Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Coatings........Whatever.......
Are you able to make up the interpretation of this picture?
Since it is not a "Mona Lisa" potrait, it's siply a tub of wax and a bottle of a label "coatings".
Many had asked me what is these coatings stuff that spreads like wildfire globally.? Globally?
Not sure, maybe.
Well, I could make these stuff relatively very cheap. But I do hear that in some e-commerce, it is not cheap and comes in a small bottle. However, on the contrary, customers were made to pay thousands of Malaysian ringgit for such application per car.! Moreover, it comes with "WARRANTY"!!! That makes it much more than interesting. Warranty?
In my earlier articles concerning "Oxidation".......I guess not enough fans reading it, Don't they get it? What could possibly stop oxidation? It's a law of nature!
I rest my case. To me, natural wax is the way to go. Periodical maintenance is common sense. Anyone wanting to defy oxidation, would probably resurrect Denham Harman or Johann Joachim Becher.
Friday, 23 November 2012
Gulf Countries
There has always been a lot of huh hah about Dubai, UAE. However, this time I went to Oman. Never knew this was such a beautiful place. I was there a couple of weeks ago. In fact, I was there to meet a good pal of mine Faisal Balushi and Ameer. Both of these guys astonish me with their talents in Detailing, food and their beautiful country, Oman.
Not many photos but I love Oman:)
Not many photos but I love Oman:)
Thursday, 22 November 2012
Original Polishing Pads
I certainly don't know if you could claim that every
theft is wrong, but I'll prove to you that every theft is forbidden, by
simply locking you up.
..by....Karel Capek.
The last article of mine about Polishing pads manufacturing was that I displayed a picture of one part of the factory where how these products were made. However,it was not my liberty to show everything as these machines and techniques were company secret.
Some months back in third quarter of 2012, our market was plaque with "Immitation" pads. These "Immitators" were trying to copy our "Spiderpads". How foolish, how absurd !.
It took us years and much painstaking in designing these "Spider Pads". Obviously, spiderman was of no help at all. Look at the pictures below. The copies were not only disgusting but purely a product of "cheat".
-->
-->
After comparing the copies with our high quality pads we know the reason for the
low price: It’s the poor quality of the pads! The pads look very similar to our pads, but on
closer inspection, huge technical differences are apparent: One layer which is used in
the pirated Spider Pad is far too hard, and the other layer is way too soft. The cutting
performance is much poorer and the pad can be killed easily, and also very quickly, during
heavy-duty applications.
The pirated Spider Pad perforation is far too deep. As soon as you start polishing, the compound
will be soaked in the deep slots, diminishing its performance. Additionally, it is impossible to remove
scratches as the foam loses its stability. It is like trying to remove deep scratches with a soft foam pad.
As if that isn’t enough, the velour is not applied correctly. As a result, it detaches pretty quickly if the
backup-pad gets hot or if the pad is used with an orbital tool.
There are further points that have to be improved to compete with original Scholl-Quality. These three
reasons above are easy to reproduce and to understand. Anyone who compares the two pads under
the same circumstances will come to the same conclusion.
My comment:
--> While testing the pads we have quickly noticed that the durability of the copies is approximately
half or a third of that of our original Spider Pads. Customers buying the replica need to know
that and will see it immediately after using them. If the copied pads are used with our rubbing
compounds, the performance of our premium polishes will suffer.
The cut is much lower as the pads performance is not as aggressive to the paint as our
original Spider Pad. Also, the powder is not working in the same way – it is impossible to generate
the same gloss rate. Even if the copies look similar to Scholl Concepts pads, the polishing result
is totally different. It is not a working system anymore and therefore the overall performance and
the finish-quality will suffer! This is the good reason why our pads are sold at a higher price compared
to the pads of some of our competitors. Our outstanding quality and quality-driven philosophy
justifies our pricing level – our development is not finished until our products are perfect!
We manufacture up to 6,000 pads a day for a variety of customers (car plants, bodyshops, boat yards,
detailers, etc). Everyone using original Scholl-Pads understands why the price-performance ratio
is more than fair.
