mid-mo-dents-refresh

Why Your Car’s Exterior Needs More Love Than Ever

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:06:45 GMT

�� The Paradox of Progress

Why Your Car’s Exterior Needs More Love Than Ever

The engine may outlive the paint—but only if you let it.

In the golden age of American muscle—think 1960s and ’70s—cars were built like tanks. Their engines were temperamental, but their exteriors? Solid steel, thick chrome, and paint that could take a beating. Fast forward to today, and we’re living in a golden age of mechanical reliability. Modern vehicles routinely surpass 200,000 miles, some even pushing 300,000 with ease. But while the engines have evolved, the exteriors have quietly regressed.

�� The Paradox of Progress

Today’s cars are engineered to last longer, drive farther, and sip less fuel. But to achieve that, manufacturers have made trade-offs:

• Plastic replaces metal in bumpers, grilles, and trim—not just for weight savings, but cost.

• Thinner paint layers and water-based formulas meet environmental standards but sacrifice durability.

• Aerodynamic designs often expose more surface area to road debris, salt, and UV damage.

So while your engine might be marathon-ready, your paint and panels are sprinting toward premature aging.

��️ More Miles, More Exposure

Older vehicles might have seen 100,000 miles in their lifetime. Today’s daily drivers often double or triple that. That means:

• More gravel, salt, and bugs hitting the front end.

• More sun exposure, especially on horizontal surfaces like hoods and roofs.

• More wear from automatic car washes, which brings us to the next point…

�� The Car Wash Myth

Many well-meaning owners believe frequent car washes are the key to a clean, well-maintained vehicle. But here’s the catch:

• Brush-style automatic washes can leave micro-scratches that dull paint over time.

• High-pressure touchless washes often rely on harsh chemicals that strip protective coatings.

• Quick-dry cycles can bake contaminants into the surface if not properly rinsed.

In short, what feels like care can actually be slow erosion—especially without follow-up protection like wax or ceramic coatings.

��️ The Exterior Is a Canvas—Treat It Like One

Your vehicle’s exterior isn’t just a shell—it’s a story. A reflection of care, pride, and longevity. And in today’s landscape, preserving that story requires more than soap and water.

�� Why Professional Detailing Beats the Tunnel

Professional detailing isn’t just about making a car shiny—it’s about preserving its integrity:

• Paint correction removes years of wear, not just surface grime.

• Ceramic coatings create a sacrificial layer that resists UV, chemicals, and abrasion.

• Trim and glass treatments restore clarity and prevent fading.

• Tailored product systems ensure compatibility and long-term performance.

Unlike generic car wash soaps and waxes that often clash or cancel each other out, high-quality detailing products are designed to work together—layer by layer, purposefully. They don’t just clean; they protect, enhance, and extend the life of your finish.

��️ The Synergy of Smart Products

Think of your detailing regimen like a well-tuned engine:

• Decontamination clears the way.

• Correction refines the surface.

• Protection locks in clarity.

• Maintenance keeps the system balanced.

When each step is intentional and each product is chosen for its role, the result isn’t just visual—it’s structural. Your paint lasts longer. Your trim stays rich. Your glass stays clear. And your vehicle tells a different story: one of care, not compromise.

�� Final Reflection

We’re in an era where vehicles can live long lives—but only if we treat their exteriors with the same reverence we give their engines. Maintenance isn’t just mechanical. It’s visual. It’s tactile. It’s poetic.

So next time you think about preserving your ride, skip the tunnel. Choose the hands that know the surface. Choose products that speak the same language. And let your vehicle wear its miles like a badge—not a burden.

An Auto Appearance Anomaly

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 19:49:54 GMT

Why Finding a Full-Service Auto Appearance Shop is so rare

You’ve probably seen tint shops, detail shops, and dent shops around town. Finding one place that does all four — window tinting, PDR/SMART repair, paint correction, and high‑end ceramic coatings — is rare. Running a full‑stack auto appearance shop takes more than skill. It takes space, equipment, staffing, and the patience to do things right. That’s exactly what Mid‑Mo Dents built.

Why this combo is hard to run

• Different trades, different tools. PDR needs light bars and specialized metal skills; paint correction and ceramic coatings demand polishing gear, controlled wash and prep areas, and dust‑free cure space; tinting needs clean bays and film inventory; SMART repair requires both finesse and materials.

• Staffing and training are intensive. Each service requires certified techs, ongoing training, and quality control standards. Keeping multiple specialists in one shop increases payroll and coordination demands.

• Operational complexity. Managing bays, scheduling multi‑stage jobs, inventory for films/chemicals/parts, and insurance workflows for repair work adds administrative overhead most small shops avoid.

• Upfront investment. Equipment, coatings inventory, film stock, and proper ventilation/lighting all add capital cost before the first job is booked.

Why having all four services in one shop matters for you

• Single point of accountability. No back‑and‑forth between businesses. If a vehicle needs dent repair, paint correction, and ceramic coating, one shop owns the whole process.

• Faster, cleaner handoffs. Techs can coordinate the right sequence of work so repairs, paint correction, and coatings are applied in the ideal order without waiting on outside vendors.

• Better outcomes and consistency. When the same team handles everything, the finish quality, cure timing, and final inspection standards are consistent. That directly protects your finish and resale value.

• Cost and time savings. Bundled work reduces duplicated labor, multiple drop‑offs, and shipping of parts. You save time and often money compared with coordinating separate specialists.

• Long‑term maintenance plan. A full‑service shop can offer a tailored program: PDR for small dings, paint correction to remove swirls, ceramic for protection, and tint for UV/heat control — all scheduled and maintained together.

How Mid‑Mo Dents turns rarity into value

• We staff specialists for each discipline and run dedicated bays for detailed prep, tint installs, and paint correction.

• We sequence work to protect finishes and maximize product performance from day one.

• We stand behind bundled services with consistent quality checks so your vehicle leaves finished and ready to stay that way.

If you care about preserving appearance, protecting your paint, and saving time, trust the shop that can truly own the whole job. Book a free inspection and we’ll map the single plan that keeps your car looking its best for years.

NEW CAR ALERT! Preserve That Fresh Feeling with These 3 Essential Steps!

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 21:49:23 GMT

How To keep your new car looking new with these 3 upgrades

Everyone loves a new car. The interior is clean and fresh, and the paint is bright and vibrant. Inevitably, that luster begins to fade, and that new car begins to not look so new anymore. This can happen pretty fast, unfortunately. However, there are some ways to make it easy to maintain the freshness and vibrance of your new car.

Ceramic window tint

Adding ceramic window tint to your vehicle's windows will help to protect the plastic and leather trim by blocking UV rays from entering the vehicle. In addition to blocking UV rays, ceramic will also block heat. Not only does this keep the inside of your car more comfortable, but ceramic window tint will also reduce wear and tear on your interior by reducing the intensity of heat cycles that make your plastic brittle over time. Even if you don't normally add tint to your new vehicles, you may want to consider ceramic window tint as it comes in very light shades without reducing the UV and infrared rejection qualities of ceramic window tint. This means, you can keep cool in the summer without the need for super dark window tint. Our ceramic window tint is also lifetime guaranteed. For the money, there aren't many upgrades that improve the user experience for a vehicle owner more than ceramic window tint.

Professional Grade Ceramic Coating

There are many reasons to consider adding a ceramic coat to your new vehicle. Possibly the best reason is the added gloss it adds to your clear coat. This is a "better than showroom quality" gloss. Many of our customers tell us after a ceramic coating "it looks better than the day I bought it!" In addition to enhancing the gloss of your new car's paint, a ceramic coat will also make it much easier to keep your vehicle clean. It is like a really good wax on steroids. Adding ceramic window tint in combination with a ceramic coating gives your vehicle a full ceramic sun shield. The two together will protect your clear coat, interior, and your eyes from harmful rays of the sun. They will also greatly enhance the overall look of your new vehicle. You can even ceramic coat the interior of your new car, giving it the same protection as your exterior. Cleaning an interior with a ceramic coating is a much easier job as it will help prevent stains in your seats or fading on your dash.

