to 7 years. If you want to reduce water spots, make some room under cover to fit the car. Above steps are more necessary for people who see acid rain than ones who don't. Be wise while taking care of your car and don't let this nasty water etching to ruin your car's paint.

Posted by Smart Pro Detailing - 18/12/2017

WHY TO CHOOSE MODESTA?

Modesta — Smart Pro Detailing in Portsmith, QLD

Modesta Products have been developed by leading Japanese scientist and are only available to professional detailing specialist through its worldwide distributor network. Modesta liquid glass coating (Silicon dioxide SiO2) also known as silica, is a chemical compound that is an oxide of silicon. Silica is most commonly found in nature as quartz. Silicon dioxide is very hard, It has a very high melting point, is insoluble in water.


When a coating is applied to a properly prepared, clean surface, that surface takes on properties that are virtually identical to hardened glass, they also exhibit a measurable film thickness. These coatings can also be used on both paint and wheel surfaces making them much easier to keep clean as well as providing protection. Glass coating is different from wax or paint sealants which are resin based. Resin is organic material so it deteriorates with external factors which are ultraviolet rays, acid rain and so on. Silica is chemically inert and will not react with the base material. In other words, dirt will not bond to the treated surface, thereby reducing soiling and organic staining. Acid rain and other chemical compounds easily wash off, significantly reducing the hydroscopic nature of surfaces exposed to industrial or environmental pollution.


We are properly educating our customers so they understand a coatings possibilities and its limitations, while glass coatings offer better protection than waxes or sealants, as well as greater durability they still need to be taken care of properly. Using the proper washing techniques can keep their paint surface swirl free indefinitely. Teaching our clients how to wash correctly will go a long way in avoiding paint surface damage like scratches, marring, swirls, etc. It may show some damage from road grit hits but these are within the coating, so the paint underneath is fine. This is also true if the vehicle has been subjected to a damaging wash, the swirls and marring are mostly in the coating itself so the damage comes out more quickly.


There are a lot of competitive coating on the market today and many of them can all be traced back to one or two suppliers. Modesta manufacture all products in house and do not make products for any other brand. In the growing industry of vehicle protection, Modesta stands apart from the rest in a large way. Modesta technology is the one of the most sophisticated coating on the market, for professional use only.


These coatings are layer-able to produce a thicker top coat if used correctly. Offering effective durability to extreme temperatures, ultra violet (UV) radiation protection and an insane gloss, similar to candy-coat paint. Modesta coatings help to protect the paint from all kinds of damage including, wash-induced damages (scratches) oxidation, tree sap, watermarks, salts, acids (including bird and bug excrement) and even permanent ink. Its strong water-repellent properties promote the self-cleaning (Lotus effect).


Does paint density (hardness) affect its scratch resistance?


Many coating products claim an obtained surface hardness of 9H but this has little if anything to do with scratch resistance. Scratch resistance can be related to higher cross-link density and elasticity of the coating network.


Why a dense (hard) clear coat be so easily scratched?


Force acts through a body that has a surface area; if the surface area is really small while maintaining an equal force, the pressure becomes astronomical and the object under pressure capable of penetrating the surface of an otherwise tough material. (Newton's third law of motion) That's why a micro fine thread that is twice as fine as silk and a 100 times finer than a human hair, in an otherwise soft micro-fibre towel can scratch your paint. And the same reason a mosquito can penetrate a rhino hide with its stinger. This can best be summed up as: your car's paint finish, though it may feel hard, is actually rather soft. Nearly everything else that comes in contact with it, though it may feel soft, is harder by comparison and will scratch it with enough pressure � sometimes just the slightest of pressure.


Infrared heating:


During the coating / curing process we use Infrared Cure lamps to crosslink the coating. Infrared radiation to the coating will enable the coating to cross link and start the curing process, infrared heat will also aid product overall drying, improving both gloss and hardness. When large surface area need to be heated, infrared lamps are often used in banks. This process drastically increases the coatings hardness and protection abilities as well as its shine and gloss. It takes approx. three weeks before the coating is completely cured, but rest assured it is completely safe to drive during this period.


The aesthetics of a vehicle's appearance is very subjective to say the least, the only paint protection finish that really matters is what looks 'best' to you the observer. In the final analysis it all comes down to; 85% paint preparation, 5% product, 7% application method and skill of the detailer. There are no scientific measurements or tests for aesthetics, they are reliant upon the eye of the beholder and their preferences. However, the way a surface reflects light is effected by the paint colour, how clean the paint surface is (free of surface contaminants) which will affect how the paint colour is allowed to show through the clear coat(clarity), how level (levelled by polishing) the surface is, all these factors will affect the way the paint surface will reflect light, therefore how "good" it looks to you.


To start a conversation on how Smart Pro Detailing in Cairns can help to protect your vehicle, contact us today.

Posted by Smart Pro Detailing - 13/10/2017

WHY MODESTA COATINGS ARE NOT PERFECT?

