We are hiring

Project Detail is looking for a Junior member to join and help our team in producing elite level results for our clientele. The opportunity awaits the right person to work on some of the best vehicles in Sydney from AMG's to Mclaren's. To see a small example of the work we have done, please visit our Portfolio below:

http://www.projectdetail.com.au/car-detailing-portfolio

Given the level of vehicles that is expected and typical at Project Detail, it is only natural that our expectations are also extremely high. Training is provided. The ability to learn quickly, support other team members, show initiative and deliver quality work is an absolute must.  Detailing is physically demanding work, so the right person must also be fit and able.

The right member will work 5 days per week with Saturdays being optional depending on on-going work loads. Working days are typically 8 hours with 30 minutes for lunch.
We are located in a central location close to a train station in Auburn, Sydney but there is also onsite parking for Staff members cars.

All equipment and uniforms will be provided.

Salary: $40,000 - $48,000 + Superannuation

Expected Duties:

• Washing and Decontaminating Vehicles in preparation for Paint Correction, Coating or PPF
• Interior Detailing, leather/interior material conditioning and interior protection
• Application of Ceramic Coatings for Paintwork and Wheels
• Detailing & PPF Assistant
• Cleaning and Upkeep of Workshop and Equipment
• General Duties as required

Please email a copy of your CV/Resume to recruitment@projectdetail.com.au

Note - only applicants who send through an email will be considered.

Regular Trackday Maintenance

Porsche Cayman GT4 with Martini Livery

This Cayman GT4 is heavily tracked. With the right and regular maintenance, this car stays in good condition.

While it's difficult for most car owners to maintain their car's regularly, some car owners use their cars differently as with this Porsche Cayman GT4. This Porsche hits the track usually 2-3 times per month and as a result requires more then just a wash to maintain its condition.

Before taking his car to the track, the owner engaged Project Detail to fully wrap the entire vehicle with Xpel Ultimate Paint Protection Film (PPF). This allowed the car complete protection and gave it the strongest protection available for track use. Find out more about our PPF services by clicking here.

While daily driving presents all sorts of challenges for keeping a car clean such as traffic film/road grime, bugs, tar or regular dust, tracking a car is a level above. With burning rubber hitting your car and building up on your own wheels and body, rocks hitting your car at very high speeds and other debris striking your car beyond the norm. This GT4 was a good example, as it was heavily soiled when it arrived.

Heavy Tar, burnt rubber and bugs riddle the surface of this Porsche Cayman GT4.

Because of the build up, maintaining a track car is often beyond a normal wash. We had to use a mixture of chemicals and solvents which are safe for the PPF material while effectively removing the debris.

Project Detail utilises a 21 Stage Wash & Decontamination in order to provide safe and excellent results whenever we wash a vehicle. In this instance, additional stages were introduced.

In order to cleanse the surface deeply, we have sprayed an Iron Fallout Remover on the surface. This gently cleanses and breaks down brake dust and other ferrous particles.

Once we have removed any contamination safely, we generally foam wash a vehicle once or twice depending on the level of grime and grit present. Our foam is combined with our hot water pressure washer which can heat water up to boiling temperature, this allows safe and more effective cleaning.

Foam washing is an effective wash to break down and remove the majority of grit and dirt without any friction which in turn causes swirls and scratches.

If you track your vehicle often or would just like a safe maintenance routine, contact us today by clicking here and see how our services differ.

To see more photos and ongoing projects be sure to check our social media by clicking here:

Swissvax Full Detail - BMW M4 Coupe in Mineral Grey

Project Detail is Sydney's only authorised Swissvax Car Detailer. This bespoke range of Car Care Products when Combined with our specialised Detailing Studio in Gladesville, Sydney produces fantastic results for clients looking for the best detailing for their vehicles.

BMW M4 - Swissvax Full Detail finished with 'Blau-Weiss' hand made wax.

BMW - Sheer Driving Pleasure

The owner for this BMW M4 opted for our Swissvax Full Detail as a means of revitalising their coupe. The car looked very tired, had water marks, calcium and mineral deposits on the surface and general build up of dirt and debris across the entire vehicle.