I would like to thank all of our loyal customers for consistently using our products and we will continue to work
on new, more fascinating and inspiring pads and polishes every day.
One well-meant piece of advice to all manufacturers who are trying to copy us: Do not stop at 40%
and do not stop at 70% - if you copy us, then do it the right way and go for 100%!
In the meantime, we will continue to invest in our intelligent team and new machines to develop
the exciting next generation of “Spider Pad” that is soon to be launched.
It is the innovation that drives us and the motivation to offer the best solutions for paint finish applications.
Frank Scholl
The last article of mine about Polishing pads manufacturing was that I displayed a picture of one part of the factory where how these products were made. However,it was not my liberty to show everything as these machines and techniques were company secret.
Some months back in third quarter of 2012, our market was plaque with "Immitation" pads. These "Immitators" were trying to copy our "Spiderpads". How foolish, how absurd !.
It took us years and much painstaking in designing these "Spider Pads". Obviously, spiderman was of no help at all. Look at the pictures below. The copies were not only disgusting but purely a product of "cheat".
Copies or Replica, however one wants to call it. A Cheat is a Cheat!
Dear Customers,
To imitate someone is to pay the person a genuine compliment
– often unintended.
The fact that people are copying our pad designs shows us
that, once again, we have
developed outstanding and innovative pads that will
give an added value to our
customers all around the world.
One point that really bothers and disappoints me is that the
replica pads are offered
at a pretty low price. Therefore, we have analysed the
pads in our lab to see the difference
and of course to get an idea about the
durability.
After comparing the copies with our high quality pads we know the reason for the
low price: It’s the poor quality of the pads! The pads look very similar to our pads, but on
closer inspection, huge technical differences are apparent: One layer which is used in
the pirated Spider Pad is far too hard, and the other layer is way too soft. The cutting
performance is much poorer and the pad can be killed easily, and also very quickly, during
heavy-duty applications.
The pirated Spider Pad perforation is far too deep. As soon as you start polishing, the compound
will be soaked in the deep slots, diminishing its performance. Additionally, it is impossible to remove
scratches as the foam loses its stability. It is like trying to remove deep scratches with a soft foam pad.
As if that isn’t enough, the velour is not applied correctly. As a result, it detaches pretty quickly if the
backup-pad gets hot or if the pad is used with an orbital tool.
There are further points that have to be improved to compete with original Scholl-Quality. These three
reasons above are easy to reproduce and to understand. Anyone who compares the two pads under
the same circumstances will come to the same conclusion.
My comment:
--> While testing the pads we have quickly noticed that the durability of the copies is approximately
half or a third of that of our original Spider Pads. Customers buying the replica need to know
that and will see it immediately after using them. If the copied pads are used with our rubbing
compounds, the performance of our premium polishes will suffer.
The cut is much lower as the pads performance is not as aggressive to the paint as our
original Spider Pad. Also, the powder is not working in the same way – it is impossible to generate
the same gloss rate. Even if the copies look similar to Scholl Concepts pads, the polishing result
is totally different. It is not a working system anymore and therefore the overall performance and
the finish-quality will suffer! This is the good reason why our pads are sold at a higher price compared
to the pads of some of our competitors. Our outstanding quality and quality-driven philosophy
justifies our pricing level – our development is not finished until our products are perfect!
We manufacture up to 6,000 pads a day for a variety of customers (car plants, bodyshops, boat yards,
detailers, etc). Everyone using original Scholl-Pads understands why the price-performance ratio
is more than fair.
I would like to thank all of our loyal customers for consistently using our products and we will continue to work
on new, more fascinating and inspiring pads and polishes every day.
One well-meant piece of advice to all manufacturers who are trying to copy us: Do not stop at 40%
and do not stop at 70% - if you copy us, then do it the right way and go for 100%!
In the meantime, we will continue to invest in our intelligent team and new machines to develop
the exciting next generation of “Spider Pad” that is soon to be launched.
It is the innovation that drives us and the motivation to offer the best solutions for paint finish applications.
Frank Scholl
Friday, 19 October 2012
STEAL ?!
"A Thorn defends the rose, harming only those who would steal the blossom" a Chinese proverb
Well, it simply means that if you steal an original make, and not having the understanding, it would have a reverse effect on you.!
