LexKid630 Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 This afternoon i went to a few detailers in my area to see of they could remove some swirl marks and scratches from the LS and RX. When the guys were explaining what they needed to do, the terms "cut" the whole car and using a "glaze" kept coming up... What do these terms mean? How much should it cost to do this to an Ls and Rx? Also, is there anything i should mention to them before they do this? I don't want them to just "fill" the swirls; i want them removed for good! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW03ES Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 When they say "cutting" they're referring to compounding, or machine polishing the paint to remove swirls, scratches, and blemishes. Glazing refers to using finer polishes after that step to restore and maximize the finish. Be clear that you want the swirls and scratches removed not masked, as true "glazes" mask swirls. However everyone uses these terms so interchangably so its hard to tell what they're planning on doing just by the words they use. As for the cost, that depends a great deal on the work that needs to be done, the condition of the car, and the area you live in. For an LS in average condition with a full exterior and interior including carpet shampoo, leather conditioning, wood polishing, washing, claying the paint, compounding, polishing, and sealing I might charge $300 or so, $400 if the car was in rough shape. For just the paint, $200-$300 probably. It would probably take me 4-5 hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LexKid630 Posted April 26, 2006 Author Share Posted April 26, 2006 Thanks SW! I might have them do in LS' interior too. Some of the stains in the carpet look pretty bad; i doubt i could ever get them out. The whole car looks at least 5 years old. :( Is there any way a detailer could ever fill the scratches that are showing the primer? (the car is dark blue) or is that a bodyshop's job only? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SW03ES Posted April 26, 2006 Share Posted April 26, 2006 It depends on whether the detailer also does touchup work as well. I could touch up the scratches to where they'd be 70% invisible. A detailer that knows how to wetsand can get that to 90%. Thats going to cost more though. Now, the question is once you've spent this money what are you planning on doing to try and make it worthwhile? I'd suggest hiring a detailer to maintain the car weekly personally. If she won't care for the car, she'll have a lot less time to crap it up if it has a date with the detailer once a week for a cleaning inside and out. Let him do a mini-detail every 2 months including a fresh coat of sealant and it'll stay in pretty good shape. Also keep in mind the RX will be more being an SUV. I always charged a 20% surcharge over what I'd charge for a full size car for an SUV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LexKid630 Posted April 26, 2006 Author Share Posted April 26, 2006 So far I've found a grand total of 3 detailing shops around my work (not so many in RI) that i would trust leaving a Lexus at. One of the guys at of them actually speaks english!!!! :D I haven't gotten any estimates yet since i was in the RX and i REALLY want to get the LS detailed before the Rx. I've become very interested in cleaning up the LS since our baby is due in a few weeks and there is NO way even a baby could fit in the back of the LS Thanks for the help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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