The M4 underwent our 21-stage wash and decontamination process with the major change being that we utilised Swissvax products for each stage of the Full Detail. Swissvax is top tier car care range which utilises hand made products manufactured in Switzerland. What we covet about Swissvax is their bespoke approach towards different makes and models, providing waxes for different paint finishes or different leather materials to achieve the best results.

The BMW responded very well to the Swissvax Full Detail, all the mineral deposits were broken down and removed safely and the paintwork looked immaculate even before we applied the wax 'Blau-Weiss' to finish.

The wheels were also removed and deep cleaned with our hoists and a coat of Swissvax Autobahn wheel wax was applied in order to bring the best out of the gloss black finish and provide protection on the rims for the owner.

Swissvax Blau-Weiss - Hand Made for BMW Paintwork

If you are looking for quality detailing for your vehicle and you are not looking for more long term options such as Modesta Glass Coatings, consider our Swissvax Full Detail. It will treat every component of your vehicle with the highest quality care care product range.

Our Swissvax Full Detail not only uses all Swissvax products but the engine bay was washed, detailed and waxed. Even the rubbers & plastics were treated with Swissvax Seal Feed & Pneu.

Blau-Weiss, hand made for BMW Paintwork.

Stunning results from our Swissvax range.

To find out more about our Swissvax products, click here to see the range. To find our more about our detailing services, click here to see how we can help your vehicle look its best.

If you have any more questions regarding Swissvax, car detailing or general questions, we can answer your emails here.

Paint Correction Porsche 993 Carrera

Paint Correction Sydney Studio

1997 Porsche 911 (993) Carrera in Solid White, after paint correction and Ceramic Quartz Coating.

Project Detail prides was designed from the ground up as a premier Car Detailing Hub, with studios located in Sydney & Melbourne. One of our core focuses is classic vehicles that the owners see great value in restoring, preserving and maintaining. Paint Correction or aka 'cut and polish' is a major component of this, as it allows us to bring back cars and often preventing the need for respraying. In some cases, a major detail can actually increase the value of a car.

To find our more about Project Detail's Paint Correction services, click here.

A fantastic example of this is this 1997 Porsche 911 (993) Carrera in White. What makes this car special not only to the owner but in general is the fact it's a coupe (not a cabriolet or targa) and a manual transmission. This make's coveted by collectors and enthusiasts. With the 993 being at the twilight of the air-cooled engine's, it definitely is a vehicle you want looking it's best and storing away.

When the Porsche came to Project Detail, the car while stunning was looking very tired given it was nearly 20 years old. Upon inspection after our 21-stage wash and decontamination process, we saw that there were medium level swirl marks and fine scratches all over the body. Unfortunately, this meant that the body could not look as glossy as it should have and the paintwork looked quite faded. The only saving grace the owner had was the fact it was white in colour. If the had been Guard's Red, Midnight Blue or Black, the defects would show up very aggressively.

Initial Condition

After we had prepared the vehicle for paint correction by taping all the sensitive areas we began a long and arduous paint correction process for the Porsche. The paintwork being white, meant we could only see the swirl marks under the brightest of LED lights, making taking photos difficult.

We performed 2 stages of paint correction on the Carrera. The first stage to 'cut' away the scratches, swirl marks and oxidised paintwork leaving behind a levelled surface but dull and requiring further polishing. The second stage, uses much finer polishes and softer pads to burnish the paintwork to a glossy finish.

Looking through the photo's you can see the progress of the paintwork, from a dull and defect ridden condition to a smooth and glossy shine.

Paint Correction Finished

The Porsche 911 Carrera looked unbelievable once it was finished. Not only was the owner over the moon, he informed us months later that the value for his car had actually increased.
We were absolutely pleased, and what amazed us was just how glossy solid white was.

Paint Correction is a time consuming process, the detailer spends hours on end polishing the paintwork in order to achieve the best paintwork possible. Leaving a defect free, swirl free glossy finish.

To find our more how Project Detail can improve your vehicle or to simply enquire more, please contact us by clicking here.

How to remove Tree Sap from your Car?

