glossy

Big News: We’ve Moved! Here’s What’s New at Glossy Garage

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 04:00:02 GMT

From Detailing to High-End Protection: Why I’m Shifting Gears

Hey Glossy fam!

I’ve got some exciting changes to share with you. After a lot of thought and planning, I’ve moved into a new, more focused space, and I’m pumped to tell you all about it.

Why the Move?

As many of you know, Glossy has been growing and evolving over the years. What started out as a small detailing business has now transformed into something bigger and better. I’ve always been passionate about offering the best quality, and to do that, I needed a space that allowed me to focus exclusively on what I love—high-end automotive protection and styling. This new space isn’t just about a fresh location; it’s about allowing me to bring you a more specialized service with an even higher level of attention to detail.

So, What’s New?

First off, I’m dialing in my services to focus on what I do best:

Paint Protection Film (PPF): Keep that paint pristine with cutting-edge protection.
Ceramic Coatings: For those of you looking for long-lasting gloss and protection.
Custom Vinyl Wraps: Whether you’re going for a subtle change or a bold new look, I’ve got you covered.
Aftermarket Accessories: From spoilers to custom decals, I’m here to make your ride uniquely yours.

I’ve decided to step away from basic detailing services so I can pour even more energy and precision into these specialized areas. The goal? To give you the absolute best when it comes to protecting and customizing your vehicle.

A More Personal Approach

I’m really excited about this new chapter because it lets me work one-on-one with each of you. Since I’ve downsized the shop a bit, it means I’m working closely on every project myself. For me, it’s not just about running a business—it’s about doing what I love with people who share that same passion for cars. When you bring your car to Glossy, you’re not just getting a service—you’re getting my personal dedication to making sure your vehicle looks and performs its best.

Where Am I Now?

I’ve moved to a more intimate space that’s designed for specialized work, just two buildings down from my old location. Here’s where you can find me:

9629 Dielman Rock Island Industrial Dr. Olivette, MO 63132

Feel free to swing by and check out the new space, or better yet, schedule a consultation so we can chat about what your car needs.

What’s Next?

As always, I’m committed to giving you the best service and results possible. Moving into this new chapter for Glossy allows me to focus on the quality and detail that you deserve. Whether it’s keeping your paint protected, adding some killer custom vinyl, or making your car pop with a ceramic coating, I’m here to make it happen.

Thank you for sticking with me through this journey. The support from all of you—whether you’re a long-time client or just found Glossy recently—means the world. I can’t wait to keep pushing the limits of what we can do together.

Until then, stay glossy.

-Ralph

Color Change + PPF All in One 2023 Tesla Model 3

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 21:46:29 GMT

We are excited to show off one our latest projects — Brian Russell’s stunning 2023 Tesla Model 3. We have meticulously enhanced both the aesthetics and functionality of this electric vehicle with a color change paint protection wrap.

All the exterior panels were wrapped with the highly acclaimed STEK DYNO Miami Blue Paint Protection Film (PPF) . Renowned for its exceptional durability, this PPF provides unrivaled protection against scratches, chips, and road debris. Additionally, the vibrant Miami Blue color adds a rare and eye-catching allure, elevating the Model 3's visual appeal to new heights. You'd never know that this car is white under the film!

The windows were tinted using STEK Smart Series Tint . This premium tint reduces heat penetration, minimizes glare, and shields the interior from fading or discoloration caused by sun exposure. With this product, Russell can enjoy every journey with enhanced comfort and peace of mind.

STEK DYNOshade was installed on the taillights, headlights, reflectors, and fog lights . This tinted paint protection film offers a virtually textureless finish, ensuring a seamless integration that mimics the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) look. By combining style and functionality, this enhancement enhances both the visual appeal and durability of Russell's Model 3.

We want to give a huge shoutout to Brian Russell for trusting us with his Tesla Model 3. Collaborating with him allowed us to bring his vision to life, enhancing the aesthetics, protection, and individuality of his vehicle.

If you're feeling inspired and want to unlock the full potential of your own vehicle, then we're here for you at Glossy Garage! Click HERE to request a service or schedule a consultation, or complete the Contact Us form below.

Enjoy Drive-In Movie Nights All Summer Long at Glossy Garage

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 22:59:05 GMT

Bring your car, bring your family, and enjoy the movie!

