Welcome to Reflect Effect

[DaveXR8]

Hi all,

I would like to start off by introducing myself.
My name is Dave and I am the owner/operator of Reflect Effect.

Reflect Effect specializes in all forms of Car Detailing, Paint & Interior protection and Window Tinting. I also retail a small range of car care products.

I have been tinting windows for about 4 years now and have been detailing since the day I owned my first car :D

This business started about 2 years ago and I am always looking for new ways to make it grow.

I am really passionate about what I do and am more than happy to help anyone with any inquiries to what I do so please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.

Services and Products site http://www.reflecteffect.com.au/

Detailing Information site http://www.cardetailingsydney.com.au/

I look forward to getting to know you all.

Cheers:D
Dave

[Frenchie]

Great to have your knowledge on board Dave....

I will def be asking you for some advice when needed..

Would you be interested in doing a ''workshop'' for us dedicated forum members ??

[Pharkus]

Definitely good to have a PRO on board. Welcome Dave.

Look forward to any tips and tricks you may be able to contribute.

[bigwill]

Welcome Dave. I'll be purchasing a DAS6 polisher shortly and having a crack at the R and see how things turn out. Will be using the menzerna range polishes and zaino car polish as the sealant and topped up with collinite 476s, so hopefully it'll glimmer after that.

[Frenchie]

I'm coming over to drop my car off to you Bigwill :) and test out your range of product and skills !

[DaveXR8]

Welcome Dave. I'll be purchasing a DAS6 polisher shortly and having a crack at the R and see how things turn out. Will be using the menzerna range polishes and zaino car polish as the sealant and topped up with collinite 476s, so hopefully it'll glimmer after that.

Awesome mate.

The DAS6 is a good unit to build up your polishing skills.
Just make sure that after you polish with the Menzerna polishes that you do an Isopropyl alcohol wipe down (IPA) because they do contain a bit of oils in it which can actually fill in and hide some of the paint defects.
If all the residue and oils are not cleaned off properly then it might cause issues with the LSP (last step product ie. wax/sealant) bonding to the paint.

Cheers
Dave

[bigwill]

I'm coming over to drop my car off to you Bigwill :) and test out your range of product and skills !

u trust me with your beautiful car? i may go and swap some parts ;) lol


Awesome mate.

The DAS6 is a good unit to build up your polishing skills.
Just make sure that after you polish with the Menzerna polishes that you do an Isopropyl alcohol wipe down (IPA) because they do contain a bit of oils in it which can actually fill in and hide some of the paint defects.
If all the residue and oils are not cleaned off properly then it might cause issues with the LSP (last step product ie. wax/sealant) bonding to the paint.

Cheers
Dave

Thanks Dave, ive been looking for IPA solutions may opt to buy it on ebay or at a pharmacy. Do you have another other recommendation where to purchase the IPA solution?

I will do this in a couple of weeks so will let everyone know how everything is, wont be as good or as particular as saad's thread but will do my best

[DaveXR8]

Thanks Dave, ive been looking for IPA solutions may opt to buy it on ebay or at a pharmacy. Do you have another other recommendation where to purchase the IPA solution?


This is where I get mine from.
http://www.amcsupplies.com.au/catalogue/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2020
It comes in 500ml or 5 litres.
Postage might be a little pricey as its hazardous goods.

Just mix it 1:1 with water and its good to go.

Just make enough to use as it will only last about 5 days before the alcohol dies off . I usually make up about 100-200mls for each car I do.

[DaveXR8]

hey dave, i need my R32 detailed. don't drive it much and looks a bit neglected. when can you fit me in? looking at a mini-detail.

OM sent johno ^_^

[Capercat]

My Holden Astra runabout is in need of a a paint correction. I don't think it's ever had one!

[DaveXR8]

My Holden Astra runabout is in need of a a paint correction. I don't think it's ever had one!

Id be more than happy to look at it for you to see what it'll need.:D

[Capercat]

Sure, give me a few weeks & I shall come & visit you.

[Frenchie]

Nice look forward to some comparisons.

[bigwill]

would be great to see a DIY/Step by step of the detail :D

[nath_mk6]

Hey Dave how long do the various details take? Mini detail, Full detail etc etc

[SUGA]

I'm booked in this week for a FULL detail inside and out. I'll be at work though but Justin will take pics before, during and after too :)

[nath_mk6]

was thinking of booking mine in for next thursday as I have the day off, but it will depend on how long it takes.

[elisiX]

Should get the SP23 detailed before it goes up for sale in the next month.

I guess it depends on whether my sister is going to buy it or not (inclined to get it done if she does).

[DaveXR8]

at reflect effect now with the R32. dave will hopefully post before and after shots. I know the before shots are shocking.

