The Competition at a Glance
Competition Process
Each competitor will receive a dedicated pan to correct. The pans have been prepared with the following process:
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Initial Preparation:
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Each pan has been deliberately scuffed. • A base layer of epoxy was applied to ensure paint adhesion.
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Paint Application:
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The color applied is Metaluxe’s standard black. • Axalta clear coat has been sprayed over the color layer.
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The total paint thickness on each pan is approximately 4 mils (100 microns).
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Final Preparation:
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The surface of each pan has been hand-sanded using 3M 1500-grit sandpaper to create a uniform starting point for correction.
Competitiors will be judged using a DetailOMeter using Haze, gloss, DOI & RIQ
FAQs
FAQs
What tools can competitors use?
Competitors can use
· Any tool
· Any UNOPENED compound, polish or abrasive product
· Any machine polisher (rotary, dual-action, gear driven, etc)
· Any buffing pad or wool pad
· Any microfiber towels and clean wipes
You are not allowed to sand the pan.
Can I use rotary or DA to correct?
You can use either style you want to do the correction.
Will other competitors be competing at the same time as me?
Yes, we will have one other person competing at the same time, but in a different work area.
How long do I have to work?
We will schedule in 30 min increments. You will have two minutes to set up, five minutes to compete and 30 seconds for a final wipe down. Judging will happen immediately after time stops.
How large is the space we will be competing on?
The pans are 11x17, you will be correcting 9x14 square in the center of the pan. You must correct the entire space to make sure the five judging points are factored into the final score.
How is the pan judged?
We will be using RIQ and LogHaze. Thickness will be judged if there is a tie.
Check out this short video of Darryl Case, President of Rhopoint Americas, explaining the tools used in the judging process:
Will we be able to see the template before the competition?
Yes we will have a mockup of the judging template showing the five measurement points.
What are the five measurements?
The center of the 9x14 square
And the four corners of the 9x14 square
What factors are you measuring in the five judge sand marks?
We will be measuring RIQ, DOI, Haze and Gloss. In case of a tie, we will be measuring the thickness of the paint.
Will we know the base of the factors before we start?
We will have the base factors for each pan prior to the competitor correcting the pan.
Will there be awards?
Yes on Saturday at 4:30pm we will have the competition awards ceremony
How many winners will there be?
We will have place: first, second and third
Can I find out my individual score if I do not place?
Yes, we can provide your individual ranking and scores if requested.
Can someone help me while I am competing?
No. Coaching and questions are not allowed once you enter the competition space.
Will I be able to analyze the pans before I start?
No, while you can see the foam core mock up, you are not allowed to study the pan prior to stepping in the competition area.
What will be included in the competition area?
We will provide tables for tools and pans, studio lighting (bring own lighting if preferred), 2x15amp electrical plugs with extension cords. You will want to bring your own towels, chemicals, pads and any other needed supplies.
Can competitors use the official judging meter to get their own readings?
No, only the official judges are allowed to use the Detailometer.
What is the Detailometer?
This is a professional tool used by the detailing industry to show RIQ, DOI, Haze, Gloss and RSPEC. Here is a link to more information about the tool.
Why does the compounds, polishers and abrasive product have to be unopened?
To ensure a fair playing field, all products must be sealed and unopen.
Will there be a final wipe down?
Yes new this year we will have a 30 second final wipe down time allotment. You must bring your own microfiber towel for the final wipe down.