UPDATE: Due to extreme heat, our Movie Night on July 29th has been canceled.

Join Glossy Garage this summer for our Drive-In Movie Nights! Taking place on the last Saturday of June, July, and August this year, our family-friendly event promises a fun evening under the stars. With limited parking spots in view of the screen, it's best to arrive early. However, ample parking and designated seating areas will ensure that everyone can enjoy the movie.

Event Details:

Dates: Last Saturdays of June, July, and August
Time: Shop opens at 7pm, movie starts at 8pm (or when it gets dark enough)
Location: Glossy Garage

Movie Schedule:

June 24th - "Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift"
July 29th - "Ford vs. Ferrari"
August 26th - "Cars"

Snacks and Refreshments:

Glossy Garage will provide a variety of snacks, sodas, and water. Feel free to bring your own beverages (BYOB) and snacks as well!

Mark your calendars and head to Glossy Garage for an unforgettable evening of movies, snacks, and cars. Secure a prime parking spot or bring your chairs and blankets for an enjoyable time. We can't wait to see you there!

Porsche Boxster Spyder Restoration

ralph@glossygarage.com (Ralph Williams) — Mon, 23 May 2022 20:50:41 GMT

This 2016 Porsche Boxster Spyder was brought to Glossy to have its condition evaluated. After receiving the car, we instantly noticed that the car looked clean from a distance, but as soon as we got close was noticed a lot of built up dirt and grime around the car. We noticed that the PPF originally installed on the car was not installed very well, with none of the edges wrapped, causing dirt and grime to build up around the edges of the film, which in turn was causing the PPF to lift and mold.

When looking around further, we noticed a lot of grime built up around the seals and caked in the vents of the car. The front bumper had no PPF on it when the car arrived so there was a lot of etching, stains, and rock chips on the front bumper. Overall the car looked like it had been severely neglected by the previous owner.

After evaluating the condition of the car, we decided the best course of action was to go ahead and strip back all of the PPF, disassemble, and deep clean the entire car. After completing this, the next step in this process was to paint correct the car to remove imperfections in the paint and provide a great base for new PPF.

After completing the paint correction we applied PPF to every painted surface, using custom patterns to achieve complete coverage to make sure the car was as protected as possible. During the PPF installation process the wheels were removed from the car before deep cleaning and ceramic coating both the wheels and calipers.

Once the PPF installation was complete we applied CQuartz Skin to the PPF to make maintenance easier and to keep the car looking Glossy for years to come.

Whether buying a new or used car, it is always important to protect the condition of the car, not only to make the car look better, but to also make future maintenance easy and painless. Glossy offers pre and post purchase inspections to help our customers come up with a plan to recondition and protect their vehicles.

Mclaren Senna Reveal Party

Thu, 14 May 2020 17:57:24 GMT

Earlier this spring, before COVID-19 distanced us all, we had the honor of hosting the ND4SPD Club at our shop to unveil one of their member’s new HyperCar.

The member’s one-of-a-kind vehicle is a Mclaren Senna, and it was fully corrected and protected by our team at Glossy. Anticipation at the event was high; everyone was eager to check out the exposed carbon fiber and special paintwork. The STEK DYNOshield paint protection film that we installed allowed the carbon weave and intricate paint details to stand out. The texture of the film matched the MSO (Mclaren Special Operations) paint texture perfectly. Once everyone got some coffee and pastries, courtesy of COMA Coffee , we got right to business pulling the cover off the car.

The STEK DYNOshield paint protection film that we installed allowed the carbon weave and intricate paint details to stand out. The texture of the film matched the MSO (Mclaren Special Operations) paint texture perfectly.

Fans of Aryton Senna were thrilled to see one of the three Senna XP cars with unique liveries commemorating the famed racer. A lot of attendees took this opportunity to take photos with the rare Mclaren, and some staged photoshoots with their own cars.

Having the opportunity to share this special moment with so many other enthusiasts and owners was such a fun experience and memorable for everyone involved. A shared appreciation for the final results was carried throughout the whole weekend, reminding us why we chase perfection with every task.