Ill try get the pics up this afternoon when I get back from a job ^_^

I also sent you a PM Johno.

[DaveXR8]

Hey Dave how long do the various details take? Mini detail, Full detail etc etc

It usually depends on the size of the vehicle but f your talking hatch size then a Mini can take about 2-2.5 hours, Full Detail about 4-5 and more if there is machine polishing involved.

[DaveXR8]

I'm booked in this week for a FULL detail inside and out. I'll be at work though but Justin will take pics before, during and after too :)

Cant wait to see your car in the flesh ^_^

[DaveXR8]

was thinking of booking mine in for next thursday as I have the day off, but it will depend on how long it takes.

Let me know what kind of detail your after and ill let you know how much time it will take.

[nath_mk6]

I'm sure Suga's car will be a joy to detail :)

Pics will be needed of couse, but I'm sure Justin will help with that side of things, as I will next week when you do my car :)

This sponsor thing is already paying off hey Dave :)

[DaveXR8]

I'm sure Suga's car will be a joy to detail :)

Pics will be needed of couse, but I'm sure Justin will help with that side of things, as I will next week when you do my car :)

This sponsor thing is already paying off hey Dave :)

Yeah forums are good for my line of work and any other automotive service because the members are all enthusiasts and they really appreciate it when someone is caring for their car as much as they would (or even more in some cases :lol:)

[10d]

Dave,

I need a full detail.
////////

[chucky]

Dave,

detailing on my cousins 350z today looks great!! :)

[DaveXR8]

Dave,

detailing on my cousins 350z today looks great!! :)

Glad to hear mate >D

It was a pleasure working on it!

Cheers
Dave

[nath_mk6]

Haha, only two days till my detail >D o and tint >D>D

Is it alright if I call before heading out your way? Have the warranty repair early, and then will head out so hopefully I'll be there around mid to late morning depending on the dealership

[SUGA]

Haha, only two days till my detail >D o and tint >D>D


How exciting nath! I can assure you that Dave will do an extraordinary job on your car! Post pics before and after if you can!

[DaveXR8]

Haha, only two days till my detail >D o and tint >D>D

Is it alright if I call before heading out your way? Have the warranty repair early, and then will head out so hopefully I'll be there around mid to late morning depending on the dealership

Yeah mate.

Ill be at the shop early anyways so just give me a buzz or even a message to let me know what time you should be swinging by.

[Lima]

G'day Dave, how many firm bookings would need to get you to come down to Canberra for a day or two (if you were at all interested)? :p

Cheers
Liam

[Capercat]

Dave, I have a Golf Sport in need of tints also a few minor scuff marks on the bonnet that needs sorting.

Phone you during the week. Thanks

[DaveXR8]

G'day Dave, how many firm bookings would need to get you to come down to Canberra for a day or two (if you were at all interested)? :p

Cheers
Liam

Depending on the size of each detail mate.
If its jobs that will fill up the days that Im there then Im more than happy to make the road trip ^_^

[DaveXR8]

Dave, I have a Golf Sport in need of tints also a few minor scuff marks on the bonnet that needs sorting.

Phone you during the week. Thanks

Not a problem.
I look forward to your call.

Cheers
Dave

[random]

dave do you fix damages to alloy wheels? if not, do you have any recommendations?

[saad]

Hey Dave

I have the maguiars g220 which I found to be excellent, along with M105 and M205, using the so called' Kevin Brown Method'

I wish to move up to a rotary, prob a Makita. Just wondering if the dangers are over-rated, as far as I can see, if you keep the polisher moving at all times, you should be safe!

Saad

[saad]

G'day Dave, how many firm bookings would need to get you to come down to Canberra for a day or two (if you were at all interested)? :p

Cheers
Liam

Liam I can do your car :) In fact I'd be happy too

[DaveXR8]

dave do you fix damages to alloy wheels? if not, do you have any recommendations?

Sorry I dont do wheel repairs. I dont actually know of anyone but Im sure I can find out from my panel beater.
Ill let you know how I go.


Hey Dave

I have the maguiars g220 which I found to be excellent, along with M105 and M205, using the so called' Kevin Brown Method'

I wish to move up to a rotary, prob a Makita. Just wondering if the dangers are over-rated, as far as I can see, if you keep the polisher moving at all times, you should be safe!

Saad

The main thing you need to watch when using a rotary is when you get close to edges and corners because if you arent careful and have the pad rotating into the edge and not off it then you can easily burn the paint.

Also when your working with different types of paints the texture/finish is different so on nice hard paints you will find that the pad will usually glide easily over the surface but if you use the same technique/method on soft paints then I will guarantee that your pad will bite into the paint and want to throw it in different directions.