Meet Andy — Smart Pro Detailing in Portsmith, QLD

We could say many good things about products we use. However, lets focus on what our favourite Modesta coatings DO NOT DO well:


 - First of all, they are not bulletproof. As far as coatings go, it is a great protection but it does not protect from bush driving, coating will scratch when enough force is used against its surface, brunches or sticks will definitely inflict some damage to the coating. Small rocks and gravel can penetrate Modesta coating, therefore it is not the best protection from chips either. However, paint sealing properties are second to none.


- Secondly, Modesta coatings require washing, actually maintenance is very important and regular wash is a must to keep this form of protection in top condition. So, Modesta coated vehicle won't magically stay clean forever, it needs washing too. However, professionally protected cars are very easy to wash. 


 - Modesta coatings have big disadvantage, their durability. Or are they? Many paint protection products out there are advertised with 15 or even 20 years of durability. Sounds great, however in reality sad truth is that the longer "warranty" is given, the shorter its product's lifespan. In case of Modesta, one can expect moderate 5 to 7 years of durability with basic maintenance by the owner, no false promises here.


- And there is the cost, as Modesta paint protection products are not cheap indeed. Hand-made in Japan, Modesta coatings are at the very top in the glass coating world. The brand has build its reputation on highest quality products which are made from ingredients sourced only in Japan. Moreover, quality of installation by only authorised installers world-wide is second to none. Simple search of brand name will show multiple examples of the best of the best car detailers and paint protection installers world wide presenting proudly their work. Price is high indeed but cost over the years becomes low. What does it mean? First of all, well protected vehicle will keep higher value over the years. In addition, many people heard about "poor man pays twice". The same principle can be applied to Modesta coatings. Personally, we do have many clients simply unhappy with other products which could be cheaper in first place, but will cost twice as much when have to be removed in order to install new paint protection. Also, if coating "x" will last only 12 months instead of 10 or 20 years promised. Seems like money wasted when compared to Modesta coatings which often are in the same price or even less. 

 So, there you have it. Three main reasons why Modesta coatings will not make your car bulletproof, will not last forever and are not cheap. However, if you are in the market for Paint Protection which works as intended, visit Smart Pro Detailing Cairns, we just might have coating perfect for you.

Posted by Smart Pro Detailing - 15/08/2017

THE TRUTH ABOUT PAINT PROTECTION

Cars — Smart Pro Detailing in Portsmith, QLD

Even if you never have heard about paint protection, while purchasing your brand new vehicle you will be offered paint protection or protection package with mystical name and supposedly extraordinary abilities. Not saying here that all dealerships are the same, selling the same products or keep the same standards, however.... there is more to it. If a person is buying brand new car, he or she wish to keep it in its original condition as long as possible - right? Most people agree here. If manufacturer makes the same vehicle, do they want it to last as long as possible? Most likely not, as they are in car making business and they make money when people are buying new cars. What about dealerships who offer paint protection products? Is it in their interest to make your car look the best and stay like that long term? Most likely not, as they also are in car business and they must sell as many and as often as possible, this is their business model. This brings us to conclusion, even the offer sounds irresistible, even it is so convenient, even the cost can be added to your finance..... STOP right there! As there are many other options available on the market today.


Car Detailing in Australia is still young profession and mostly known for "wash and vac" and "cut and polish", but there is a small group of motor enthusiasts who are passionate about their work, they are eager to learn new techniques, use new products and new tools based on overseas trends. In fact, a number of detailers having paint protection as one of the services is growing rapidly and by simply typing in google "paint protection" you will be flooded with brands like MotorOne, Opti-coat, Gtechniq, CeramicPro at lower price point.


However, there is a catch.... some of "paint protection products" are made to bring profits and not necessary truly protect your vehicle. In some cases mass produce manufacturing, cheap ingredients or incorrect storage combined with poor application techniques by an installer cause coatings to fail within months from installation. Having just purchased brand new vehicle, new owner is not aware of product failure as first signs are rather hard to spot, so when the paint damage is finally noticed..... the most likely costly visit to panel shop is unavoidable. Nowadays, internet is our friend, we can find answer to almost any question. So why not to research about paint protection? We strongly suggest to do your homework before signing on dotted line. The reviews and testimonials are great inside of any product or brand. Many brands would spend millions on advertising campaigns, however read what others are saying or even ask your friends and family for their opinion. You will find that some brands are really disliked or loved by consumers in every niche. Did you know that MODESTA is a manufacturer of most exclusive premium automotive protection? They are the experts in paint, wheel and leather protection, their coatings are made to order by hand in Kagawa, Japan from highest quality ingredients. There is no magic to it, Modesta is pure, very thick and very hard. Its glass like layer protects vehicle's paint for 5 to 7 years on daily driven vehicles, there is no reapplying, polishing or waxing required. In addition, Modesta's glass coatings are number one choice and used exclusively by the very best detailers around The World due to its complex instalation, find an installer here: http://www.modesta.co/installers.html


Simply by searching YouTube or Facebook for modesta glass coatings you will find endless examples of their excellent work. It is important to add that installation techniques by Modesta installers are in class on its own, use of infra-red light for curing is just one of them and every installer follows the same strict procedure no matter which country they are in. To learn more about high end protection which last years not months search for Modesta Australia or follow the link http://smartprodetailing.com.au/ to your local Modesta authorised installer.

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