Scholl Concepts GmbH, has been manufacturing Polishing Pads for some years. These pads were designed in house and were manufactured to correspond with their own compounds and polishes.
Following are pictures of the warehouse where the raw materials are kept before sending to the pad factory to be cut and shaped to a proper polishing pad.
Look at the immensity of the place and amount of stocks to be kept as a manufacturer.
So, if one thinks that by copying would treble your income and not anywhere near the pictures in terms of just stock keeping, surely the thorn would harm the thief !
Saturday, 6 October 2012
Germany's Top Premium Auto Care Manufacturer
Scholl Concepts GmbH |
It's a Sunday and I usually never lay my hands on the computer. Because I was away for about 14 days so kind of excited to spill out what's on the menu.
That is Matthias of Scholl , Remseck, Germany. a very memorable visit while I was there October 1st & 2nd.
In the next articles, you would watch new videos on training for the Scholl's China Distributor ( Detailing Sector ), new products and technics in Scholl's training center, in Remseck.
Monday, 24 September 2012
A view To a Deal
This is the view from Kitchen in the morning. I took this photo because I was on my way to the airport. Leaving to Remseck, Germany, Scholl Concepts GmbH, HQ. Going to miss my family and home and my dog.
Soon, new products , new concepts in the world of detailing would be introduced when I returned.
Meantime stay tuned and Greetings from Malaysia, Truly Asia.
Soon, new products , new concepts in the world of detailing would be introduced when I returned.
Meantime stay tuned and Greetings from Malaysia, Truly Asia.
Friday, 21 September 2012
Ford, Mazda, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Chrysler
Thailand would definitely a place for retirement. Food is good. People are extremely courteous, and peaceful. Mr.K.Charnchai is our representative of Scholl Concepts in Thailand for Car Plants and Factories. In July, I was there to advise and getting my hands dirty in some car plants such as Ford, Mazda, Chevrolet and Chrysler.
Time was the essence, so I could not complete visiting other car plants such as Mitsubshi, Toyota. Scholl Concepts P27 were very effective in overall application as car plants demand for product performance is extremely high. The products only has several seconds to show that it could meet up to their expectation.
Scholl Concepts outperformed, surpasses all other products that were used, so it was truly another success. As they say........".....another one bites the dust..."
Our next mission in Bangkok.............a blitz on the Bodyshops..........
Sunday, 16 September 2012
World Class Car Care
Here it is.......introducing the World Class Car Care by Frank Scholl, Managing Director of Scholl Concepts GmbH. Wishing you all Distributors in Asia and Dealers in Malaysia, Welcome to the family of Scholl Concepts, Go higher, and to the next level. To the rest of our Associates in EU, Hi and meet up soon!
Monday, 20 August 2012
Theories & Facts #3
Frank conducting a workshop in Korea. As said in my other Theory & Fact topics, I am in an extreme curiosity situation to know if there are any labels that would provide similar info. Or are the rest just hype?
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Theory or Fact #2
In this part 2 of Theory or Fact, were pictures of very warm discussion with the Best Detailers we have known in Korea. Korean market in the field of Detailing has somehow overtaken many other places. Meeting these fanatics in Detailing had open our eyes in regards to their attentiveness and focus in Theories of Detailing. They would not had been there if they think Scholl cannot transform these Theories to Facts.!
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Theory or Fact ?
The last time I read the meaning of 'Theory" in the dictionary, was that it means:
"a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something" or an easier one would be: " a set of principles on which the practice of an activity is based "
I am "Hell bend" on Scholl , reason being the "Theory" stated on the labels and in the web of the products are "Facts". Our eyes don't tell lies. Recently, in our Asia Detailing Academy in June 2012, charts after charts were given to participants. I believe, everyone holds dearly to these documents as they were theories that were translated to facts !
I see most of the times that products are churned out in the speed of light, without having to proof the theory into facts. That won't do with me. I'll not dig in without having to have an understanding. In all things, understanding precedes evidence.
