Mercedez-Benz C-230 after a Podium Cut Polish!
There are many terms in the automotive detailing industry, sometimes resulting in confusion or disappointment as you didn't receive what you expected or were hoping for. Below is an explanation of the more advanced services Podium provides and will help you make an informed decision on what will serve your needs best.
What is a clay bar and how does it work?
A detailing clay bar is an engineered resin mixture that cleans paint below the surface. Clay barring removes road grime, tar and other contaminants that cannot be removed with a regular wash. Claying, a semi-recent technique (designed in the 1990's in Japan), is a procedure where a clay bar acts as a magnet to foreign particles, literally pulling embedded, paint-fouling grime away from the surface of the paint. You simply lubricate then rub the clay across your car. The clay will “grab” at foreign particles as it decontaminates your paint. When the surface is free of pollutants, the clay will slip along easily. After application, it will reveal an ultra-smooth, unpolluted, immaculate finish. This is the optimum surface for applying polish and a paint sealant. Without this step, you will lock in these harmful particles, doing more damage than good. This also evens out the surface of the clear coat for a uniform shine.
What is a cut polish?
Cut polishing removes a thin, top layer of clear coat allowing for the removal of sun fade, oxidation, surface imperfections, swirl marks, holograms (if any) and scratches. This is the foundation for a brilliant shine on any vehicle. No to be confused with the sealant and waxing stage, where you are adding a level of protection to the paint system. Polishing rids the car's surface of everything that takes a way from the vehicles natural beauty.
This classic Mercedez 190E had been left in the garage for quite some time and was the perfect candidate for a Podium Machine Cut Polish. Notice in the top-right picture the "cut line" down the middle of the trunk lid that divides non-polished vs. polished. There is a very distinct difference of colour and shine between both sides.
What is Sealant and how is it different from wax?
Sealant helps fill in surface of the clear coat, allowing for a very lustrous look to the paint. Unlike the natural composition that Carnauba wax has, sealants/glazes are made out of polymers with thousands of synthetic particles linked together that bond to the paint. This creates a "hard as glass", mirror like finish. A lot of car enthusiasts enjoy this process for it's durability and longevity as sealant/glazes typically last 2-4 months depending on the climate and driving conditions. This is typically preferred by those who enjoy a very set off finish to their vehicles. The depth of the reflection cannot be denied or go unnoticed!
*This stage does not involve any compounding or cutting*
What is Wax and what are the benefits?
Harvested and refined from palm trees (Copernicia Prunifera), Carnauba wax repels water from the leaves so it drips off and is absorbed by the roots. Consequently, this does the same for your vehicle! Waxing creates a barrier between the clear coat and nature, thereby repelling water and most road contaminants you encounter in day to day driving. As opposed to the glass like finish that a sealant will achieve, Carnauba wax creates more of a warm glow to the finish. It also protects from UV rays, heat, moisture, and oxidation. A wax application will last approximately 6-8 weeks in the glorious yet unpredictable weather of the North Shore. After the vehicle is dried, Carnauba Wax is applied one panel at a time via dual action polisher. This is a great way to get a beautiful, warm shine and a protective coat all in one service.
*This stage does not involve any compounding or cutting*
All prices do not include tax
Wash and Wax
$169.99
$199.99 for SUV's and Vans
Running Time 2.5 - 4 hrs
Podium's Wash and Wax focuses on the exterior only and is meant to replenish beauty and protection to your vehicles paint. This is beneficial for drivers in the North Shore's typically wet environment and should be carried out every 6-8 weeks.
It includes:
-Fundamental exterior wash
-Wheel cleaning, de-greasing and dressing
-Full exterior clay barring
-Chamois dry
-Wax application
-Removal of wax in crevasses and jambs
Bronze and Wax
$259.99
$289.99 for SUV's and Vans
Running Time 2.5 - 5 hrs
For those who want more out of the regular. Podium's Bronze and Wax wax comes with all the fundamentals of the Bronze Package, a full clay barring to properly prepare the paint and adds that special finish to your vehicle that will help protect the clear coat and set off it's presentation with even more flair.
Silver and Wax
$359.99
$389.99 for SUV's and Vans
Running Time 3.5 - 6 hrs
For those who are looking for an extensive interior clean, and a layer of protective wax to finish. Podium's Silver and Wax comes with all the fundamentals of the Silver Package, a full clay barring to properly prepare the paint and adds that special finish to your vehicle that will help protect the clear coat and set off it's presentation with even more flair.