Project Detail was designed to be a premier Car Detailing Hub , having Studio's in Sydney & Melbourne. While not suitable for all customers, we also love to provide advice for those who also love detailing their own vehicles. 

Tree Sap 101

Peugeot Hatchback covered in Tree Sap -  Before Shot

Certain areas in Sydney are particularly beautiful with a lot of trees and rich foliage. Particularly Sydney's North Shore, around Lane Cove and the northern beaches, the gum trees are indeed a nice change from the big city.

However, from a car detailers perspective, cars from these area's are notorious for being covered in tree sap. Sap can come in a few varieties depending which tree they originated from. For example, Pine trees tend to have a really sticky and semi clear residue. While certain Gum trees, will leave black spots from the leaves like the one in the photo.

The Peugeot's roof had years of tree sap built up.

The good news is that tree sap an organic material that can be removed. Like most things, the earlier the removal the easier. However, when tree sap has been left on a car for a prolonged period of time it can affect the paintwork, but bonding to the clear coat, leaving a physical mark or be extremely difficult to remove.

Effective ways to remove Tree Sap

Proper chemicals are used to break down the tree sap after the wash. 

Its extremely important to wash your car thoroughly so that the only debris left is contamination and tree sap on the vehicle. If you have access to industrial chemicals, you can spray an acidic wash solution over the vehicle carefully which would soften and dissolve the tree sap allowing some of it to be washed away.

However, a much safer method is purchasing and using a clay bar kit. Additionally, a good clay lubricant would aid in the removal of more contamination and save time.

We would recommend using a clay bar rather than relying on harsh chemicals as without proper experience damaging paintwork, rubber seals of plastic can easily happen.

Aftermath

The Peugeot's roof has water spots and stains from the tree sap that need buffing.

After the tree sap has been removed, it is important to assess how the paintwork looks. If there are no major issues then your job is finished. But in the example of the silver Peugeot, the paintwork was full on pock marks and etching from the tree sap's long term effect.

This meant that the paintwork needed machine polishing in order to successfully achieve a great finish. The machine polishing levelled the paintwork, allowing a deeper removal of any remaining tree sap but also improving the gloss dramatically.

Peugeot Hatchback after tree sap removal and machine polishing.

After removing the tree sap successfully, we heavily recommend looking into some form of paint protection in order to allow easier removal of tree sap in the future. More about paint protection can be found by

If you have any further enquiries about tree sap or would like to organise a booking for your own vehicle, please contact us here.

Why Do We Do Paint Correction on a New Car?

Buffing or Paint Correction a New Car

Project Detail is a dedicated car detailing and automotive customisation studio located in Gladesville, Sydney and Moorabbin, Melbourne. Our sole focus is on the best quality for our clients vehicles. One of the most common questions we receive when it comes to new cars is 'Paint Correction for a new car? Really?' or 'why do you need to buff a new car?' We've put together this article in order to help provide as much information as possible to assist prospective and current new car owners make the right choice.

While not the most extreme example, this is still a brand new and freshly delivered Mercedes E250. The owner was very insistent that the car did not need polishing. Our inspection after washing proved otherwise unfortunately.

PD or the Pre-delivery Process

Painful swirl marks installed on soft and black paint will require paint correction. This could happen over time or worst case dealer service washes can make this happen.

Unknown to most car buyers from dealerships, the vehicle you are purchasing rarely is bought off the floor. So the shiny vehicle you are seeing is not the same as the one you are getting. The vehicle the majority of buyers receive from $10,000 hatchbacks to $500,000 super cars is brought into the country on a ship.

By understanding the entire logistical journey of a new car, a new owner can being to see why professional detailers recommend polishing or paint correction their new vehicle. The car itself when finished at the original factory would be close to if not perfect. However, from the factory and onto the ship many things can occur to damage the paintwork such as chemical overspray in the hull of the ship or scratches in transit.

Secondly, some damage may actually occur from during the transport on the train or truck. Recently, quite a few of the Ford Mustangs that were transported by train were delivered into Sydney with heavy iron fallout as a result of choosing train over truck. However, more commonly are stone chips which can occur. Most often they are professionally repaired and the only people to notice would be a detailer who spends hours inspecting and looking at each panel under bright lights.