While the pandemic has disrupted our plans for the 2020 spring car season, we are still excited to get back on track with events and workshops when the time is right again. Until then, keep up with our work on Facebook , Instagram , and our newly rebranded website. Please feel free to reach out with questions or scheduling requests.

Car Washing 101

Fri, 01 May 2020 20:42:29 GMT

If you’re reading this article, odds are you have a vehicle that you care about and would like to maintain in as like-new condition as possible. The most damage that occurs to a vehicle’s sur-faces happens in the wash process. What is ultimately a necessary task, can be harmful to your vehicle if done improperly. Here’s how we wash a vehicle at Glossy.

Step One: Make sure you have the right tools

Every aspect of washing matters, from the water used, the wash mitts, soap, drying towels, etc. Having quality products and tools will make your experience a lot more enjoyable and efficient. We recommend using two buckets when washing a vehicle, one with soap and one with water to rinse out your wash mitt after each section. Hard water can leave damaging mineral deposits behind, so a water softener or even better a deionized water system will almost eliminate any chance of spotting.

Step Two: Pre-Rinse

You want to clean off as much of the dirt as possible before ever physically touching the car. The less dirt on the car, the less of a chance of creating swirls and scratches.

Step Three: Foam

Whether using a pressure washer or regular hose, we recommend utilizing a foaming attachment to create a layer of thick suds on the paint. This will emulsify the dirt on the vehicle and help lift it off the paint. If the vehicle is excessively dirty you can rinse again after this step.

Step Four: Wash

Starting from the top of vehicle, work your way down one panel or section at a time, use very light pressure and avoid dragging dirt from the bottom of the vehicle to the top. After each section wash out your mitt in the rinse bucket to release any trapped particles, then continue to the next section.

Step Five: Rinse and Dry

Rinse off all of the soap and insure you flush out the door jambs, body moldings, and crevices on the body where soap and dirt can collect. Using your preferred detail spray and a quality microfiber drying towel, carefully mist each panel and lift off the water. It may be necessary to follow with a second dry microfiber to remove any remaining streaks.

Following these steps and making a conscientious effort to practice safe techniques will insure your vehicle keeping a like-new appearance.

Product Review: CarPro Microfiber Hand Wash Mitt

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 23:22:59 GMT

Of all the questions about detailing we get asked, the one that seems to come up on a regular basis is, “What should I use to wash my car?”

The biggest mistakes people encounter in car care are during the wash process. Not having the right wash media for the job can cause damage to the paintwork and other delicate surfaces. This is what CarpPro's Microfiber Wash mitt was developed to combat. With an ergonomic design, quality build and an affordable price point, it's easy to see why it's our top choice at Glossy.

We’ve used these mitts almost exclusively at Glossy for the past three years, and have never been let down. For a shop that uses them on a daily basis, they have held up incredibly well with minimal effort in care. Using a quality microfiber detergent to wash the mitt after every few uses insures a long lifespan and worry-free car washing. The long and soft fibers of the Microfiber Wash Mitt encapsulate dirt and dust particles and lift them off of the paint without dragging or causing marring. The synthetic cuff offers easy maneuverability around tight areas, and has just enough elasticity to be comfortable without slipping off your hand.

CarPro has a full range of wash media and towels that we stock at Glossy; you are sure to find a product that best fits your style of washing and detailing. It’s important to employ the best possible products and techniques available to achieve a quality level of detailing and maintenance, over the many years of product testing and use, we've found Carpro's answer to be a favorite. Visit our virtual shop for more info.

Decontaminating Your Vehicle

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 23:18:15 GMT

Over time, surface contaminants will build up on your vehicle. Industrial fallout, road tar, bugs, mineral deposits, rail dust and brake dust, all hinder your paint in the long run.

Decontaminating is the process of removing these bonded particles so your polishing and protective steps are completely effective.

Sealants, waxes and coatings are designed to adhere to a bare painted surface, contaminants interfere with the performance of your protection. Furthermore, polishing a vehicle that hasn’t been decontaminated can result in even more damage than you started out with.

Here are a few steps you can take to achieve the perfect canvas for your polishing and protective steps.

