Thanks for visiting! Is your boat protected??
We hope you can find everything you need. 1st Mates Marine and Auto Detailing is focused on providing high-quality service and customer satisfaction - we will do everything we can to meet your expectations.
With a variety of cleaning and restoration packages to choose from, we're sure you'll be happy working with us. Look around our website and if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact us.
We have proudly served Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Lake Gaston, Kerr Lake, Jordan Lake, and the east coast areas since 2004.
Frequently Asked Questions?
*Why call 1st Mates?
Flat out, we only do the job the right way, so your results last. Because detailing is kind of like an art, it takes many years of accumulative knowledge to perfect the detail and restoration process. The acquired knowledge of what tools and products clean what and the correct processes to using these tools and products. 1st Mates has over 18 years of detailing experience and we are happy to bring our knowledge to you. At 1st Mates we proudly started detailing because we highly enjoy the satisfaction of bringing a boat or vehicle back to life. Plain and simple, we love what we do!
*How do you remove oxidation?
To remove oxidation the gel coat must first be wet sanded. Compounding alone will not remove oxidation but only move the oxidation around the gel coat and your results will not last. During wet sanding the oxidation or "dead" gel coat is sanded and then washed away with water. In most cases when a boats gel coat is oxidized, then it must be sanded, to ensure a lasting finish.
* Why should I have my boat or car detailed?
A professional detail makes your car or boats appearance look new again. To achieve this, it is a long and meticulous process, but is well worth the finished product. Think of a detail as a reconditioning and decontamination of all foreign objects that shorten the life of your boat or auto. Things such as gel coat, vinyl seats, rubber door gaskets, drain holes, door jambs, air vents, under and in between the seats, wheel wells, and hazy headlights are never cleaned by the automatic car wash, or by their employees. Another reason to have a detail completed, is the renourishment or renewal of the gel coat or clear coat. When renourishing paint, the paint must first be cleaned, by using a step process. These steps usually consist of a cleaner to remove embedded and surface contaminants, a polish to prep and smooth surfaces for wax, and finally a good coat of wax to protect and shine. A good waxed surface is very slick and takes minimal effort to keep clean in the future. Detailing will show that your boat or car was cared for and can help keep your possession looking great for years to come. The goals of a detail are to make a boat or car to appear "like new" by cleaning EVERYTHING! In most cases after a professional detail, the finish is in better shape than new.
* What type of products do you use?
We use only the best products on the market! Our wax is 100% carnuba wax, which is the safest wax for clear coat and gel coat application. Our boat wax contains a special UV inhibitor which acts as a "sunscreen" for your boats gel coat. We use all of our products on our own stuff with out hesitation. We have spent many years trying all kinds of different products only to find the best to bring to you!
*Why should I have the paint waxed if it has a clear coat.?
Clear coat is paint. The clear coat applied over the paint helps achieve depth, color, and shine. Over time oxidation, and stains build up on the clear coat causing it to appear faded and dull looking. Applying wax will help protect the clear coat but more importantly it helps you keep it clean with minimal effort.
* Can you do this at my house or work?
Absolutely! We are totally mobile. We bring our own water, materials, and electricity to get the job completed. You can also bring it to us if you choose. (Wet sanding is done in house to help keep your cost down).
* How long does a full detail take to complete?
On average it takes about 8 hours to complete a car, 10-12 hrs. to complete a boat (wash and wax w/ light compounding based on condition). A wet sanding job usually is a minimum of 30-40 hrs.This is a meticulous cleaning and paint/gel coat renourishment process with outstanding results.
We hope to see you again! Check back later for new updates to our website. There's much more to come!
