Toyota 4Runner – Full Exterior Detail with Minor Paint Correction
Overview
This black Toyota 4Runner came in for a full exterior detail, but the job quickly escalated into something more specialized. The vehicle had visible sap etching on a section of the hood that had baked into the clear coat, requiring more than just a wash and wax to restore the finish properly.
Services Performed
- Hand foam wash and decon
- Iron remover application
- Clay bar treatment
- Trim cleaning and restoration
- Spot paint correction on hood panel
- Premium spray sealant for 3-month protection
Spot Paint Correction for Sap Damage
The owner mentioned that tree sap had been sitting on the hood for some time. Even after the sap was safely removed during the chemical and clay bar decontamination steps, the etching remained. This is common — tree sap, especially when baked under the sun, can eat into the clear coat and leave behind a dull, hazy imprint.
We corrected this with a focused single-stage machine polish using a light cutting pad and a diminishing abrasive polish. This step removed the etching while preserving surrounding clear coat.
Challenges
- Heavily embedded sap etching: Required extra polishing time
- Black paint: Shows every imperfection, so additional care was taken to minimize any haze
- Gloss restoration: Black trim and tires were faded and brought back with water-based, no-sling dressings
Final Results
The vehicle left with an ultra-glossy, smooth finish and a dramatically improved hood panel where the etching once was. The trim looked deep and rejuvenated, and the paint reflected with clarity. Most importantly, the correction blended seamlessly into the surrounding panels — no uneven gloss or buffer trails.