Using the right product makes all the difference

If you are on a budget or if you are a DIY kind of person, finding a product that produces professional results without the cost of paying a professional can be a great strategy for maintaining the new car look of your new vehicle. There are a lot of ceramic sprays and detail sprays available. It can be difficult to know what products will produce the best results, especially when shopping at big box stores. That is why we offer professional products by P&S. These are the same products our professional detailers use every day. These are proven products at a great price. We are happy to walk you through our process for doing a proper detail or applying a protective coating to your vehicle's paint. Stop in and check out all the products we have available.

How We Restored a Shelby GT500 Show Car Without Repainting

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 18:58:49 GMT

At Mid-MO Dents, we pride ourselves on taking care of all types of vehicles, from daily drivers to high-end show cars. Recently, we had the pleasure of working on a Shelby GT500 that belonged to a member of a car club we sponsor. The customer brought the car to us with a noticeable dent on the rail, unsure of how it had occurred, but needing it fixed without a repaint. Since this was a show car, preserving the factory finish was essential, and we knew paintless dent repair (PDR) would be the perfect solution.

Tackling A Dent on the Rail of a Shelby GT500

The dent was located on a tricky part of the car—the rail—where we didn’t have access to the backside for a traditional PDR approach. That meant we had to rely on glue pulling, a technique that allows us to remove dents from areas without direct access by pulling the metal out from the front.

The customer sent us a photo of the damage, and based on that, we gave him a soft estimate of around $250. Once we had the car in the shop, we realized the dent wasn’t as bad as we initially thought. In the end, we settled on a price of $225, which the customer paid out of pocket.

Glue Pulling: The Best Option for This Dent

Since the dent was in a location where we couldn’t use tools from behind the panel, glue pulling was our go-to method. Glue pulling involves attaching a special tab to the dented area and using it to pull the metal back into place. This technique requires multiple stages of pulling and tapping the dent down to gradually return the metal to its original shape.

As with any glue pulling job, there’s always a slight risk of pulling the paint along with the metal. That’s why we always ask customers about the condition of their paint and let them know about the potential risks upfront. In this case, the factory paint was in great shape, and the customer was more than willing to take the risk to avoid the need for repainting, especially since the car is part of his show circuit.

How We Tackled the Dent

This particular dent required about 10 different glue pulls over the course of 45 minutes. With each pull, we raised the dent slightly, and then used a knockdown tool to tap the raised metal back down to its proper level. Our knockdown tool has a rubber cap, which prevents damage or scuffing to the paint during the process.

We worked in stages, starting with the edges and working our way toward the center. The goal is always to flow the metal back into its original shape, and that requires careful attention to both high and low points of the dent.

The Importance of Lighting and Cross-Checking

A crucial part of PDR is the use of specialized lighting. During the repair, we used our lights to view the dent from multiple angles—front and back. Each light position reveals different imperfections, so cross-checking is key. This ensures that, no matter what angle the car is viewed from, the repair looks flawless.

Since this Shelby GT500 is regularly displayed at car shows, we knew the customer was looking for top-quality work. Using different lighting perspectives allowed us to make sure that the dent would be invisible under any lighting conditions or viewing angles.

The Final Result

After about 45 minutes of careful glue pulling and tapping, the dent was completely removed. The customer was thrilled with the results, and we were equally happy with how the repair turned out. For a show car like this, maintaining the original paint and body lines is critical, and the paintless dent repair method allowed us to achieve that without any invasive work.

The total cost of the repair was $225, and the customer was able to wait in our shop while we completed the job. No insurance claims were needed, and the entire process was hassle-free for both us and the customer.

Why PDR is the Best Choice for Show Cars

When it comes to high-end or show cars, paintless dent repair is often the best option for minor to moderate dents. It preserves the factory finish and eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming repainting. Whether it’s a daily driver or a car that’s regularly on display, PDR is a fast, affordable, and highly effective way to maintain the appearance of your vehicle.

How We Fixed a Large Dent on a Honda Ridgeline Using PDR

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 18:54:01 GMT

Dents can happen to any vehicle, but when a customer brought in their Honda Ridgeline with a particularly large dent in the door, we knew this would require some careful work. This wasn’t just a minor ding—it had pushed in a significant amount of metal, even causing the belt molding to come off. Luckily, paintless dent repair (PDR) was the ideal solution for this type of damage.

Why Paintless Dent Repair?

Paintless dent repair is one of the most efficient and cost-effective methods to repair dents, especially when the damage hasn’t compromised the vehicle’s paint. For this Ridgeline, the dent had shifted a lot of metal but hadn’t cracked the paint. PDR allowed us to avoid costly repainting and still restore the car to its original form.

Over the years, PDR has evolved with better tools and techniques, making it possible to repair dents that were once thought to be unfixable without traditional bodywork. In fact, the size and complexity of dents that can now be repaired with PDR continue to grow. It’s faster, more affordable, and maintains the vehicle's original finish, which is a huge benefit for both the customer and the vehicle’s long-term value.

How We Approached This Dent

After discussing the repair options with the customer, they opted to pay for the repair out of pocket, bypassing the insurance process. This was a great decision, as PDR can typically be completed in a fraction of the time compared to a full body shop repair—and at a lower cost.

The dent on this Ridgeline was significant, so we began by carefully removing the door panel to gain better access to the damaged area. With the advanced tools we use, a large portion of the dent popped out quickly. While this isn’t always the case, sometimes we get a bit lucky and see substantial progress early in the process.

Of course, this quick fix wasn’t the end of the job. From there, we moved into the more detailed work of restoring the exact shape of the door, focusing on areas where the dent had created high and low spots in the metal. This part of the repair requires patience and precision, as we work to get the body line and creases back to their original shape.

The Power of Modern PDR Tools

A decade ago, many professionals in the PDR industry would have considered a dent this large nearly impossible to fix with paintless techniques. But with the development of modern PDR tools and technology, larger and more complex dents are now routine repairs for us. This means we can offer customers faster and more affordable solutions that deliver the same quality as traditional bodywork.

In the case of this Ridgeline, keeping the paint intact was a major priority. Throughout the process, we used specialized techniques to warm the metal, keeping the paint flexible and preventing it from cracking as we reshaped the door.

When PDR isn't Enough

While PDR is a highly effective solution, it’s not always the perfect option for every dent. If the paint has already cracked or the damage is too severe, a combination of PDR and traditional bodywork might be necessary. At our shop, we handle both types of repairs, so if repainting is needed after the dent removal, we can take care of that too.

In this case, we were able to complete the entire repair using PDR alone, and the results were outstanding. The customer was thrilled with how the door looked once we were finished, and even better, the job was completed in less than a day.

The Value of Choosing Paintless Dent Repair

For large dents like the one we encountered on this Honda Ridgeline, PDR can be a game-changer. It’s faster, less expensive, and keeps the vehicle’s original paint intact. In an industry where repairs like these are becoming more common, PDR has established itself as a must-have technique for any competitive repair shop.

The Honda Ridgeline repair is just one example of how PDR can make a massive difference in both time and cost, without sacrificing quality. If you’re dealing with a large dent and aren’t sure whether paintless dent repair is the right option for you, feel free to reach out. We’d be happy to assess your vehicle and discuss the best approach for your specific situation.

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more insights and behind-the-scenes looks at how we handle repairs in our shop!

New best way for shinking tint on back glass like a pro!

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:49:48 GMT

When it comes to window tinting, innovation is key. If you’ve been struggling with outdated methods like dryer sheets or soapy water, I’m here to introduce a more effective and affordable way to shrink back windows. Spoiler alert: we’re ditching the dryer sheets for good. Let’s dive into this new method that has quickly become my favorite!

Why Dryer Sheets No Longer Cut IT

If you’ve been in the window tinting game for a while, you might have noticed that dryer sheets don’t work like they used to. Whether it's due to a change in their formula or just inconsistent results, they’ve become unreliable for shrinking back windows. After numerous trials and errors, I discovered a better method—using Irish Spring soap and 91% alcohol. It’s quick, affordable, and works like a charm every time!

