Audi R8 Full Correction & Ceramic Treatment by Oakes (Philadelphia Area)

[soho]

I know a few of the members in the Philadelphia area were curious where they could get top notch detail work done. Thanks to the recommendation by NFS13, I decided to take my R8 over to Oakes Detail in West Chester, PA (oakesdetail.com) for a full correction.

While I was dropping off my vehicle, I caught glimpse of an Octane Blue Evo X that was looking rather lustrous, as if it had just undergone a full correction. I inquired about it and was told that the Evo X had received a ceramic coating... 7 months prior. I went home and spent the better part of the next four days doing all the research I could on nano ceramic treatment. I'm a natural skeptic and it's not easy to sell me on something potentially gimmicky or new, but I decided that this was what I felt was best for my purposes and bit the bullet.

I couldn't be happier with the work that was done. She looks better than she did the day we picked her up and probably better than the day she left Germany. I'm looking forward to seeing how long I can make this ceramic treatment last. Attached are links to full write ups by Oakes on autopia.org and luxury4play.com

http://www.autopia.org/forum/click-b...ent-oakes.html
http://www.luxury4play.com/detailing...ent-oakes.html

[harrison]

Would love to know all the secrets to getting a wet look like that. Can the average JOE get these results if he takes his time ?? I have mentioned interest in ceramic/caramiclear PAINT coatings- supposedly applied on some Lambos.(in the Lambo factorys' paint process) Mercedes also has the special paint in their options. Still researching ...with out many results.

[soho]

harrison,

Like I mentioned, I spent the majority of four days researching ceramic coatings, even as going as far to email detailers with experience in Ireland, Italy, and Korea. For the detail enthusiast who enjoys trying a combination of different sealants and waxes, perhaps ceramic treatment isn't your best bet. For those of us that want our cars to look brilliant, to be able to wash with ease and without as much fear of swirl marks and marring, and without the need to clay, seal & wax so often, this is the way to go. The amount of dirt that accumulates on the paint surface is minimal (it is dirt that causes 95% of swirls, not the wash mitt). The additional hardness of the ceramic coat also helps reduce the overall amount of swirls in a given time. To be encompassing, it reduces the signs of wear and washing and increases the ease of maintenance. That's a no brainer to me.

There are a variety of ceramic coatings available, from Opti-Coat, C1, to Cquartz. I would do your homework on all of them and compare them to factory type ceramiclear finishes. A lot of detailers have taken the time to use each of these and assess their differences in protection and application.

[harrison]

I have been trying to get results like yours using clay bar, sealer/wax. Time for me to get with the program. Dirt on the wash mitt sure is scary. Harry

[conm]

Brilliant result........just love that wet look in Daytona Grey.

[soho]

These are a couple shots that I just took from a typical overcast evening here, which usually yields mostly matte-like results on Daytona Grey. I've put ~250 miles on the car since I picked her up on Tuesday morning. Typically, it only takes ~30 miles for the R8 to be covered in road dust and at least cut into the shine of my normal wax routine.

[harrison]

The first pic is reflecting the trees so well ,that it looks green.

[Oakes]

Glad to see youre enjoying it sir! Looking great and was more than happy to do the car for you.

[soho]

Just stopped by Oakes Detail for some quick follow up work. While I was there, I caught a glimpse of how well the car was sheeting water after nearly six weeks and 1200 miles of all-weather Northeast driving and decided to record it. As you can see, there isn't a single drop of water left on the hood (and the lines are reflections from the wall).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgYwdUJbaP0&hd=1

[abrites]

Great work ... Expectacular results ... on an very nice car ... Congrats.

Anybody know of a detailer in the Miami area that can apply the same treatment to my cars ?

Any hint will be greatly apretiated.