"a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something" or an easier one would be: " a set of principles on which the practice of an activity is based "
I am "Hell bend" on Scholl , reason being the "Theory" stated on the labels and in the web of the products are "Facts". Our eyes don't tell lies. Recently, in our Asia Detailing Academy in June 2012, charts after charts were given to participants. I believe, everyone holds dearly to these documents as they were theories that were translated to facts !
I see most of the times that products are churned out in the speed of light, without having to proof the theory into facts. That won't do with me. I'll not dig in without having to have an understanding. In all things, understanding precedes evidence.
Sunday, 5 August 2012
Enormously, Brilliant product. A definite DIY ( Do It Yourself) product.
I have not seen any car rim cleaner this efficient. It is obvious I did not show
the final appearance and it was just a glimpse. Simply because ..........it was
very clean and satisfying. Just DIY it, you'll know I'm telling the truth.
Saturday, 4 August 2012
I had some time this saturday evening, so spent creating a video using iMovie. Well, I was born in the BBC generation. Born Before Computer. So, a little slow in having to boot this video up. Even then made a lot of mistake but I confess I need my 12 year old son to help me out. Finally I admitted, this stuff is not friendly to generation like me. Or maybe more so on me alone:)Anyhow, finally got it and I hope you guys enjoyed it. Tested S3Gold with Spider pad (Black & White) , 135mm. Scholl of course.
Do drop some comments if you can and have a great weekend:)
Thursday, 2 August 2012
South Korea !
Well, it's kinda of late to put up these pictures but there are memories in June 2012, where after the Malaysia action, Frank and I went to Seoul, Korea. First, we met our Korean Partner for Car Factory or Car Plant...........none other than Mr.Han. Hey! This guy is happening. He is "The" man responsible for introducing SCHOLL into KIA, Hyunday, car plants that has high expectation of product performance. Right now, let's put aside serious subjects on compounds and polishes...............look at what's on the table!
The food were so so excellent. Korea is the place to savour these stuff. Can't remember what it's called but sure would make another trip for it.Hmmmmnn. !!! We concluded with Korean wine and beer. What a combination.........like our polishes with the pads.....:)
Sunday, 24 June 2012
All over from Asia........Indonesia (Surabaya & Jakarta), Thailand, Singapore & Malaysians (Sabah, Glenmarie, Sri Kembangan, Sunway, Sota Concepts -Mobile, Kedah, & KL)
We benefited from Frank, as he demonstrates the new Revolution Technics of Detailing.
Many a times, we thought learning Detailing from forums, blogs, and websites were sufficient. Detailing is not only about polishing. It's about understanding how products are used in tandem with polishing pads. It is also about the machine used. It was astonishing to know that Fein Rotary polishing machines could be used as "Dual Action" if one knows how to place the pads onto the machine which Frank showed us. Detailing also is not totally reliant on skills although it is essential but being knowledgeable in various manufacturers of lacquers.
We benefited from Frank, as he demonstrates the new Revolution Technics of Detailing.
Many a times, we thought learning Detailing from forums, blogs, and websites were sufficient. Detailing is not only about polishing. It's about understanding how products are used in tandem with polishing pads. It is also about the machine used. It was astonishing to know that Fein Rotary polishing machines could be used as "Dual Action" if one knows how to place the pads onto the machine which Frank showed us. Detailing also is not totally reliant on skills although it is essential but being knowledgeable in various manufacturers of lacquers.
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
SCHOLL Concepts Asia Detailing Academy 2012
Hold it guys, more pictures to come......................
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Volume OR Content ?
Leather restoration is also part of my training just after car detailing. Last evening after having to do some last touch up on a Porsche dashboard , I was reminded about the topic.......Volume Or Content.
Many have asked me what's the difference in all these waxes that are available in the market. It's undeniable that such products has so much interest. Obviously the fact that cars are rolled by thousands or millions a day would probably send a message to manufacturers that there is still room for another wax.
I may not have try out all the wax available. However, I guess I had experienced a good number like............ 11 kinds of waxes. Some other people may be more, not sure.
A good wax is a wax that exhibits evidence of the following:
- Naturally produced.
- Reasonable Price.
- User Friendly.
- Reasonable scent.
