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      05-02-2013, 10:20 PM   #1
dkosawa
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Portland's Thomas Dekany Is About To Work His Paint Correction Magic...

...on my 2009 LMB E92.

I've had my m3 for about 3 months now, and slowly I've been noticing more and more swirl marks and holograms.

I've always used the two bucket washing technique on it. I have grit guards at the bottom of both buckets. I always use high quality clean drying towels, wash mits and products. And I've always applied polishes and waxes by hand.

Not being a professional detailer I can understand how I might have been the one to cause the swirl marks, but holograms?

I talked with Thomas on the phone for a while and he explained to me that most likely the holograms were caused by high speed buffers used incorrectly, and that if they are just now starting to show it could be that the dealer I bought it from masked the problems using glazes (i believe he said glazes).

Anyways, he's coming to my house this Saturday to spend the entire day correcting these issues. I've also opted to have him use Opti-coat instead of using a sealant or wax. I hope he's as good as he says he is. I've done some research on the guy and he seems to have a good reputation amongst the detailing community, and he sounds like he knows his stuff (over the phone). I'll make sure to come back to this thread with before and after shots and write-up a thorough review on my experience with him. I know I've seen threads on here in the past from other Portlanders asking for detailer recommendations. So far he's been great. Very flexible with his schedule, willing to spend time explaining things over the phone, and responds to emails in a timely manner. Hopefully Thomas will prove to be our Portland area hook-up.

Thomas, if your reading this now, make sure you bring your A game on Saturday.
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      05-02-2013, 11:24 PM   #2
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Can't wait to hear how it turns out. Looking for a good detailer in the area.
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      05-03-2013, 12:05 AM   #3
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      05-03-2013, 01:38 PM   #4
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As a detailer. Thomas is one of my inspirations. You won't be disappointed.
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      05-04-2013, 06:14 PM   #5
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Looking forward to the before and afters
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      05-06-2013, 09:51 PM   #6
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Saturday morning to save a few bucks, I got up early and spent about 2 1/2 hours prepping my car for Tom's arrival (washed & clayed). Around 10am he showed up as agreed upon, and he immediately started inspecting the vehicle with his flash light. After about 10 minutes with the car, he started moving his equipment into my garage. Once his stuff was moved in, he was off and running. One thing I can say about this guy is that he is a VERY hard worker. After making two passes cutting the clear, he started in with the polishing. This lasted about 12 hours (10am - 10pm). I would estimate he took an hour worth of breaks during the first 12 hours, stopping only to eat the occasional banana, use the restroom, and talk on the phone.

He was a very pleasant and friendly guy. I found the way he answered my detailing questions entertaining as he would tie in explanations with past detailing stories. This guy is definitely passionate about detailing. It was apparent that to him detailing is more of an art form than a means to making a few bucks. He lives and breaths this stuff.

After he was done polishing, he spent another few hours applying the Opticoat Professional coating. It was about midnight when he finally declared the car done. I should note, that it's not typical for him to spend that much time in one sitting on a car, but since he had vacation plans starting the next day I agreed to let him stay as late as it took to get it done.

I'm 100% satisfied with the work he did. Here's a few photos of my car right after he applied the Opticoat. I want to take some outdoor shots in the sun, but need to wait 7 days before I can wash her.

If your in the Portland area and need a pro detailer, don't hesitate to work with this guy. He's extremely honest, upfront, works hard, and is very meticulous.

Don't let his somewhat amateur website fool you...he's a pro.









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      05-07-2013, 01:43 PM   #7
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Called it. Looking forward to seeing his write up and seeing the before and afters.
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      05-09-2013, 12:17 PM   #8
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Hard nothing but good things. In for more pics.
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      05-12-2013, 12:45 AM   #9
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Thank you for your kind words! Here are some shots.


_5040006.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr


_5040010.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr


_5040011.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr


_5040012.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr

Finished shots around 11pm


_5040015.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr


_5040018.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr


_5040017.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr


_5040020.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr
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      05-12-2013, 10:32 PM   #10
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Love how a flawless clear coat adds so much depth to the paint color. Great work, i'd love to see this done on a SSII M car. Thanks for the review and sharing the pictures.
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      05-12-2013, 11:07 PM   #11
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What a beautiful color. Been meaning to do some reading on the OptiCoat. Thanks for sharing.
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      05-13-2013, 11:51 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dkosawa View Post
...on my 2009 LMB E92.

I've had my m3 for about 3 months now, and slowly I've been noticing more and more swirl marks and holograms.

I've always used the two bucket washing technique on it. I have grit guards at the bottom of both buckets. I always use high quality clean drying towels, wash mits and products. And I've always applied polishes and waxes by hand.

Not being a professional detailer I can understand how I might have been the one to cause the swirl marks, but holograms?

I talked with Thomas on the phone for a while and he explained to me that most likely the holograms were caused by high speed buffers used incorrectly, and that if they are just now starting to show it could be that the dealer I bought it from masked the problems using glazes (i believe he said glazes).

Anyways, he's coming to my house this Saturday to spend the entire day correcting these issues. I've also opted to have him use Opti-coat instead of using a sealant or wax. I hope he's as good as he says he is. I've done some research on the guy and he seems to have a good reputation amongst the detailing community, and he sounds like he knows his stuff (over the phone). I'll make sure to come back to this thread with before and after shots and write-up a thorough review on my experience with him. I know I've seen threads on here in the past from other Portlanders asking for detailer recommendations. So far he's been great. Very flexible with his schedule, willing to spend time explaining things over the phone, and responds to emails in a timely manner. Hopefully Thomas will prove to be our Portland area hook-up.

Thomas, if your reading this now, make sure you bring your A game on Saturday.
Consider getting the drivers door key hole delete (will match your passenger side). It really cleans up the handle and takes about 5 minutes to swap out. I got mine from IND and was perfectly paint matched for I believe 40 bucks. Paint match reflectors would also do wonders to the front end.
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      05-27-2013, 05:08 PM   #13
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Thank you guys for the positive replies.

The customer found 2 high spots that needed to be leveled so yesterday I had a chance to go back and take care of them. Here are some outside shots.


_5260053.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr


_5260040_HDR.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr


_5260044.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr


_5260047.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr


_5260049_HDR.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr


_5260062_HDR.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr


_5260067_HDR.jpg by savingspaces33, on Flickr
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      05-27-2013, 10:35 PM   #14
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Killer work Thomas! I don't see you posting as much anymore, but when you do the results are always worth the wait!
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      05-28-2013, 12:56 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mikenap View Post
Killer work Thomas! I don't see you posting as much anymore, but when you do the results are always worth the wait!
Thanks Mike, the same goes for you!!! I miss your posts.
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      05-28-2013, 01:00 AM   #16
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Looks great! Never used opti-coat before, do you apply anything over it?

Also, what are "high spots?" Thanks!
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      05-28-2013, 06:32 AM   #17
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Love your work Thomas.
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      05-28-2013, 06:33 AM   #18
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wow, well done
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