What You'll Need

Irish Spring soap (or any bar soap, though Irish Spring works best for me)
91% isopropyl alcohol
Water
Soap bag (optional but recommended for better application)
Spray bottle

The Method

Step 1: Prep the Cleaning Solution

Start by mixing 91% isopropyl alcohol with water in a spray bottle, cutting the alcohol down by 50/50. This solution is going to help clean the window and speed up the drying process during shrinking.

Step 2: Clean the Window

As with any window tinting project, a clean surface is essential. Spray your alcohol-water solution on the window and scrub it down to remove all dirt, dust, and debris. Squeegee the window as you normally would to remove any excess liquid.

Step 3: Apply the Soap

Now comes the star of the show: Irish Spring soap. Place the bar of soap in a soap bag (which makes it easier to scrub evenly) and lightly haze the entire window with it. While any bar soap might work, I’ve had the most success with Irish Spring, so I stick with it.

The great thing about using alcohol is that it speeds up the drying process, meaning you can get the window ready for shrinking in less than a minute!

Step 4: Trim the Excess Film

Once your window is prepped, trim off the excess film on your pattern. I usually stay about half an inch over the edge all the way around. This gives you some wiggle room when aligning the film on the back window.

Step 5: Shrink the Film

Now, take the film to the back glass and line it up as best you can. From here, you’ll want to use the typical H-pattern—tack it down in the middle of the window and work your way outward. Use your fingers to gently pull the film down toward the bottom of the window and lock that H-pattern in.

You’ll notice the film shrinks just as well as it used to with dryer sheets—if not better. In my experience, this soap method has been much more consistent and efficient.

Step 6: Clean and Buff the Window

Once the film is shrunk to your liking, it’s time to clean off the soap. I use two towels for this process: one to remove the majority of the soap and the other to give it a final buff. This ensures a clean, streak-free window, ready to impress your clients.

Why This Method Works

The combination of alcohol and soap makes this method a game-changer. Not only does the alcohol help speed up the drying process, but the soap creates just the right amount of slip and grip for a smooth, consistent shrink. Plus, this method is extremely affordable—one bar of Irish Spring soap can last through hundreds of windows!

Full Detail & Ceramic Coating for a Used Corvette

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:38:51 GMT

This week at Mid-MO Den, we’re working on a used Corvette with swirl marks from poor washing habits. We’ve set it up for our lifetime ceramic coating package, but first, we’ll perform a wash, clay bar treatment, and a one-step polish to remove those surface swirls.

Prep Work and Application

We meticulously cleaned the car with a foam cannon and clay towel, then followed with a one-step polish. After polishing, we checked the results under a paint correction light to ensure flawless results. Next, we removed polishing oils with a wax and grease remover to ensure a pristine surface for the ceramic coating.

Ceramic Coating Process

Our ceramic coating process uses a professional-grade coating that takes about five minutes to flash. We apply and level the coating with the three-towel method, ensuring the best finish. Once the coating flashes (indicated by a sweating effect), we level it to perfection.

The End Result

With the process completed and four layers of ceramic applied, this Corvette shines like new. The customer was thrilled, and it’s definitely a head-turner in town! Have any questions about ceramic coating? Drop them in the comments, and we'll see you in the next video!

5-Year Ceramic Coating and Window Tint on Mustang

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 15:38:50 GMT

In today's project, we're applying our 5-year ceramic coating to all the paint surfaces of a brand-new Mustang. In addition, the customer, initially hesitant about window tint, opted for a 70% ceramic tint after experiencing the benefits—specifically, its heat rejection and glare reduction—even with a nearly clear shade.

Benefits of Ceramic Tint

Though the tint is light, the 70% ceramic film dramatically improves the driving experience by reducing glare and keeping the interior cooler, especially useful for convertibles like this Mustang.

Cleaning and Preparation

Like all our tint jobs, we start by cleaning the windows with a stainless steel razor blade, ensuring the glass is spotless for the tint application. The frameless windows require extra care, making sure they're positioned correctly before installing the tint.

Final Thoughts

Ceramic tint, even in lighter shades, offers remarkable benefits in comfort and aesthetics. For those who prefer a more natural look, 70% ceramic tint provides invisible protection, cutting down on heat and glare while preserving the car's original appearance. Let us know if you’d consider this for your own vehicle!

Streamlining Brow Tinting with CORE Software

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 15:38:49 GMT

In this section, I’ll show you how to speed up brow tinting using CORE’s cut-down feature. With this function, you can easily adjust a full windshield template to create a precise brow, cutting down the time needed for intricate designs. It’s particularly helpful on windshields with tricky cutouts, saving time and improving accuracy.

Maximizing Efficiency with Plotter Precision

By flipping patterns and optimizing how they’re cut, you reduce film waste. Plus, CORE shows how much material is used, helping you stay cost-effective with each job.

Easy Installation with Minimal Shrinking

After cutting the tint, we prep the windshield using Sprayway Glass Cleaner and a white scrub pad. For most vehicles, there’s no need to shrink smaller brows, making the installation process even quicker.

Core Benefits: Time-Saving and Cost-Effective

Completing a brow in under 10 minutes would be challenging without the precision of CORE. The time and effort saved, especially on complex windshields, make it a must-have for efficient tinting.

CORE is the Way to Go

CORE software pays for itself with the time it saves on tinting jobs. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s worth the investment. Got questions? Drop them in the comments, and if you end up using CORE, let them know Andy from Mid-MO Dents sent you!

Tinting a Toyota Camry with Ceramic Tint

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 15:38:48 GMT

Hey, it's Andy with Mid-MO Dents, based here in Jefferson City, Missouri! Today, we're working on a Toyota Camry and applying ceramic tint. We're going with 20% on the front two windows and 5% on the rear windows and back glass. This tint will give the car a sleek look and help with heat rejection.

The Tinting Process

We start by removing the door panels to thoroughly clean each window using a stainless steel razor blade. For the back glass, we use a scrub pad and soapy water to prep the surface. After cleaning, we apply a dryer sheet on the outside, helping keep the surface slick for shrinking the tint. Once ready, the tint is cut on our Graphtec plotter and trimmed on our peel board.

Next, the tint is carefully applied, especially the large back glass which is tricky due to its curved shape. After shrinking the film to fit, we squeegee out the water, ensuring no bubbles or dirt are trapped underneath. We finish by cleaning the exterior, making sure everything looks perfect.

Shop Update

It's been a busy summer here with a lot of tint work. One thing that sets us apart is our streamlined setup—we have a dedicated person answering calls and helping customers choose the right tint, ensuring our installer can focus on the job. With a lifetime guarantee on all our carbon and ceramic tints, our customers know they’re getting a quality product that lasts. We don’t offer lower-quality tints to avoid issues down the line. Our efficient workflow allows us to tint vehicles quickly—many full cars and trucks can be done in under an hour.

Wrapping Up

This Toyota Camry now has a fresh new look with its darkened windows and enhanced cooling performance thanks to the ceramic tint. If you're local to the Jefferson City area and thinking about tinting your car windows, feel free to reach out to us! You can even wait while we finish your vehicle. Let us know if you have any questions

Inside Look: Mid-MO Dents Shop Setup for Window Tinting

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 15:38:48 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with Mid-MO Dents! I’m here at the shop in Jefferson City, Missouri, giving you an inside look at our window tinting setup. Our office is designed to inform customers about our services like paintless dent repair, ceramic coating, and of course, window tinting. We keep pricing transparent and showcase the difference between no tint, carbon, and ceramic tints with a heat demo box.

In our tint bay, we’ve got a vertical storage setup for film to maximize space efficiency. We use high-tech ceramic and carbon films from a supplier that guarantees lifetime warranties. Our Graphtec plotter cuts precise film patterns, improving speed and reducing waste.

Shop Tools and Efficiency

We’ve streamlined our process by keeping tools organized and accessible. With two tanks—one for spraying the board and one for windows—we limit movement, making the workflow faster. We also plan to add a hose reel and potentially install an airline regulator to maintain consistent pressure during tinting.