- Long lasting effect ...a by product of adhesion....although not the most important factor...
- Optical attractions such as depth, warm and wet.
- Small or smallest possible pebble water on waxed surfaces ....indicates concentration of the wax.
- Visible water run off during rain or washing.
- Easy to wash car.
- Still having the gloss look even with a layer of dust.
Well, the list could go on but I guess the essentials above are just right.
If you check out the website about "carnauba wax" pictures/images you would discover that the common commodity are in the form of "Flake"/"flakes". For instance some manufacturers display description such as "content" or "by volume" or "oz" or ???
Sometimes there is no mention of the content.
If the Flakes are not melted into liquid form, then it is not a fair measurement.! Look at the pictures above from my lab. There is a cup which has flake papers as example filled up to 60ml out of 200ml (which represents 30% of 200ml). Then there is a cup filled with water till 200ml , assuming other ingredients needed to make wax. Is it accurate to say that carnauba wax in flake form, represents 60ml=30% of carnauba wax?
Though I am not a wine connoisseur, I have seen wine bottles which declares alcohol content in two distinct ways, which are by "Content" or " By Volume". What's the big fuss here?
Well, it is a big fuss because, it could be misleading. Following is what I understand about the difference from a physics chap:
Real Content carnauba wax. I hope you get the drift.....
Many have asked me what's the difference in all these waxes that are available in the market. It's undeniable that such products has so much interest. Obviously the fact that cars are rolled by thousands or millions a day would probably send a message to manufacturers that there is still room for another wax.
I may not have try out all the wax available. However, I guess I had experienced a good number like............ 11 kinds of waxes. Some other people may be more, not sure.
A good wax is a wax that exhibits evidence of the following:
- Naturally produced.
- Reasonable Price.
- User Friendly.
- Reasonable scent.
- Long lasting effect ...a by product of adhesion....although not the most important factor...
- Optical attractions such as depth, warm and wet.
- Small or smallest possible pebble water on waxed surfaces ....indicates concentration of the wax.
- Visible water run off during rain or washing.
- Easy to wash car.
- Still having the gloss look even with a layer of dust.
Well, the list could go on but I guess the essentials above are just right.
If you check out the website about "carnauba wax" pictures/images you would discover that the common commodity are in the form of "Flake"/"flakes". For instance some manufacturers display description such as "content" or "by volume" or "oz" or ???
Sometimes there is no mention of the content.
If the Flakes are not melted into liquid form, then it is not a fair measurement.! Look at the pictures above from my lab. There is a cup which has flake papers as example filled up to 60ml out of 200ml (which represents 30% of 200ml). Then there is a cup filled with water till 200ml , assuming other ingredients needed to make wax. Is it accurate to say that carnauba wax in flake form, represents 60ml=30% of carnauba wax?
Though I am not a wine connoisseur, I have seen wine bottles which declares alcohol content in two distinct ways, which are by "Content" or " By Volume". What's the big fuss here?
Well, it is a big fuss because, it could be misleading. Following is what I understand about the difference from a physics chap:
liquid mixtures contain water …or solvents...
The solid content i.e. what remains when all the water or solvent is gone is also sometimes called ‘real content’
Solid content can be measured by % of volume or % by weight.
For example paraffin has a density of about 0.7 so 100 L of paraffin weigh 70 Kg.
30% of 1 L paraffin (volume) is then 300ml or 210g
30% of 1Kg paraffin (by weight) is 30% of 1000g = 300g
The Rock has 30% "Real Content" of carnauba wax and The Vintage has 40% The solid content i.e. what remains when all the water or solvent is gone is also sometimes called ‘real content’
Solid content can be measured by % of volume or % by weight.
For example paraffin has a density of about 0.7 so 100 L of paraffin weigh 70 Kg.
30% of 1 L paraffin (volume) is then 300ml or 210g
30% of 1Kg paraffin (by weight) is 30% of 1000g = 300g
Real Content carnauba wax. I hope you get the drift.....