Thoroughly wash your vehicle with a balanced, ph neutral shampoo free of glossing agents or protective polymers.
Dry your vehicle and apply an iron remover such a Iron-X from CarPro. This may take several applications until all iron oxide particles are removed. You’ll see the product working as it turns purple when in contact with the particles.
Using an automotive clay lubricant, gently use a clay bar, towel, or pad, to remove the remaining contaminants. You’ll be able to feel and hear the paint getting smoother. Remember to wash out your clay towel or pad frequently, and kneed your clay bar after every panel.
The final step should be wiping down your painted surfaces with an oil and residue remover. Eraser, another CarPro product, offers the perfect solution for this.

Now your paint is ready to be polished, sealed, or waxed! This process is crucial to maintaining your vehicles appearance and should be done at a minimum of twice per year.

Product Review: Reset

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 00:19:29 GMT

There are so many brands and product lines for car soap that it can be overwhelming picking one out for yours and your vehicle’s needs. While it’s important to have a variety of soaps for different uses, it’s even more important to have a soap that you can fall back on and rely on it’s performance every time you use it. This is where CarPro’s soap Reset stands out.

Reset is a no-frills, works just as advertised, general purpose car soap. It was specifically designed to work well with ceramic coated cars so as to not interfere or add to the coated surfaces. Reset does an outstanding job of cleaning coated cars but also works well with just about every other application too.

The pH neutral soap contains no waxes, silicones, polymers, or other additives, making it completely pure and safe on all surfaces, including matte paints. Whether it be for prepping a car for polishing and coating, or maintaining your coated finishes, Reset outperforms the competition. Reset creates long lasting thick suds when used in a bucket, and when paired with a foam cannon will make a truly fantastic experience.

Competitively priced against other similar products, Reset is no-brainer at $16 for a 16oz bottle. To properly care for your vehicle you have to have the right tools. Starting off with a solid foundation in your car soap is what we at Glossy recommend our customers. Not only can you have a more enjoyable experience, you can rest assured that you are using a quality soap that won’t be detrimental to any of your vehicle’s surfaces.

Reset is available for purchase here .

Winter Car Care

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 00:21:05 GMT

You probably know the basics of winterizing your vehicle; check the battery, wiper blades, snow tires, emergency supplies, etc. But did you know that protecting the exterior surfaces of your vehicle can be just as important for your cars lifespan and resale value?

One of the most overlooked aspects of car care is quality detailing. No I’m not talking about the shop that vacuums and washes your car for $30, that’s not detailing. I’m talking about the shops and techs that will assess your vehicles condition and advise you on all the proper and necessary steps to correct, protect, and maintain its condition.

Things to consider addressing for the winter months:

Paint - While the most captivating part of your vehicle, it’s not just for looks. Your paint serves to protect the metal underneath. Road salt can be extremely detrimental and should be cleaned regularly. Using a high quality wax, sealant, or coating will make this process easier and prevent harsh chemicals from destroying your paint.
Glass - Technology has advanced rapidly in the past few years of the detailing industry. There are many glass specific coatings that create a hydrophobic surface that makes it harder for snow and ice to accumulate. Also a slicker surface means your wipers are working at a greater efficiency.
Door Seals - Conditioning the rubber seals around your doors and trunk/liftgate will make it much harder for your doors to freeze shut. Plus it’s a good idea to condition them in the summer to keep them from drying out. This will insure they last a very long time.
Undercarriage - Most vehicles come from the factory with an underbody coating to protect from rust, but over time this wears away leaving your vehicle exposed to corrosion. Having the frame and underbody components coated every few years or as needed will help prevent rust and corrosion from ruining your vehicle.
Headlights - Ever see an older car with yellowed or faded headlights? This is caused by UV rays damaging the lens and greatly restricting your nighttime vision. If you have a newer vehicle, consider having the lights coated in a product like CQuartz to help prevent fading and also increase the hydrophobic properties of the surface. This will also help prevent ice and snow buildup just like the glass coating. If your headlights are already fading, don’t worry. This can be fixed by a reputable detailer and the lights can be coated to prevent it from happening again.
Don’t be fooled by gimmicks and short term fixes like bug spray or toothpaste, take the time to have them sanded, polished and coated.

Winter driving doesn't have to be as stressful on yourself or your vehicle if you’re prepared for it. Just do your research when it comes to the products and people you trust to help winterize your car and you’ll be set.