Our shop has a reverse osmosis system for purified water, cutting down on contamination during installation. The clean floor design and sealed front bay further reduce dirt, making for a better final product. Even our lighting setup helps us spot imperfections quickly during shrinking or dent repairs.

Customer Experience

From the moment customers walk in, they can see what we’re about—quality, efficiency, and attention to detail. We’ve created a welcoming environment where they can ask questions, see tint samples, and learn about our services. Plus, the clean, professional shop environment leaves a lasting impression.

If you're thinking of starting your own shop or just curious, feel free to drop any questions in the comments. Thanks for watching, and make sure to subscribe for more behind-the-scenes looks at our operations. See you on the next one!

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Ceramic Tinting on a 2024 Toyota Tundra

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 15:38:45 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with Mid-MO Dents! Today, we’re putting high-tech ceramic tint on a 2024 Toyota Tundra, with 35% tint on the front windows and 20% on the rear and back windows. Here's how we did it step by step.

Pattern Cutting and Installation

We used Kors Tint software and our Graphtec plotter to cut precise patterns for each window. Once the patterns were cut, we began prepping the vehicle for installation. That starts with loosening the rubber sweeps from the door panels—something we do on most vehicles to make the installation process smoother. With the sweeps removed, we gain a bigger gap for easily sliding the tint film into place. This approach not only makes the job quicker but also prevents any potential wrinkles or dirt from getting caught under the tint.

Before tinting, we thoroughly cleaned all the windows using a stainless steel razor blade to remove any debris. We also flushed down the sides to ensure no hidden dirt behind the rubber gaskets would interfere with the tint's application.

Tinting the Front and Rear Windows

For the front windows, we applied 35% ceramic tint, which is the legal limit in Missouri. The ceramic tint offers superior heat rejection and UV protection, keeping the interior cooler. We carefully bottom-loaded the tint, sliding it smoothly into place behind the rubber sweeps and then squeegeeing out all the excess water.

For the rear windows and the back glass, we used 20% ceramic tint over the factory tint, effectively bringing the darkness down to 5%. This ensures excellent privacy while keeping the cabin cooler during the hot months.

Back Glass Challenge

The back glass on this Tundra is a single, solid window that rolls down. To handle this properly, we had to remove the headrests, fold down the seats, and remove a rubber sweep before applying the tint. After cleaning the glass with a white scrubby pad to avoid damaging the defroster lines, we installed the large piece of tint. While tricky to avoid touching surfaces, we wiped everything down beforehand to reduce any debris that could stick to the tint during installation.

Final Results and Customer Care

Once all the windows were tinted, we reassembled everything, put the sweeps and headrests back in place, and cleaned the vehicle’s interior and exterior. The result? The Tundra looks fantastic with its darkened rear windows and crisp, clear 35% tint on the front. The ceramic tint not only provides privacy but also offers significant heat rejection, making it a perfect choice for the Tundra.

One thing we always remind our customers is to avoid aggressive cleaning methods on the inside of the windows, especially in vehicles that tend to gather dust, like trucks or side-by-sides. Gentle cleaning will ensure that the tint lasts longer without scratching or peeling.

Final Thoughts

This 2024 Toyota Tundra is now sporting a sleek, new look with ceramic tint that’s not only stylish but also functional. The customer opted out of tinting the windshield, but the 5% rear windows offer plenty of privacy and heat reduction, while the 35% on the front meets legal standards for Missouri.

Thanks for following along with today’s project! If you have any questions about ceramic tint or the process, feel free to drop a comment below. And if you haven’t already, make sure to like and subscribe for more awesome content on window tinting, ceramic coating, paintless dent repair, and more. See you on the next one!

Dent Repair on a Dodge Challenger Fender: Quick Fix

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 15:38:44 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with Mid-MO Dents! Today, we’re working on a Dodge Challenger with a small dent in the fender. This one has great access through the door opening, so we’re going to show you how quickly we can repair it. After heating the paint to keep it flexible, we used a sharp tip tool to work out the dent. Just like that, it’s done! It didn’t take long, and the customer could have waited, but they dropped it off earlier. Now it’s ready for pickup and on to the next one!

Removing Paint or Plastic Transfer Scuffs from Your Car

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 15:38:43 GMT

If you ever get scuffs or scratches that look like paint transfer (from another vehicle or object), here’s a quick DIY solution. Use a little lacquer thinner on a white microfiber towel to gently wipe the scuffed area. The scuff should come off in 5-10 seconds if it’s just surface transfer. Be cautious—only do this on factory paint, not on plastic or repainted panels, as it could cause damage. If it's an insurance claim, leave the scuff untouched for documentation.

Ceramic Window Tinting on a 2024 Can-Am Defender

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 16:38:42 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with Mid-MO Dents! Today, we’re applying our high-tech Ceramic Pro window tint on a 2024 Can-Am Defender. We’re tinting the front windows with 20% and the side and back windows with 5%.

When dealing with side-by-sides, the job can take longer due to tight seals and extra prep work, especially if the vehicle’s been used off-road. We recommend ceramic tint for superior heat rejection, glare reduction, and comfort, especially for these types of vehicles. Let's walk you through the process!

Why Ceramic Tint for Side-by-Sides?

Ceramic window tinting is ideal for side-by-sides because these vehicles often lack strong air conditioning and are driven in extreme environments like trails or off-road areas. Ceramic tint blocks more heat than standard tints, making it a perfect option for customers wanting to stay cool. It also reduces glare, making evening drives much safer.

Most side-by-side customers tend to choose ceramic tint for its heat-reducing properties and better visibility, especially when driving without AC. It’s an upgrade that’s well worth it!

Prep Work and Installation Process

Since this Can-Am Defender was brand new, we didn’t have to deal with much dirt, but typically, these vehicles require thorough cleaning due to their off-road use. We always tape off the rubbers around the windows and meticulously clean all the surrounding panels. This helps avoid any contamination during the installation process.

On the roll-down windows, we used the two-stage tinting method, which allows us to apply the tint without removing door panels. These windows are glass, but some models can come with plastic windows. It's important to confirm that with the customer, as tinting plastic windows is risky and can lead to damage if the tint fails.

Using our plotter and cutting software, we cut the tint patterns. Even though the software didn’t have a pattern for the 2024 model, the 2023 pattern worked perfectly. This just shows how important it is to double-check the software when working with newer vehicles.

Removing the Back Glass for Precision

The back window on the Can-Am Defender had bars obstructing the tint application, so we removed the glass for better access. After cleaning the edges thoroughly, we applied the tint and carefully reinstalled the glass.

Taking extra care with cleaning and prepping is critical to achieving a flawless finish. We used a razor blade, glass cleaner, and an air compressor to remove any hidden dust before applying the tint.

Final Look and Care

Once we finished, the Can-Am Defender looked amazing! With 20% ceramic tint on the front windows and 5% on the sides and back, this vehicle is now protected from glare and heat, perfect for off-road adventures. The only aftercare advice for the customer was to avoid harsh cleaning methods on the inside of the windows, as the tint can scratch easily.

Paint Correction on a Turbo Mustang: Full Process Breakdown

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 16:38:41 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with Mid-MO Dents! Today, we’ve got a special project—a big single-turbo Mustang in for a full paint correction package. We started off-camera by foaming it down and scrubbing everything clean. Next, we used a clay bar to remove any contaminants like brake dust or overspray, ensuring the paint surface was smooth and ready for polishing.

Two-Step Buffing and Ceramic Protection

After testing with a two-step buff, we decided to tape off the rubbers and plastics to avoid staining during the process. We then moved on to the full buffing job, using Uno Advanced with a black CCS pad for the final polish. This not only delivered a deep gloss but also added up to a year of ceramic protection. We let the coating cure for an hour before wiping it down and checking the results in the shop.

Once outside, the difference was incredible! We managed to remove a ton of scratches and swirls, leaving the paint super glossy. The customer was thrilled with the results, and we’re excited to see more cars like this roll through the shop now that it’s springtime.

