Reviving a Legend: Paint Correction & Ceramic Coating a Red Acura NSX in Beaverton, Oregon

When this stunning red Acura NSX rolled into our Beaverton detailing shop, it carried the unmistakable presence of a supercar, but also the wear of time.
The owner had recently purchased it used, and while the car’s performance was still razor-sharp, its paint had lost much of its original depth and gloss.

That’s where Fresh Start Detail Co. stepped in.
Our goal: bring back the NSX’s rich red brilliance and protect it for years to come with a multi-year ceramic coating,  a perfect example of how used vehicles especially benefit from professional detailing and paint protection.

Step One: Deep Cleaning and Paint Decontamination

Before any ceramic coating can bond properly, the surface needs to be completely free of contaminants.
Our process began with a pH-balanced decontamination wash, using Optimum’s Decon Wash concentrate, followed by a contact wash with Optimum’s Opti-coat No Rinse.
Then we performed an iron removal treatment with Ferrex to eliminate embedded brake dust and road fallout, common issues on high-performance cars like the NSX that have seen spirited driving around Portland’s winding roads.

Next came a clay pad treatment with a Speedy Prep Pad to remove bonded contaminants (think overspray) which left the surface glass-smooth and ready for polishing.

Step Two: Paint Correction to Restore Depth and Clarity

Even the best-kept cars develop micro-swirls, oxidation, and haze over time.
Using multi-stage machine polishing with a Rupes 21mm Bigfoot Polisher, we corrected the NSX’s paint to eliminate surface defects and revive its deep red color.
This step is crucial for used vehicles, it’s what allows ceramic coatings to last as long as they do, and to truly shine their best.

The difference was night and day. Under the shop lights, the once-boring and lifeless finish was transformed into a mirror-like reflection that showed off every sculpted curve of the NSX’s bodywork. 

Step Three: Professional Ceramic Coating Application

After polishing the paint, a.k.a. “paint correction”, we applied our lifetime professional-grade ceramic coating, Opti-coat Pro3, which is 4 layers thick and creates a chemical bond with the clear coat for a lifetime of durable protection.

This ultra-hard layer shields the paint from UV rays, oxidation, bird droppings, tree sap, and bug splatters, ideal for Oregon’s rainy winters and abundant trees.
The coating also delivers that unmistakable “wet gloss” look that car enthusiasts crave.

Why Ceramic Coating Makes Sense for Used Cars

Many Portland-area drivers assume ceramic coating is only for brand-new vehicles, but that’s far from the truth. Here’s why used cars often see the biggest transformation:

• Restoration Meets Protection: Paint correction revives the paint first, then the coating locks it in place for years.
• Value Retention: A coated vehicle maintains its shine and resale value, especially important for collector and performance cars like the NSX.
• Ease of Maintenance: Dirt, water, and bugs don’t stick. A quick wipe down with an instant detailer like “Opti-coat No Rinse” is often all it takes to restore that showroom shine.
• UV & Chemical Resistance: Oregon’s weather can be harsh on unprotected paint; ceramic coatings act as a barrier against fading and etching.

If your vehicle’s paint has lost its sparkle, a ceramic coating isn’t just cosmetic, it’s preventive maintenance.

A Satisfied Owner—and a Car That Turns Heads Again

When the NSX owner returned to pick up the car, his smile said it all.
The deep, flawless red reflected like a mirror, and every curve looked like it was sculpted in glass.
We snapped a photo of him next to his freshly coated car, a moment that perfectly captures why we love what we do.