Thursday, 16 February 2012
oxidation
Watching sunset from my kitchen last evening was indeed a pleasure. It seems that at this time of the year (February 2012), we have more day time than night time. So, I decided to cut an apple and have it as an appetizer prior to dinner. As we all know, basic science tells us that everything that gets in contact with air, oxidation occurs. Oxidation is a process. It's an interaction between oxygen and the said material. After an hour, the surface of the apple started to turn brown.
Excuse me if the picture don't seems otherwise (Turning brown). I used my latest iPhone 4S. Trying it out........not bad after all. However, the middle part and side of the apple does indicates it has turned brown.
Excuse me if the picture don't seems otherwise (Turning brown). I used my latest iPhone 4S. Trying it out........not bad after all. However, the middle part and side of the apple does indicates it has turned brown.
Oxidation can also be a problem for car owners, since the outermost layers of paint are constantly exposed to air, rain and sun. If the car's outer finish is not protected by a wax coating, the oxygen molecules in the air will eventually start to interact with the clear coat or lacquer. As the oxygen burns up the free radicals that's contained in the clear coat, the finish would then becomes duller and duller eventually. Restoration efforts may include the removal of several micron layers of affected clear coat and the reapplication of a new layer of wax. This is why professional car detailers would recommend at least one layer of wax to be used, every time the car is washed or to be applied periodically. The secret of preventing oxidation caused by oxygen is to provide a layer of protection between the exposed material and the air. If the surface is quoted by a layer of wax then the surface has very little chance of experiencing the destructive nature of oxidation.
The real issue I believe that many of us should know, is paint surface treatment. It simply means, without having to deal correctly with the clear coat, there is no point having to apply any wax on the car.
So, the conclusion is .............we want to share with you why we do what we do !
Stay tuned:)
Monday, 30 January 2012
50th Anniversary - Hurray! Scholl
Scholl is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. Wow! What a way to go.
It is indeed a celebration that deserves it's call because who in the world would have kept these retro design cans for 50 years? Well ! Scholl did.
I guess this would soon become a benchmark for many other manufacturers to follow! This photo is not "creative" photography because I did get my hands on these stuff.
Is quality measured by number of years? Or is it also measurable by performance? I believe it's both. The question is ... are both these elements sufficient? Not so, I think. One more element would be ... tenacity. Scholl would not have come this far without tenacity.
One thing for sure and let me get this straight; Scholl did not pay me for writing all these. It's my perspective and Scholl deserves the credit.
For all those detailers out there, somehow we need to associate ourselves with things that birth positivity. People that are contagious with tenacity. I salute to many of you, detailers, whom I believe are tenacious. Detailiing is not about competitiveness. It's about celebrating our work that is filled with immensity of selflessness.
This would be what I am going to do next..........grab Scholl's S3Gold and work on this car that has really an unappealing surface. Stay tune:)
Saturday, 28 January 2012
Beginning
"It is rare to find a business partner who is selfless, If you are lucky it happens once in a lifetime. "
Michael Dammann Eisner ( CEO, The Walt Disney Company - 1984 - 2005 )
Everything that happens in your life is a journey. Presently, I have already lived half my life but in no time, I would be celebrating my 50th Birthday Anniversary. The above retro picture is a product from a German company tucked in Stuttgart, Remseck, is now 50 years- Scholl Concepts GmbH. (www.schollconcepts.com.)
Being a car enthusiast and detailer, I have experienced a great deal of detailing/polishing products from many corners and all over. I would say that many manufacturers did a real good job in making our life easier and not having to struggle over grave yard hours detailing a car. However, I want to highlight a product that I came across last Autumn 2011, Germany, which is Scholl. She has made an impact in my detailing experience.
I want to thank Franky Boy, Frank's lovely mother, Margaret Scholl , most hospitable lady and Roland Scholl ( Frank's Dad) and his team: Patricia, Gabi and Susann for their willingness to share their company's wealth in manufacturing the World's Firstclass auto detailing products. Oh! Yes! Not to forget......Jurgen Wolf, who has coached me in how to get the bottling machine worked out ( all products of Scholl Concepts for Asia are Re-Packed in Malaysia), and also for those I had met briefly as other staffs of Scholl Concepts. Truly, this is what I say ".....a partner who is selfless..." in making all things possible and available for Asia region.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)