Ceramic Coating on a 1969 Cadillac DeVille: Full Process Breakdown

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 16:38:41 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with Mid-MO Dents! Today, we’re working on a classic—this 1969 Cadillac DeVille. The customer opted for our paint correction package along with a ceramic coating to restore and protect the vehicle’s finish. Follow along as we go through the entire process!

Assessing the Paint and Test Spot

We started with a test spot to see if a one-step polish would do the trick, but after closer inspection, the paint needed a full two-step paint correction. This involves an initial heavy cut to remove deeper imperfections followed by a finer polish to bring out that high-gloss shine.

Paint Correction Process

Once we knew it needed the two-step correction, we got to work. This Cadillac has plenty of surface area, and restoring older paint requires attention to detail, but the results speak for themselves. After the buffing was complete, the paint was smooth, deep, and rich in color again.

Ceramic Coating Application

With the paint correction finished, we moved on to applying the ceramic coating. This adds a durable layer of protection, making the car easier to clean and preserving its freshly polished appearance for years to come. The coating also adds a slick, glossy finish that really enhances the car's look.

Final Touches Up

After applying a tire coating and letting everything cure overnight, the Cadillac was ready to go. If you've followed along, be sure to like and subscribe! We’re entering our busy season, so you’ll see a lot of cool cars and projects coming through the shop. If you have any questions, feel free to drop them in the comments!

Ceramic Coating a Harley-Davidson Road Glide: Full Process

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 16:38:40 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with Mid-MO Dents! Today, we're ceramic coating a new Harley-Davidson Road Glide with our 5-year ceramic package, covering everything from paint, plastics, chrome, wheels, windows, and even the leather. Let's walk through the process.

Prepping the Bike

We started by removing the saddlebags to access the rear fender and coat all sides of the bags. Using a wax and grease remover, we prepped the bike’s surface to eliminate any oils or spray wax, ensuring a clean surface for the ceramic coating. Clean microfiber towels were used during the process to prevent contamination, and we replaced them afterward to avoid scratches.

Ceramic Coating Application

After prepping, we used the three-towel method to level the ceramic coating, ensuring an even finish. Our ceramic product takes 2-5 minutes to flash before leveling, so we worked panel by panel. The coating begins to sweat and turn rainbow-colored, signaling it’s ready to be wiped. It’s essential to start wiping at this stage before the coating hardens, which can make removal difficult without buffing.

Coating the Motorcycle's Small Areas

While motorcycles may be smaller than cars, coating them is time-consuming due to all the small, hard-to-reach areas. Coating the wheels is particularly tricky, as we had to rotate the bike to cover each section. For the leather, we applied the coating to ensure extra protection, which also helps with future cleanings.

Curing and Final Look

We let the coating cure overnight for 12 hours before reassembling the bike. The final result? Enhanced gloss, slickness, and much easier cleaning. With the 5-year ceramic package, this Road Glide will stay protected for years, with no need for additional waxing or detailing sprays.

Should You Ceramic Coat Your Wheels? Step-by-Step Guide

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 16:38:39 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with Mid-MO Dents! In today’s video, we're tackling the topic of ceramic coating wheels. Ceramic coating offers an extra layer of protection for painted wheels, keeping them looking great and making future cleanings easier. While professional installation is best for longevity, doing it yourself is a good option if you're up for the challenge. Here's a full breakdown of the process and some tips for those looking to DIY.

Why Ceramic Coat Your Wheels?

Like your car’s paint, your wheels are constantly exposed to the elements—road grime, brake dust, and more. Without protection, they can get stained, scratched, and look worn over time. A ceramic coating creates a durable shield that repels dirt, water, and even brake dust, making cleaning easier and giving your wheels a long-lasting, glossy finish. If you want your wheels to look good and stay protected for years, ceramic coating is the way to go.

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather the following supplies:

Microfiber Towels: You’ll need a few to clean and apply the coating.
Rubber Gloves: To protect your hands.
Applicators: Microfiber blocks or microsuede applicators will work for applying the ceramic coating.
Panel Prep: To clean the wheels before coating. You can get this from auto supply stores or online.
Ceramic Coating: Do your research and pick a high-quality option, especially if you’re looking for longevity.

Prepping the Wheels

The first step is prepping the wheels by cleaning them thoroughly. Spray each wheel with panel prep to remove any wax, grease, or oils. Use one of your microfiber towels to wipe the wheels clean, making sure you don’t leave any residue behind. This step is crucial because any leftover oils or dirt can interfere with the bonding process of the ceramic coating.

Let the wheels dry completely before moving on to the next step. By prepping all four wheels at once, you give them time to fully dry, ensuring the coating adheres properly.

Applying the Ceramic Coating

When you’re ready to apply the ceramic coating, make sure to follow the instructions that come with your product. If you're using a high-quality coating, you might notice it’s harder to remove, which means it's a more durable, long-lasting option. The harder the coating, the longer it will protect your wheels, so it’s worth putting in the effort to get it right.

Start by applying a small amount of the ceramic coating to your applicator—don’t over-saturate it. It’s best to coat the face of the wheel first. Some coatings will cure faster than others, so if you're unsure, it’s smart to start by coating just half of the wheel at a time. Once the coating starts to "flash" or look slightly hazy, it’s time to start wiping off the excess.

Wiping Off the Excess Coating

Use the three-towel method to remove the ceramic coating. The first towel should pick up most of the excess coating, the second towel gets whatever is left, and the third towel is an insurance wipe to ensure you don’t leave any high spots or streaks.

Pay extra attention to the hard-to-see areas—these are often where you’ll miss wiping off excess coating. It’s easier to miss spots in the cracks and crevices, so take your time here.

Coating the Wheel Barrels

After you’ve finished the wheel faces, flip the wheels over and coat the barrels. The process is exactly the same—apply the coating, wait for it to flash, and then wipe it off with the three-towel method.

Final Curing

Once you’ve finished coating all four wheels, let them cure overnight. Most ceramic coatings will need to set for at least 12-24 hours before they’re fully cured. Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your ceramic coating, as some may have additional steps for adding multiple layers.

Post-Coating Care

After ceramic coating, avoid using any harsh chemicals on your wheels for the first week or two. Let your tire shop know that the wheels have been coated, so they don’t use any cleaners that might damage the fresh coating.

Ceramic Window Tinting on a Chevy Corvette: Full Process

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Tue, 06 Feb 2024 16:38:38 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with Mid-MO Dents! Today, we’re back with the Corvette from our last video, and this time, we’re tinting the two front windows and the partition window in the back using our Ceramic Pro tint.

Pattern and Shrinking

We first checked if our software had the tint pattern for the Corvette. Luckily, it did! After cutting the pattern with our Graphtec plotter, we moved on to heat shrinking the film to fit the curved glass perfectly. For frameless windows like these, we can often tint without removing the door panels.

Tinting Process

Once the window was cleaned with soapy water and a stainless steel blade, we installed the tint by lining it up and using a rubber squeegee to push out the water. After that, we applied heat to the edges of the tint, ensuring a solid seal, particularly on frameless windows that tend to move each time the door is opened.

Partition Glass

We also tinted the small partition glass near the engine but skipped tinting the rear window, as the heat from the engine could cause the tint to wear prematurely. Plus, the engine looks great through the clear glass!

Final Look

Now that we’ve finished the tinting, the Corvette looks sleek with its 20% ceramic tint, complementing the 5-year ceramic coating we applied to the paint, plastic, windows, and wheels in the previous video. We’ll be giving the customer a call to let them know it’s ready to hit the road!

Ceramic Coating a Brand New Chevy Corvette: Step-by-Step Process

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 16:38:38 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with Mid-MO Dents! Today, we’re working on a brand-new Chevy Corvette, and we’re going to apply a 5-year ceramic coating. This Corvette only has a couple hundred miles on it, but we’ll still take you through the prep and coating process, making sure everything looks flawless. Stick around, and let us know if you have any questions!

Prepping the Corvette

We pulled the Corvette into the shop to check it over before starting the ceramic coating process. Since the customer lives on a gravel road, there was a fair amount of dirt and mud in the inner fenders and on the wheels. We began by hitting the problem areas with a degreaser to break down the road grime, focusing on the wheels, tires, inner fenders, and lower parts of the body.