The feel of using a rotary compared to an RO is very different.
Anyone including first timers can easily use RO's as they will go on the direction you want it to.
As for the Rotary, if you have never used one before you will find that you will be fighting it a fair bit to keep the pad on the flat on the panel and it might bunny hop a bit as well.

I would highly recommend practicing on an old panel or car first before you try it on your own.
Even though I have been doing this for a number of years now I still have issues now and then when machine polishing different paint finishes.
You really have to adapt your machine polishing techniques to different paints.

[saad]

Im eying a Makita on ebay. Ill see if I can pick up a scrap panel from somewhere then. read somethign nline that said the burning paint thing is a bit overrated, as you actually have to try and be a bit retarded to burn paint! The edges point is a good one though

Cheers

[DaveXR8]

Im eying a Makita on ebay. Ill see if I can pick up a scrap panel from somewhere then. read somethign nline that said the burning paint thing is a bit overrated, as you actually have to try and be a bit retarded to burn paint! The edges point is a good one though

Cheers

True. There is definitely something wrong if somehow the operator managed to allow the rotary to burn through the paint in the middle of the panel. (trying to put it in a nice way so I dont offend anyone ^_^)
As long as its kept in motion it will be fine.

[AP]

It's best to leave it to the professionals!!

[saad]

True anthony, but professional were once amateurs/enthusiasts too!

[random]

Sorry I dont do wheel repairs. I dont actually know of anyone but Im sure I can find out from my panel beater.
Ill let you know how I go.

thanks dave, that would be great. Still getting quotes from different people. I got a quote of $160 from "thewheelman" www.mobilealloywheelrepairs.com.au

[saad]

Dave another quickie

Having a black car, despite my best efforts (foam gun, rinsing mitt etc etc) swirls are beginning to lightly appear.

I dont want to do a full polish due to the time involved, and I think a full polish and stripping the wax should be a once a year thing.

What polish would you recommend to fill in the scratches? I've been using Autoglym Super Resin Polish, which is pretty good, but wondering if you know of anything better?

Cheers

[nath_mk6]

Hmm here's a business model for you Dave....

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/britains-most-expensive-car-wash-gurcharn-sahota-2010-07-20

[saad]

Hmm whos better him or this guy, who used to be the most expensive:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LSle_WgexQ

I cant for the life of me remember his name, but he is active on a few detailing forums



Thats what ive been trying to do too - part time detailing, along with my many other wacky ideas.

[DaveXR8]

Hmm here's a business model for you Dave....

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/britains-most-expensive-car-wash-gurcharn-sahota-2010-07-20

If only there were as many super cars here in Sydney as there is in Europe.
It would be my dream to work on cars like these day in day out.


Hmm whos better him or this guy, who used to be the most expensive:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LSle_WgexQ

I cant for the life of me remember his name, but he is active on a few detailing forums



Thats what ive been trying to do too - part time detailing, along with my many other wacky ideas.

I think thats Paul Dalton your talking about mate.

Very well known and I have also seen him on a few detailing forums as well.

He has a full heated and air conditioned work shop with panel and mechanical repair facilities and even a helicopter landing pad!!

[saad]

Yep paul dalton thats right!

[chaddy]

Hi Dave
I have a question you may be able to answer. My daughter has just bought a 5 year old Mazda3 which had the Fifth Dimension Concours P3 Paint Protection applied when new. The car has been garaged 24/7 and the paint is in excellent condition but from now on the car will be parked outside. Should I be putting a wax over this for added protection and if so which one? I noticed there is not much beading when washing it last week.

Thanks

[DaveXR8]

Hi Dave
I have a question you may be able to answer. My daughter has just bought a 5 year old Mazda3 which had the Fifth Dimension Concours P3 Paint Protection applied when new. The car has been garaged 24/7 and the paint is in excellent condition but from now on the car will be parked outside. Should I be putting a wax over this for added protection and if so which one? I noticed there is not much beading when washing it last week.

Thanks

Andrew

I would say that the dealer applied paint protection would have actually worn off by now since water is no longer beading or sheeting off the surface.
The best thing to do would be to give the car a proper exterior wash, de-wax and clay then apply a new coat of sealant or wax (aka LSP - last step product).

There are many LSP's out there to choose from but since the Mazda will be outside more often now I would go for a sealant such as Duragloss 105, Wolfgang Deep Gloss sealant or Prima Hydro Seal. You should see about 6 months durability out of these products before having to re-apply it.

[chaddy]

Thanks for the advice Dave

[mudfudpacker]

Got the Stage 2 Paint Enhancement done by Dave last week and car came up a treat. Cars 5 years old but almost looks new again (minus the stone ships :().
Definately recomment Reflect Effect if youve been a bit neglectful of your car. I now have all the right gear to start washing my car the right way.