Machine Cut Polishing
$319.99
$349.99 for SUV's and Vans
Running Time 5-7 hrs
*Waxing stage can be added for $49.99*
For those who are looking to bring their vehicles back to a show room finish. This specific service focuses on the exterior only and comes with an exterior wash, clay barring, cleaning and dressing of the wheels/tires, and full surface cut polish. This can be combined with interior detailing as well (please refer to Podium Gold in Service Packages)
What is a clay bar and how does it work?
A detailing clay bar is an engineered resin mixture that cleans paint below the surface. Clay barring removes road grime, tar and other contaminants that cannot be removed with a regular wash. Claying, a semi-recent technique (designed in the 1990's in Japan), is a procedure where a clay bar acts as a magnet to foreign particles, literally pulling embedded, paint-fouling grime away from the surface of the paint. You simply lubricate then rub the clay across your car. The clay will “grab” at foreign particles as it decontaminates your paint. When the surface is free of pollutants, the clay will slip along easily. After application, it will reveal an ultra-smooth, unpolluted, immaculate finish. This is the optimum surface for applying polish and a paint sealant. Without this step, you will lock in these harmful particles, doing more damage than good. This also evens out the surface of the clear coat for a uniform shine.
What is a cut polish?
Cut polishing removes a thin, top layer of clear coat allowing for the removal of sun fade, oxidation, surface imperfections, swirl marks, holograms (if any) and scratches. This is the foundation for a brilliant shine on any vehicle. No to be confused with the sealant and waxing stage, where you are adding a level of protection to the paint system. Polishing rids the car's surface of everything that takes a way from the vehicles natural beauty.
This classic Mercedez 190E had been left in the garage for quite some time and was the perfect candidate for a Podium Machine Cut Polish. Notice in the top-right picture the "cut line" down the middle of the trunk lid that divides non-polished vs. polished. There is a very distinct difference of colour and shine between both sides.
What is Sealant and how is it different from wax?
Sealant helps fill in surface of the clear coat, allowing for a very lustrous look to the paint. Unlike the natural composition that Carnauba wax has, sealants/glazes are made out of polymers with thousands of synthetic particles linked together that bond to the paint. This creates a "hard as glass", mirror like finish. A lot of car enthusiasts enjoy this process for it's durability and longevity as sealant/glazes typically last 2-4 months depending on the climate and driving conditions. This is typically preferred by those who enjoy a very set off finish to their vehicles. The depth of the reflection cannot be denied or go unnoticed!
*This stage does not involve any compounding or cutting*
What is Wax and what are the benefits?
Harvested and refined from palm trees (Copernicia Prunifera), Carnauba wax repels water from the leaves so it drips off and is absorbed by the roots. Consequently, this does the same for your vehicle! Waxing creates a barrier between the clear coat and nature, thereby repelling water and most road contaminants you encounter in day to day driving. As opposed to the glass like finish that a sealant will achieve, Carnauba wax creates more of a warm glow to the finish. It also protects from UV rays, heat, moisture, and oxidation. A wax application will last approximately 6-8 weeks in the glorious yet unpredictable weather of the North Shore. After the vehicle is dried, Carnauba Wax is applied one panel at a time via dual action polisher. This is a great way to get a beautiful, warm shine and a protective coat all in one service.
*This stage does not involve any compounding or cutting*
All prices do not include tax
Wash and Wax
$169.99
$199.99 for SUV's and Vans
Running Time 2.5 - 4 hrs
Podium's Wash and Wax focuses on the exterior only and is meant to replenish beauty and protection to your vehicles paint. This is beneficial for drivers in the North Shore's typically wet environment and should be carried out every 6-8 weeks.
It includes:
-Fundamental exterior wash
-Wheel cleaning, de-greasing and dressing
-Full exterior clay barring
-Chamois dry
-Wax application
-Removal of wax in crevasses and jambs
Bronze and Wax
$259.99
$289.99 for SUV's and Vans
Running Time 2.5 - 5 hrs
For those who want more out of the regular. Podium's Bronze and Wax wax comes with all the fundamentals of the Bronze Package, a full clay barring to properly prepare the paint and adds that special finish to your vehicle that will help protect the clear coat and set off it's presentation with even more flair.