After pre-rinsing the vehicle, we used a soap that contains no waxes or temporary protection to clean the paint thoroughly. This is a critical step because any leftover wax or oils can interfere with the ceramic coating, which is a semi-permanent protection layer. We guarantee this particular 5-year ceramic coating on all exterior surfaces, including paint, plastic, windows, wheels, and chrome.

Cleaning the Wheels

After rinsing the vehicle, we turned our attention to the wheels. We always clean the wheels last before rinsing out our mitts. For this job, we used Adam’s Polishes wheel brush to scrub the wheel faces and barrels, making sure everything was spotless before moving on.

Air Drying and Prepping for Coating

Once the vehicle was clean, we used compressed air to dry every crack and crevice. With professional-grade ceramic coatings like ours, water left on the vehicle can cause issues if it drips down during the coating process, hardening the ceramic and creating an unsightly mess. That’s why we spend extra time blowing out every nook and cranny, including the engine bay and door jams.

We then used a coating prep spray to ensure the surface was ready for the ceramic application. This spray helps remove any possible waxes, polishing oils, or contaminants, though the paint on this brand-new Corvette was in great shape without any noticeable swirls or scratches.

Applying the Ceramic Coating

With the prep work complete, it was time to start applying the 5-year ceramic coating. We coated all the exterior paint, plastic, windows, wheels, and chrome using a professional-grade coating. If you're a detailer or a customer considering doing ceramic coating yourself, it’s important to use high-quality products, even if they aren’t the cheapest. The harder and more durable the coating is, the longer it will last.

We use a three-towel method to level the coating, ensuring it’s applied evenly without leaving any high spots. The first towel removes most of the excess coating, the second picks up the finer residue, and the third towel is for good measure, preventing any uneven areas.

Each section requires about two minutes to set before we start leveling the coating. We follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully to guarantee a lasting finish.

Coating the Wheels and Windows

After finishing the paint, we moved on to the wheels. We typically only coat the wheel faces unless the customer requests the barrels be coated as well. Next, we applied ceramic coating to the windows. While ceramic coating on glass doesn’t last as long as it does on paint, it still provides solid protection for several years.

Tire Coating

To finish the job, we applied a tire coating called Tough Shine, which lasts for about a year. Unlike many other tire coatings, this one doesn’t make the tires look overly glossy or attract dust and dirt, making it perfect for vehicles that see a lot of gravel or dirt roads. It’s a product we’ve recently started offering, and both we and our customers have been really happy with the results.

Wrapping Up

After everything was coated, we left the Corvette inside overnight to let the coating cure for 12 hours. Tomorrow, we’ll come back for part two and finish up by tinting the windows.

Window Tinting a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan: Step-by-Step Guide

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 16:38:37 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with Mid-MO Dents! Today, we’re tinting a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. Follow along as we take you through the process of applying high-quality ceramic film to this vehicle. Let’s jump right in!

Getting Started: Prepping the Windows

This Tiguan has felt moldings around the windows, so the first step was to remove those to prevent the felt from getting into the film. We loaded some high-tech ceramic 35% film into the plotter and got the cutting process going. After pulling the patterns up on the computer, we were ready to start tinting.

Door Windows Tinting

We didn’t have to take out any screws for the door panels on this car. Instead, we just popped the panels back slightly to remove the rubber sweep, which gave us easy access to install the tint cleanly.

Kyle prepped the window by only wetting the bottom couple of inches before carefully aligning the tint at the top. Once lined up, we started squeegeeing from the top down, rolling the window up to work out the remaining water and air bubbles toward the sides and bottom. The process was quick and smooth.

Tinting the Front Quarter Windows

Next, we tackled the small front quarter windows. These were a bit easier because they had a black border around them, which meant we didn’t have to worry about any visible gaps. Kyle trimmed a little excess film for a perfect fit and squeegeed out the water.

The Back Window: Shrinking and Application

Now onto the part everyone waits for—the back window. After cleaning the outside of the window with soapy water to remove any dirt, we laid out the pre-cut pattern on the board and trimmed it up. Shrinking the back window is always a bit tricky, so here’s how we did it:

We started by creating an H-pattern on the window using a heat gun. This helps tack the film to the window and brings the "fingers" (or wrinkles) to the middle. From there, we used the heat gun to shrink the film, forming it to the curve of the window. We prefer a wet shrink technique, which allows the film to slide easily and keeps things neat without any mess to clean up afterward.

Cleaning and Final Application

For the final clean-up, we used a heavy white scrub pad to clean the defroster lines. Since you can’t use a razor blade on the defrosters, this ensures that any dirt or debris gets scrubbed out before applying the tint.

After carefully lining up the film with no light gaps, we squeegeed out the soapy water, making sure the film was perfectly adhered to the glass. Once applied, we gently heated the inside to dry out any remaining moisture without shrinking the tint.

Wrapping Up

That’s a wrap! The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is now fully tinted with high-tech ceramic film, and it looks fantastic. We hope you enjoyed following along with this process.

Chevy Silverado Bedside Dent Repair: The "Cow Incident"

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:38:35 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with Mid-MO Dents! Today, we’ve got a unique repair on our hands—a Chevy Silverado that was damaged in an unusual way. The customer called us after a cow bumped into the truck’s bedside while they were feeding hay. This left a pretty significant dent in the high-strength steel panel, so we’re going to get this fixed up and back to looking like new. Follow along as we take on this challenge!

Assessing the Damage and Prepping the Repair

We started by pulling the truck into the shop and removing the taillight to get a sense of what kind of access we had from behind the panel. The dent ran through the body line and was about two feet wide at its largest point—definitely a big one! This was high-strength steel, which makes it a bit tougher to work with, but we were ready to tackle it.

Next, we removed the bed cap to expose additional access points along the top of the bed. This allowed us to work from multiple angles, which is essential for a dent this large. Once everything was prepped, we heated the panel to make the metal more pliable and ready for glue pulling.

Glue Pulling the Bulk of the Damage

Glue pulling is a great technique for big dents like this one. After applying the glue and pulling on the dent, we were able to bring out the majority of the damage. While the bulk of the dent came out, some smaller low spots remained, which is typical when using this method. The next step involved using a series of tools to meticulously push out the remaining low areas, focusing on the fine details that glue pulling can’t completely fix.

Working Through the Details

With the main dent pulled out, we moved on to refining the smaller areas. Using a variety of tools, we worked through each section, smoothing out the last few imperfections. This is the part that takes time and patience but ensures the final result looks flawless.

One thing that always amazes us is the power and precision of hand tools in the right hands—there’s nothing quite like watching a skilled tech work through a dent with pure arm strength. At this stage, we focused on making sure the most visible part of the damage was completely smoothed out before moving to the lower areas of the panel.

Final Touches and Inspection

After a few hours of work, the dent was nearly invisible. We continued to make minor adjustments and touch-ups until we were satisfied with the results. The top part of the bed looked fantastic, and after a little more work on the lower sections, the entire bedside was as good as new.

Mazda 2 Dirty Car Detail: Tackling Stains, Grime, and More

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 16:38:35 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with Mid-MO Dents! Today, we’re diving into a two-step paint correction on a 2015 Chevy Tahoe that had heavy scratches across the paint. We’ll be walking through the entire process, from clay barring the surface to applying a six-month paint protectant. By the end, this Tahoe is going to look like new. Let’s get started!

Assessing the Damage and Prepping for Correction

When the Chevy Tahoe came in, it had significant scratches and swirl marks, so we knew it needed more than just a simple polish. A two-step paint correction was in order. To kick things off, we started with a clay bar treatment to remove any contaminants from the surface, like dirt, brake dust, and tree sap. This step is crucial in ensuring that the polishing process is smooth and that no debris gets stuck in the buffing pads, which can cause more swirls.

Two-Step Paint Correction

Once the paint was prepped and smooth, we moved on to the first step of our paint correction. The initial pass focused on cutting through the scratches using a more aggressive compound and pad. With three guys working on this at the same time, we made steady progress. The goal here was to remove the deeper imperfections and leave a cleaner, clearer surface.

