At Crystal Car, we understand that even brand-new vehicles rarely leave the dealership in true showroom condition. This Mercedes-AMG A35 arrived directly from the dealer, presenting well at first glance but showing the typical light wash marring, transport marks, and minor surface imperfections commonly found on new cars.

Initial Inspection & Paint Assessment

Before any work began, a full multi-point inspection of the exterior was carried out under controlled lighting to assess the true condition of the paintwork. Like most dealership-prepared vehicles, the A35 showed light swirl marks and minor micro-scratches in the clear coat. These defects reduce gloss, clarity, and overall depth particularly noticeable on darker finishes.

Safe Wash & Decontamination Process

The vehicle underwent our safe wash process, designed specifically to minimise the risk of introducing further defects:

• Snow foam pre-wash to loosen dirt safely
• Two-bucket contact wash using pH-neutral shampoo
• Dedicated wheel, arch, and brake caliper cleaning
  
  

This stage ensures the paint surface is fully cleansed before machine polishing begins — a critical step for achieving a flawless finish.

Light Paint Correction

A single-stage light machine polish was performed across all painted panels. The goal was refinement rather than heavy defect removal, restoring clarity while preserving clear coat thickness. This process removed minor swirl marks and enhanced reflectivity, dramatically improving gloss levels.

Edges, tighter areas, and high-risk sections were refined carefully by hand where necessary to maintain precision and safety.

5-Year Ceramic Coating Application

Once the paintwork was corrected and fully panel wiped to remove polishing oils, a professional-grade 5-year ceramic coating was applied. This advanced nano-ceramic protection bonds to the clear coat, forming a durable protective layer that offers:

• Long-term UV protection
• Increased resistance to chemical contaminants
• Enhanced hydrophobic properties (water beading and sheeting)
• Improved ease of maintenance
• Deepened gloss and colour richness

All exterior painted surfaces were coated, and attention was given to finishing details to ensure a crisp, high-end presentation.

Final Result

The finished result is a Mercedes-AMG A35 presented at a level exceeding typical dealership standards. The paint now exhibits greater depth, sharper reflections, and long-term protection — ensuring the vehicle remains easier to maintain while preserving its premium appearance.

This project highlights the importance of professional new car paint correction and ceramic coating, even on vehicles delivered straight from the showroom.