Thirdly and most likely cause of swirls and paint defects is actually during the pre-delivery process. Ironically, the service which is designed to prepare and 'detail' the car (we use that word very reservedly in this context) actually damages your car the most. Worst case scenario, when dealerships decide they need to 'buff' cars they are almost always using the wrong materials and equipment which can often lead to holograms and buffer marks.

To find out more about swirls marks, check out our article 'What are Swirl Marks?'

To find out more about holograms aka buffer marks, check out our article here.

This is simply a case of economics, the business model of dealerships makes profit from selling vehicles firstly and then aftermarket products second. Therefore, the detailing or washing they provide is almost on a complimentary basis but still costs them wages so it would be in the dealerships interest to save as much money in that as possible. This means, usage of cheaper equipment and chemicals, lack of clean towels, lack of supervision and quality controls. If a towel is dropped on the ground its dusted off and goes back onto your car. Dirty chamois and cloths are used and these result in scratches and swirl marks on your 'new' car.

Because of the cheaper products used, customers are often unaware of the real condition of their car and while a customer deserves a perfect car upon collecting, the experience is often otherwise.

The Paint Correction Process.

The Mercedes Benz E250 looking pristine after Paint Correction & Quartz Coating is finished.

When Project Detail receives a new car, we begin with our 21-stage wash and decontamination process. Many dealerships will leave nasty glue residue on the vehicles as the cars are originally covered in plastic sheeting that is removed during the pre-delivery process.

Most often, customers will come to us for paint protection application of our ceramic quartz glass coating. After the paintwork is inspected, we confirm our original quote and inform the customer of the condition of the paintwork and how much paint correction it would need. Thankfully, 90% of new vehicles only require a stage 1 correction. However, a minority of vehicles will need much more extensive polishing either due to extensive damage from the dealership or difficult paintwork thats too soft or too hard for example.

To find out more about our paint correction services click here.

Once the process has been finished, and the paintwork is now swirl and scratch free, the glass coating is then applied in order to give the car genuine long term protection. This ensures the car looking stunning and we often tell our clients, this is how your car should have looked upon delivery, it will be better and noticeably different.

We hope that this article has helped go through the process for you in terms of the preparation and delivery of your vehicle. If there is any questions or further information, please feel free to leave a comment below or click here to contact us.

Nardo Grey RS6 - Current Trend

Flat Colour Trend

RS6 Avant in Nardo Grey

Project Detail is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in detailing, automotive restoration and customisation. We wanted to write a quick article on what seemed to be a new trend at the moment, particularly for high end cars.

The Audi RS6 Avant belongs to one of our esteemed clients from Rose Bay, Sydney. We look after this vehicle on the regular basis at our Gladesville Studio.

Porsche's 997 GT3 RS showcasing Black Grey.

Porsche introduced the colour 'Black Grey' as an exclusive colour for the 911 997 GT3 RS. Ever since then it's became a steady favourite appearing after that in a series of Grey's for Audi's RS range and now even appearing for Ford RS and Hyundai Hatchbacks.

Grey tones as a final colour has been polarising for many of our clients as half completely love it's edgey and different style. They believe by having a flatter colour is naturally accents the other parts of the car, with the RS6 that is undeniable the grill and the headlights become more aggressive due to the colour.

However, many other clients argue that it's dull and it's very uninspired as it looks like primer and they have simply sprayed gloss over the top. Both points are valid, which is why manufacturers every year are striving to develop more complex paint choices and varieties to choose from.

If you would like to wrap your car to this colour or you would like to protect your existing grey paintwork, click here to contact us to see how Project Detail can help.

Swissvax Sydney Official Applicator

Project Detail is Sydney's only official and authorised Swissvax Applicator. We are excited with our relationship with one of the worlds most prestigious car care brands and feel we both share the same philosophy in simply wanting the best for our clients and their vehicles.

Porsche Cayenne after Swissvax Full Detail, finished with Swissvax Zuffenhausen wax.

