The Process
The wash
Wash methods
At Garage 17 we utilize the latest proven methods to wash your car. The goal is to wash without adding scratches and swirls. This is accomplished by using multiple microfiber towels of the highest quality. Each towel is folded and soaked in the bucket with the best soaps. One side of the towel is used for a few passes and then it's flipped to a clean side. Once the towel is used up it is put aside, and a fresh towel is started. This prevents any dirt from getting into the wash bucket that would scratch your paint.
Drying
Drying Methods
We utilize a few methods of drying at Garage 17. The method we choose for your vehicle is depending on a few factors. Some of those factors are, is there an existing coating, or will we be polishing your vehicle are a couple determing factors. The two primary methods are towel drying and warm air blown dry.
Towel drying is typically done with a drying aide as well. The drying aide is a great way to add lubrication to prevent adding imperfections and also prevents water spots and streaks.
Warm air blow drying can be accomplished with the dryer alone or with the help of a towel. When a coating or polishing is planned, we typically will not use a drying aide to prevent adding any additives that could affect the compounds or be left behind preventing your coating from bonding to the paint.
Understanding your paint
Your paint is a bit of a complex thing nowadays. Factory paint is always evolving and has again recently undergone a major change. Here we will discuss what you are seeing on your vehicle and not the entire history or process of vehicle painting as that would fill a book. In the 1980's clear coats started becoming commonly used by car manufacturers. So most cars today have the base coat ( this is the color you see) and the clear coat. Understanding the clear coat is extremely important when it comes to paint correction. We use tools to measure paint depth in order to help decide if and how much paint correction can be done. Vehicles produced after 2021 (some earlier) have about half the amount of clear coat on them compared to those before 2021. Clear coat is built in protection. Less clear coat means less protection. Now an inexperienced technician can strip away that clear coat chasing imperfections faster than before. This is why it is so important to have a detailer you trust to have your best interest in mind and not just the one trying to max out pro
About Garage 17
Garage 17 was officially formed in early 2024 however it got started as a hobby well before that. G17 was founded by me Mike Matton, after I retired from a career in law enforcement. I retired as a Sgt, after 24 years and decided to turn this hobby into a second career. I made the decision to use only the highest quality products from the best companies and the highest quality tools from the industry's leading manufacturers. Part of that decision was to use RUPES USA polishers, pads and liquids. I attended a RUPES training to sharpen my skills with sanding and polishing. I have gone on to forge relationships with my suppliers of my tools and products as well as my trainers.
My 1st goal with G17 is to provide my clients with car care that is reliable, trustworthy and referrable. I will not try to sell a product or service that doesn't fit your needs or wants. If your vehicle has a sensitive spot or the service would potentially do more harm than good, I will explain this to you and not perform the service. If my services do not fit your needs I have no issue referring you to an area detailer that may better suit your needs.
My 2nd goal with G17 is to be able to spend time with my family. That said I tend to quote longer times than most as I aim to not miss anymore family events or milestones as I did so many times in my previous career. However, this also affords me the ability to take my time with your car and make sure it is done correctly. I have no pressure to pump out jobs to turn a buck. That means you and your car will get my full attention while it is here.
Yes, some of the products I use are priced higher than what the typical detailer is willing to use which takes from my profits. However, I use the product because it is safe and works better than any others that I have used. This is all done to give you the best results and a great service.
Updates
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We will often update our Facebook with completed work, before and after's, how to, as well as other updates. We will occasionally post deals and even give aways. Click the image above and see what's going on.
Services & booking
Click this image to be taken to our online booking. Not sure what you service best suits you? Start the process by completing the client info form found here and we will get back to you and get the ball rolling.
Get in Touch
Reach Out to Garage Today! Use the Online booking button on the home page. Fill out the new client form to get started or email us today to see what works best for your vehicle.