After completing the cutting phase, we transitioned to the second step, which involved a finer polish. This step helps refine the paint further, removing any remaining swirl marks and leaving the surface with a smooth, glossy finish. The second step is all about bringing out that shine and giving the vehicle its showroom-quality look.

Protecting the Paint

After the paint correction was finished, we applied a six-month paint protectant. This layer adds a durable coat of protection, ensuring that the newly corrected paint stays in pristine condition for as long as possible. It also makes future washes easier, as dirt and debris won’t stick to the surface as easily.

Final Results

Six hours into the job, with multiple hands on deck, we were finally able to wipe down the Tahoe and reveal the finished look. The transformation was incredible—the deep scratches were gone, and the paint had a mirror-like finish. It’s always satisfying to see a vehicle go from looking worn to looking brand new.

Two-Step Paint Correction on a 2015 Chevy Tahoe: Full Transformation

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:38:34 GMT

Assessing the Damage and Prepping for Correction

Two-Step Paint Correction

Protecting the Paint

Final Result

Window Tinting a 2024 Honda Accord: Full Process

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 16:38:33 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with Mid-MO Dents! Today, we’re following our lead tinter, Kyle, as he tints a 2024 Honda Accord. We’ll walk through the steps of the process and share a few tips along the way. Let’s jump right in!

Starting the Tinting Process

As with any new vehicle, we always begin by testing one window first to make sure the tint pattern fits the car properly. For this Honda Accord, Kyle started by cutting out the rest of the patterns after confirming the fit. Once that was squared away, we moved on to tinting the rest of the windows.

What made this job a bit quicker was that we didn’t need to remove all the door panels to get the weather strips out, which is often necessary for a clean install. This saved us some time and allowed Kyle to move swiftly through the process.

Tackling the Back Window

After finishing the side windows, it was time to cut and apply the tint for the back window. For newer vehicles like the Accord, this part can be a bit tricky due to the large defrost lines that are common on these models. Before applying the tint, we needed to clean the back glass thoroughly.

To ensure the tint adhered properly to the back window, Kyle used lacquer thinner to remove any coatings that might interfere with the film. He also used a stainless steel scrubber and a high-tech scrubber to clean the surface and prep it for the tint.

Final Product and Lifetime Gaurantee

We use high-tech film for all our tinting jobs, which has been incredibly reliable for us. Not only does it look great, but it also comes with a lifetime guarantee. Once Kyle finished the back window, the entire car looked sleek and clean with its new tint.

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Jeep Gladiator Ceramic Coating: Full Process Breakdown

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 16:38:33 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with Mid-MO Dents! Today, we’re working on a Jeep Gladiator that’s in for a full ceramic coating. The customer bought this vehicle used, and it had a few light scratches and swirls that needed to be corrected before we could apply the coating. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from cleaning and prepping to the final ceramic coating. Let’s dive in!

Pre-Wash and Degreasing

We began by giving the Jeep a thorough inspection. Although it was relatively clean, the customer knew the paint needed some extra work to remove minor scratches and swirls. The tires also had some old dressing and dirt buildup, which gave them a dingy appearance. First, we cleaned the engine bay while applying a degreaser to the tires, agitating the grime with a brush to loosen all the built-up dirt.

Next, we moved to the front of the Jeep to degrease the grill, bumper, inner fenders, and lower doors, where road film and debris tend to accumulate. We also degreased the bed of the Gladiator, using a pressure washer equipped with a low-pressure tip to safely clean the engine and other sensitive areas without risking damage to the paint.

Foam Washing

After degreasing, we moved on to foam washing using Griot’s Garage foam cannon and Dirt Buster soap. Once the Jeep was covered in foam, we scrubbed down the entire body to remove any remaining dirt and grime. Foam washing is a key step in the cleaning process, as it helps lift dirt from the surface and ensures a thorough clean before we move on to the next steps.

Clay bar Treatment

With the Jeep now clean, we rinsed off all the soap and started the clay bar process. Clay barring is essential for removing any embedded contaminants like brake dust, overspray, or tree sap that regular washing can’t reach. This step leaves the paint feeling silky smooth, providing the perfect surface for polishing. It also prevents contaminants from getting caught in the buffing pads during polishing, which helps avoid creating more swirls.

Drying and Paint Inspection

Once the clay bar treatment was complete, we began drying the vehicle. Starting with a shammy to remove the bulk of the water, we then used compressed air to blow out any moisture trapped in the cracks and crevices. This ensures that no water is left behind, which is especially important before ceramic coating, as moisture can interfere with the application.

Next, we inspected the paint under a correction light. The light revealed the light swirls and scratches the customer wanted removed. Before polishing, we masked off all the plastic trim to prevent any buffing compound from staining the surfaces.

Paint Correction

With everything prepped, we performed a small test spot using a RUPES yellow pad and Sonax 04-06 polish to ensure we had the right combination for the job. Once we confirmed the right setup, a couple more team members jumped in to help polish the entire Jeep, working methodically to remove the imperfections in the paint.

Tire Coating and Final Prep

While the paint correction was underway, we took the time to clean the wheels and apply a tire coating. This not only restored the tires to their proper appearance but also provided lasting protection against dirt and grime.

Before starting the ceramic coating, we blew out the cracks and crevices one final time to ensure no water or dust was left behind. Then, we applied a panel prep spray to the paint, wheels, and windows, which cleans the surfaces of any oils or residues left from the polishing process, ensuring the ceramic coating bonds properly.

Ceramic Coating Application

Now for the main event—the ceramic coating. We carefully applied the coating to every surface of the Jeep, including the paint, plastic trim, windows, wheels, and even chrome accents. The process requires precision and patience to ensure a perfect, even finish. Once applied, the ceramic coating will provide long-lasting protection, making the vehicle easier to clean and keeping it looking great for years to come.

Final Look

With the ceramic coating fully applied and cured, the Jeep Gladiator looked incredible. The glossy finish not only enhanced the appearance but also provided a durable protective layer across all surfaces.

Ceramic Coating and Window Tinting a Fisker Ocean: Challenges & Tips

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 16:38:32 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with MidMo Dents, and today we’ve got an exciting project to share. We’re working on a brand new Fisker Ocean, giving it a ceramic coating and tinting the windows. What makes this one interesting is the matte paint finish, which requires extra care and attention during the ceramic coating process. Stick around for tips on ceramic coating matte paint and the challenges we faced with window tinting. Let’s dive in!

Window Tinting the Fisker Ocean

We began by inspecting the Fisker Ocean, focusing on the windows for tinting. The first step was removing the door panels, allowing us to get the weather strips out of the way. This gave us a clean gap to slip the tint behind the window without any dirt or debris getting trapped.

After removing the weather strips, we thoroughly cleaned the windows using a stainless steel razor blade to scrape off any adhesive, dirt, or debris stuck to the glass. This ensures a smooth surface for applying the tint. Once the windows were cleaned, we taped off the felt moldings to prevent any loose fibers from contaminating the tint.

With the prep work done, we wet the tint pattern and carefully applied it, starting from the bottom of the window and working our way up. The key here was to avoid touching the door panels or any surfaces that could introduce dirt. After positioning the tint, we began squeegeeing out the water, making sure the edges were pressed down to prevent peeling. We repeated this process for all the windows, ensuring a tight, clean fit.

The real challenge came with the rear quarter window, which actually rolls down—a feature that added complexity. To handle this, we used a suction cup on the outside of the window to create a gap, allowing us to slide the tint into place. This creative solution allowed us to tint the window without any issues.

Ceramic Coating the Matte Paint

After completing the window tinting, we shifted our focus to ceramic coating the Fisker Ocean’s matte paint. The process started with a thorough wash to remove any debris or bug guts from the surface. Since matte paint can’t be polished like regular paint, we had to be extra cautious, using gentle cleaners and avoiding any scratches. Any scratches on matte paint are permanent, so this step was crucial.

Once the car was cleaned, drying it became the top priority. With professional-grade ceramic coatings, even a small amount of moisture can cause the coating to harden instantly, leaving shiny or milky spots on the paint. Since matte paint can’t be polished, ensuring every crack and crevice was bone dry was the most important part of our prep process.