This Porsche Cayenne, is a regular client of ours from Bondi and wants the very best for their car. Our Swissvax Full Detail, is a comprehensive solution utilising as much of the Swissvax range as possible. For this Cayenne we utilised some of the following Swissvax products:

• Swissvax Car Bath Shampoo
• Swissvax Zuffenhausen Wax
• Swissvax Leather Care Kit (then given to client as a complimentary gift)
• Swissvax Leather Milk
• Swissvax Protection for Vinyl and Trim
• Swissvax Wheel Cleaner
• Swissvax Pneu Tyre Dressing
• Swissvax Autobahn Wheel Wax

Swissvax Zuffenhausen - Porsche Paint

Zuffenhausen gives a deep and rich gloss

The results simply speak for themselves, but using high quality products combined with good detailing technique, the final product has a big difference compared to regular waxes and products.

Swissvax Autobahn - A Teflon wax designed to rims.

Swissvax produces a large but prestigious range of products designed to provide the best care for each components of the car. Project Detail Sydney is the only authorised official applicator trained and dedicated its usage.

Swissvax Scuderia - a bespoke wax handmade for softer Italian paintwork.

If you would like your car to undergo the Swissvax treatment, contact us here and organise an inspection and quote at our Gladesville, Sydney Studio.

How to Clay Bar your Car?

Clay Bar - A How To Guide

Specialising in Car Detailing , Project Detail Sydney & Melbourne will be covering a series of articles focussing on decontamination and in this post, we focus on the ubiquitous Clay Bar.

What a typical new clay bar kit looks like. Colours and variations between fine and course exist.

n a previous post, we discussed how it is important to decontaminate your car regularly in order to keep it looking it's best on conjunction with car washing. The post 'Decontamination - Why is it important?' can be found here. 

The clay bar looks like a piece of clay, Blu-tak or even plasticine. However, this small piece of mouldable material has become very important piece of car care product for maintaining a proper finish. Detailing Clay was invented in the body shops of Japan in the early 1990's. However, it wasn't until the early to mid 2000's did the rest of the world start realising what it was and just how important it would be. Nowadays, every detailer or even car wash should carry a variety of clay bars and even an assortment of other clay products.

In a nutshell, a Clay Bar is a piece of equipment that is designed to glide over the surface of your paintwork by hand. Used in conjunction with something that gives good lubrication, the clay bar removes physical contamination such as tar, light sap or fall out as it glides over the surface of the vehicle. This in turn leaves the paint smooth to the touch and no longer rough.

At Project Detail, a clay bar treatment is included with every level of detail. It is now the standard and no longer the exception to the rule to provide this treatment in order for the cars we work on to have a better finish. You can find out more about our detailing services here. 

When do I need to Clay my car?

Contamination stains the Clay Bar Brown as it is removed during the claying process.

In order to determine if you need to clay your car it is best to give you car a wash first. If you would a guide recommending how to perform a proper 2 bucket method wash check out our previous article by clicking here.

After washing the vehicle properly, if the vehicle still feels rough to the touch then more then likely there are signs of contamination on the paintwork that need to be removed. This can be done chemically with the right products or physically with a clay bar.  

How to Clay a car?

It is vital to lubricate the surface sufficiently while claying. You cannot over lubricate!

Equipment required:

• 1 x Clay Bar (preferably fine grade)
• Suitable Clay Lubricant in a spray bottle. Dedicated lube can be purchased or made.
• Several clean microfibre towels

Beginning with a clean car and work one small section at a time on a single panel. It is important to begin working top to bottom, as any sediment or run off will drip downwards and not get onto any clean or finished panels.

Liberally spray the  lubricant over the section you were working on. Taking a small ping pong ball size of clay, kneed the clay into a patty shape. Then gently without applying pressure glide the clay bar back and forth in straight line motions of about 30cm's each stroke.
As you are claying, you should begin to notice the contamination being picked up and the clay will begin to slide smoother and any noise it was causing should stop.

It is important to not go into circular motions as any potential contamination picked up can scratch and leave swirl marks. As the lubricant begins to run away or dry, it is very important to keep 

Continue to work your way around the car. Project Detail recommends every quarter of the car, to rinse the vehicle. This will remove the lubricant and prevent water marks or the lubricant drying on the surface.
Once you have finished a panel, you will notice the clay bar changing colour as the contamiantion it removes stick onto the clay itself. This next step is very important, fold and kneed the clay until the contamination is folded in on itself. This will reveal a 'fresh' surface for the next panel and that the previous contamination does not scratch the paintwork.