Silver and Wax
$359.99
$389.99 for SUV's and Vans
Running Time 3.5 - 6 hrs
For those who are looking for an extensive interior clean, and a layer of protective wax to finish. Podium's Silver and Wax comes with all the fundamentals of the Silver Package, a full clay barring to properly prepare the paint and adds that special finish to your vehicle that will help protect the clear coat and set off it's presentation with even more flair.
Machine Cut Polishing
$319.99
$349.99 for SUV's and Vans
Running Time 5-7 hrs
*Waxing stage can be added for $49.99*
For those who are looking to bring their vehicles back to a show room finish. This specific service focuses on the exterior only and comes with an exterior wash, clay barring, cleaning and dressing of the wheels/tires, and full surface cut polish. This can be combined with interior detailing as well (please refer to Podium Gold in Service Packages)
Headlight Restoration and Sealant (New Service)
24.99 per headlight
Podium now provides an easy fix for vehicles that are suffering from lens clouding. This is common for vehicles that have been on the road for a number of years and directly affects your visibility and night vision. Here are a few reasons why this happens.
Oxidation - Acrylic headlights oxidize when exposed to UV light. Headlight lenses come with a clear top coat to help prevent this, but eventually, the coating wears off, and sunlight turns the hard plastic yellow.
Flying debris - Your headlights take a beating from gravel, road salt, and other debris that gets kicked up as you cruise down the road. This wears down the top coat and creates pits and scratches on your headlights, adding to their cloudy appearance.
Dirt and chemicals - After several years on the road, a thin layer of dirt and chemicals form on the lenses. This opaque layer dims the beam coming from your headlights.
Water - Headlights are manufactured with a watertight seal, but wear and tear can cause this seal to break. Condensation then forms inside the lens where you can’t wipe it away. The water droplets scatter the beam of light, further impairing nighttime visibility.
OBD Reading/Code Clearing
$19.99
This service is an add-on only. This is used to read the check-engine light codes which will tell you what is wrong with your engine. This is a reading only and does not come with any mechanical repair. This will save the time and money involved with going to your mechanic and can help you make an informed decision ahead of time if you want to get the issue professionally serviced.
Pet Hair Removal
$50 added to total cost
There are many things that go in and out of our vehicles during it's lifetime, including our pets. As much fun as it is to have them with you to enjoy a good car ride, they unfortunately can leave behind a lot more than paw prints and tongue-licked windows. Below is an example of what may constitute "excessive pet hair". This cannot be picked up during a routine vacuum. All carpets are different, while some have a tight weave, others are looser depending on the quality of the trim of the vehicle. It requires much more time and specialized tools to ensure the hair is properly lifted.
24.99 per headlight
Podium now provides an easy fix for vehicles that are suffering from lens clouding. This is common for vehicles that have been on the road for a number of years and directly affects your visibility and night vision. Here are a few reasons why this happens.
Oxidation - Acrylic headlights oxidize when exposed to UV light. Headlight lenses come with a clear top coat to help prevent this, but eventually, the coating wears off, and sunlight turns the hard plastic yellow.
Flying debris - Your headlights take a beating from gravel, road salt, and other debris that gets kicked up as you cruise down the road. This wears down the top coat and creates pits and scratches on your headlights, adding to their cloudy appearance.
Dirt and chemicals - After several years on the road, a thin layer of dirt and chemicals form on the lenses. This opaque layer dims the beam coming from your headlights.
Water - Headlights are manufactured with a watertight seal, but wear and tear can cause this seal to break. Condensation then forms inside the lens where you can’t wipe it away. The water droplets scatter the beam of light, further impairing nighttime visibility.
OBD Reading/Code Clearing
$19.99
This service is an add-on only. This is used to read the check-engine light codes which will tell you what is wrong with your engine. This is a reading only and does not come with any mechanical repair. This will save the time and money involved with going to your mechanic and can help you make an informed decision ahead of time if you want to get the issue professionally serviced.
Pet Hair Removal
$50 added to total cost
There are many things that go in and out of our vehicles during it's lifetime, including our pets. As much fun as it is to have them with you to enjoy a good car ride, they unfortunately can leave behind a lot more than paw prints and tongue-licked windows. Below is an example of what may constitute "excessive pet hair". This cannot be picked up during a routine vacuum. All carpets are different, while some have a tight weave, others are looser depending on the quality of the trim of the vehicle. It requires much more time and specialized tools to ensure the hair is properly lifted.