After drying, we moved the Fisker Ocean out of the wash bay to prevent any accidental water splashes. We used compressed air to blow out any remaining water around the wheels and trim. Then, we applied a prep spray similar to what body shops use, but with added lubrication to avoid scratching the delicate matte surface. We found a few areas with tree sap, which we cleaned using an all-purpose cleaner before moving on to the ceramic coating.

Applying the ceramic coating to matte paint is a delicate process. The coating goes on glossy but must be leveled perfectly to avoid any uneven spots. Using the three-towel method, we ensured each panel was checked thoroughly to maintain a smooth, flawless finish. The key to working with matte paint is the shorter flash time—if the coating dries too fast and hardens, you’re left with a major problem that can’t be fixed easily.

We moved panel by panel, ensuring that the coating was applied evenly. Unfortunately, due to a rookie mistake, our GoPro died mid-way through the job, so we missed capturing all the coats. However, the final result was stunning! The Fisker Ocean looked incredible, and the customer was thrilled with the outcome. Fun fact: this is one of the few Fisker Oceans in Missouri, and we were lucky enough to be the first to ceramic coat it!

Aluminum Dent Repair on a Ford F-150: Full Walkthrough

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 16:38:31 GMT

Hey, it's Andy with MidMo Den, and today we're going to walk you through the process of repairing dents on an aluminum panel. A lot of people wonder if aluminum dents can be fixed as easily as steel, and the answer is yes—with the right approach and tools. In this post, we'll be working on a Ford F-150 with several dents on the door. Let's dive into the step-by-step process.

Assessing the Damage

We began by thoroughly inspecting the door and cleaning off any scuffs and dirt to get a clearer view of the dents. Using a product to remove the paint transfer gave us a better look at the exact nature of the damage. The dents were spread across the panel, and we could see we had our work cut out for us, but with careful attention, it was a straightforward repair.

Door Panel Removal for Better Access

The next step was to remove the door panel, which only required a few screws and some clips. Once the door panel was off, we evaluated the inside of the door to figure out the best access points for our tools. In this case, we decided to remove the speaker to gain additional access, especially to the lower part of the door where one of the larger dents was located. After that, we removed the window to avoid any chance of damaging the laminated glass while we worked on the panel.

Tackling the Dent Removal Process

With the door fully disassembled, we had a clear view of the dents and could assess how to approach each one. The upper dent was located near a brace, so we started with a soft tip tool to gently push it out. For the tighter spots near the brace, we had to switch to a hook tool, and later used a whale tail tool to access the front section of the door where the dent was more stubborn.

After cycling through various tools to work around the tight spaces, we finally made progress. As we moved on to the lower part of the door, we adjusted the tips on our tools because the lower dent was sharper and more severe. We had to work it more carefully, bunching up the metal before blending it out smoothly. This section required patience, as we had initially thought we might need to remove the entire door to repair it.

The Challenge of Glue Pulling on Aluminum

When it came to the final cleanup of the dents, we turned to glue pulling to address some of the remaining imperfections. Aluminum can be tricky for glue pulling, as it doesn’t pull as easily as steel. It required several attempts to get the results we were aiming for, which added time and effort to the repair. This is one of the reasons aluminum dent repair can sometimes cost more—each step requires precision and sometimes more repetition to achieve a flawless finish.

Finishing Touches and Reassembly

After completing the dent repairs, we buffed out the scuff marks and inspected the door to ensure it was perfect. With the dents completely gone and the door looking great, it was time to reassemble everything. We started by re-installing the glass, clipping it back into its track, and testing the window to make sure it operated smoothly. Next, we reconnected the speaker, added the moisture barrier, and reattached the weather strip. Finally, we hooked up the door handle cable and secured the door panel back into place, tightening the screws to finish the job.

Once everything was back together, we took a final look. The door looked excellent, though there was a small paint chip at the bottom. As a courtesy to the customer, we mixed up some paint and did a touch-up to ensure the door was as good as new.

Toyota Highlander Dent Repair & Corvette Ceramic Coating: Project Highlights

midmodents@gmail.com (Andrew Ott) — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 16:38:30 GMT

Hey, it’s Andy with MidMo Den! Today, I wanted to share a couple of exciting projects we’ve had in the shop recently, starting with a Toyota Highlander that came in with a fender dent, followed by a Corvette that received a ceramic coating treatment.

Toyota Highlander: Fender Dent Repair

We started the day with the Toyota Highlander, which had a sizable 5-inch dent in the fender. The customer wasn’t exactly sure how it happened but suspected it was a parking lot mishap. The dent ran through a body line, making it a bit tricky to work with, but thankfully, we had plenty of access to the panel, allowing us to get right to it.

Our first step was to remove the plastic panel under the hood to access the backside of the dent. After setting up our lights to get a clear view of the damage, we began by warming the panel with a torch. Using the torch helps evenly heat the metal, making it more pliable without risking any paint damage, and it allows for a cleaner overall repair. Once the panel was ready, we used a rubber-tipped tool to start pushing the dent out. The initial push brought out a good portion of the dent, but the real challenge was in perfecting the remaining 50%, which took about two hours of precise work. This is where the expertise comes into play—making sure every little bit of the dent is gone without overdoing it and causing further damage.

To finish the job, we switched to smaller, sharper tools for the detailed work around the body line, making hundreds of tiny pushes to ensure a flawless finish. After a final buff and polish to remove any scuffs, the fender looked good as new. The customer was thrilled with the result, which is always the most satisfying part of the job.

Corvette: Ceramic Coating Prep

Our next project was prepping a Corvette for ceramic coating. This Corvette was a couple of years old, and while the paint was in decent shape, it still needed some prep work to ensure the ceramic coating would adhere properly and provide the best results.

We started by inspecting the car with the customer, agreeing on a wash, clay bar treatment, and a one-step polish to remove any minor swirls or imperfections. After a thorough degreasing of the tires, we sprayed down the car to remove any surface dirt and grit before applying a foam wash. Our washes include cleaning everything from the exterior body to the wheels, inner fenders, and even the door jams. Once the wash was complete, we used a clay bar to remove any contaminants that the wash missed, such as brake dust, tree sap, or other debris. This step is crucial to ensure a smooth, clean surface before polishing.

Next came the polishing. Using a fine polishing pad and compound, we carefully buffed the paint to eliminate any remaining imperfections. After polishing, we applied a prep spray to remove any oils or waxes that might interfere with the ceramic coating. With the car now prepped, we began the ceramic coating process. This is a meticulous job that takes time. One person applied the coating while another used a three-towel method to ensure the coating was leveled correctly, without streaks or residue. Each layer of coating took about an hour to apply, and we also treated the wheels and windows to make sure every surface was protected.

Once the ceramic coating was applied, the car was left to cure overnight. The difference in gloss was immediately noticeable, and the customer was thrilled with the improvement in the paint’s appearance and the added protection from the ceramic coating.

Window Tinting on a Dodge Ram

We also had a Dodge Ram come in for window tinting on the two front windows. The customer opted for our carbon tint, which offers a lifetime guarantee and matches perfectly with the factory tint on the rear windows.

After selecting the proper patterns for the tint, we removed the rubber weather strips from the windows to allow for a cleaner application. Removing these strips minimizes the risk of dirt or debris getting trapped under the tint. After thoroughly cleaning the glass with a stainless steel razor blade, we carefully applied the tint, making sure not to touch the door panels or any other surfaces that could introduce dirt. Once the tint was in place, we squeegeed out the soapy water, ensuring a perfect fit with no bubbles. The tint will take a few days to fully cure, but even immediately after application, the windows looked fantastic.

These projects highlight the kind of detailed work we love to do here at MidMo Den. Whether it’s dent repair, ceramic coating, or window tinting, we take pride in delivering top-quality results for our customers. As winter gives way to spring, we expect to be busy with even more ceramic coatings and tint jobs. If you're interested in any of these services, be sure to follow us for updates on the latest projects. Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you on the next one!