Heavy contamination staining the clay. Kneed the clay in on itself to reveal a fresh surface.

Once the entire vehicle is done, rinse off the vehicle again and then proceed the dry the vehicle. Be sure to check out our article "How to dry your car" to make sure no further scratches are incurred.

Once the vehicle is dried, congratulations you car should mostly be contamination free! The paintwork will not only be smoother but for those with heavily contaminated vehicles, the paintwork will actually look brighter and show more colour as well as there is no contamination staining the surface.

We typically recommend the weekend warrior to clay their car once a month to once every 3 months in order to stay on top of the contamination. Removal of heavy contamination particularly on softer paints from certain makes can leaving marring, scratches of defects that will require paint correction to remove.

Quick Tips & Tricks

• Please note that matte wraps or factory matte paint cannot be clayed successfully. 
• Without suffcient lubricant, the clay will stick and scratch the surface
• Once the clay begins to break apart or change colour entirely throw it away.
• If you drop your clay onto the ground, throw it away. Due to its stickiness, it will pick up dirrt and gravel which will scratch the surface entirely.
• You can clay any hard and smoother surface; metal, chrome or even glass!

To find out more on how Project Detail can help you detail your vehicle check our other articles from our blog here or to ask us a question or if you have an enquiry be sure to click here.

Swissvax Sydney Applicator

Hand Made in Switzerland

Project Detail is now an official applicator for Swissvax in Sydney. We are proud to partner with the world's most prestigious car care product brand which has been manufacturing since 1930. We are grateful to be one of very few in Sydney to be an official applicator of Swissvax.

Zuffenhausen - Designed for Modern Porsche paintwork with 40% Carnauba volume.

Swissvax's dedication to innovation and quality is what attracted us to become an official applicator. We share the same core values and both our end results in a glossy perfect vehicle. Part of Swissvax's mainstay is their fantastic range of waxes. They have put timeless effort and research into designing combinations of waxes suitable for different makes of vehicles.

As detailers, we can vouch that each manufacturer's paint is very different, therefore to be able to provide a top tier wax tailored for the characteristics of each is very beneficial. Project Detail carries most of the following range:

• Blau-Weiss - A wax designed for the incredibly hard Cermiclear finish on BMW's
• Scuderia - A wax designed for the softer and bright finishes on Ferrari's and Alfa Romeo's
• Zuffenhausen - A Special blended wax designed for newer Porsche Finishes.
• Opaque - A thin and malleable wax designed uniquely for Matte and Satin Finishes.
• Reflexus - A wax designed for the soft and gel-like finishes on Lexus
• Crystal Rock - The Top Tier Wax, developed in conjunction with Paul Dalton 

These Waxes afford the car a deep lustre that cannot be matched by a glass coating or any kind of synthetic sealant. This is why in an age of glass coating technology, Swissvax is still highly regarded today.

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Swissvax Crystal Rock - Audi R8

Swissvax - High Performance Car Care.

Swissvax - Caring for your Dream.

Scuderia - Softer Ferrari & Alfa Romeo's paintwork glow when finished in this wax.

Project Detail, uniquely uses Swissvax for a number of our services. Primarily, our Swissvax Detail service is a popular choice where not only is the full detail done on the vehicle, we utilise all Swissvax products; from the shampoo, the leather cleaner and conditioner and even the wheel cleaner.

We then finish the Swissvax detail with your choice of wax, with certain types costing a premium due to their longevity or performance.

Blau-Weiss - A truly unique wax designed for the proprietary Ceramiclear finish on BMW's

Just like when we polish your car, we take hours and days perfecting the end result, so too is each pot of Swissvax. Individual serial numbers verify the authenticity and each pot over 70 years later, is still hand poured with pride.

If you are located in Sydney, and would like the Swissvax experience for your vehicle, please contact us by clicking here and sending us a message today.