Todd Helme has gained critical acclaim for his ability to resurface the paint of the world's finest automobiles, removing all
macroscopic damage, then jewel the paint, removing all microscopic damage, to an amazing (some say perfect) shine that is milled
perfect like a diamond. Damage to the paint's surface such as micro scratches, swirl marks, spider webbing, acid rain damage,
mineral etching, oxidation, bug damage, buffer marks, and holograms can often be removed by removing .1 to .2 mils of the very top
layer of paint or clear-coat.
Paint that perfectly level will reflect more light and thus have dramatically increased gloss. Even when rolled out of a small factory in
Italy or Germany, the world's greatest marques are often short of their potential. Todd Helme does not use oils or glazes that mask
defects (which often return after several car washes) but rather re-levels the paint to perfection. If the automobile's paint is cared for
properly the results are permanent.
macroscopic damage, then jewel the paint, removing all microscopic damage, to an amazing (some say perfect) shine that is milled
perfect like a diamond. Damage to the paint's surface such as micro scratches, swirl marks, spider webbing, acid rain damage,
mineral etching, oxidation, bug damage, buffer marks, and holograms can often be removed by removing .1 to .2 mils of the very top
layer of paint or clear-coat.
Paint that perfectly level will reflect more light and thus have dramatically increased gloss. Even when rolled out of a small factory in
Italy or Germany, the world's greatest marques are often short of their potential. Todd Helme does not use oils or glazes that mask
defects (which often return after several car washes) but rather re-levels the paint to perfection. If the automobile's paint is cared for
properly the results are permanent.
Precision- The paint work on an automobile is very
thin, often the total thickness of a sheet of paper.
Compounding the problem the paint is also very
delicate and even improper touching, washing, and
drying can impart damage in the very top 1% of the
paint, greatly reducing gloss potential. Todd Helme has
polished and re-surfaced everything from Ferraris with
original 40 year old paint to the newest and most
expensive super cars. The paint is measured through
the entire process, tracking the removal of damage
while maintaining the integrity of the paint. Each
application is carefully tailored for maximal results from
the absolute minimum removal of damaged paint.
Passion- Todd Helme is the best at what he does. He has
carefully studied the science of paint refinishing and is
considered to be an absolute expert. From measuring
the paint to viewing the finish with a 100x's microscope
to inspect for gloss robbing damage, clients of Bella
Macchina can be assured that all paint polishing will be
personally carried out by Todd Helme, and that
nobodies standards are higher.
Perfection- Certain damage to the paint may penetrate too
deep into the paint's surface to be safely removed,
however most damage does not penetrate more then
1% of the paint's total thickness and can safely be
removed. Bella Macchina's first priority will always be
the preservation of the fine automobiles that Todd feels
lucky to be entrusted to. Nobody can take paint to a
higher level and all damage that can be safely removed
will be. Then the paint is jewelled using imported micro
fine abrasives then create a gloss that often is far
greater then those seen in the finest show rooms in the
world.
thin, often the total thickness of a sheet of paper.
Compounding the problem the paint is also very
delicate and even improper touching, washing, and
drying can impart damage in the very top 1% of the
paint, greatly reducing gloss potential. Todd Helme has
polished and re-surfaced everything from Ferraris with
original 40 year old paint to the newest and most
expensive super cars. The paint is measured through
the entire process, tracking the removal of damage
while maintaining the integrity of the paint. Each
application is carefully tailored for maximal results from
the absolute minimum removal of damaged paint.
Passion- Todd Helme is the best at what he does. He has
carefully studied the science of paint refinishing and is
considered to be an absolute expert. From measuring
the paint to viewing the finish with a 100x's microscope
to inspect for gloss robbing damage, clients of Bella
Macchina can be assured that all paint polishing will be
personally carried out by Todd Helme, and that
nobodies standards are higher.
Perfection- Certain damage to the paint may penetrate too
deep into the paint's surface to be safely removed,
however most damage does not penetrate more then
1% of the paint's total thickness and can safely be
removed. Bella Macchina's first priority will always be
the preservation of the fine automobiles that Todd feels
lucky to be entrusted to. Nobody can take paint to a
higher level and all damage that can be safely removed
will be. Then the paint is jewelled using imported micro
fine abrasives then create a gloss that often is far
greater then those seen in the finest show rooms in the
world.
The original paint on this 1974 Lamborghini Countach was faded and
scratched. Refinishing the 35 year old Italian lacquer represents the
largest of challenges as the paint must be gently and accurately
re-leveled to restore gloss that is often much finer then when the paint
was first laid in Italy 35 years ago.
scratched. Refinishing the 35 year old Italian lacquer represents the
largest of challenges as the paint must be gently and accurately
re-leveled to restore gloss that is often much finer then when the paint
was first laid in Italy 35 years ago.
After careful measurement, Todd re-leveled the paint my removing less
then 1% of the total thickness. After leveling Todd carefully jeweled the
paint like a precious gem until the gloss of the paint was greater then
when brand new, and rivaling the news vehicles on the road.
then 1% of the total thickness. After leveling Todd carefully jeweled the
paint like a precious gem until the gloss of the paint was greater then
when brand new, and rivaling the news vehicles on the road.
The LP400's trunk cover has been fully re-leveled and the fresh paint
has been perfectly jeweled. Twenty six hours of the most careful and
delicate refinishing have resulted in a finish that is likely better then it
was 35 years ago when the original owner drove this exotic for the first
time off of the lot. Not only does the Lamborghini appear to have new
paint but there is no loss of value as it remains 100% original.
has been perfectly jeweled. Twenty six hours of the most careful and
delicate refinishing have resulted in a finish that is likely better then it
was 35 years ago when the original owner drove this exotic for the first
time off of the lot. Not only does the Lamborghini appear to have new
paint but there is no loss of value as it remains 100% original.
| Three Standards of Perfection |
-Platinum is Todd's highest standard for paint
enhancement and restoration. After a gentle wash and
decontamination, the car is meticulously prepped for surgery.
The paint surface is carefully measured for thickness and
uniformity and all defects are noted. Deeper scratches are
leveled by wet-sanding to precisely remove the exacting
thickness safely. Then Todd applies various polishes and
rogues to the paint using a high speed machine, taking care
to monitor the paint thickness through out the leveling
process. Every square inch of paint is taken to its absolute
potential. This is an extreme level of refinishing designed to
turn any vehicle into a stunning piece of art. 100% full
enhancement to the paint's surface.
-Bella Macchina's Gold standard greatly improves the gloss
and reflectivity of worn and new paint alike by carefully
re-leveling and jeweling the surface, eliminating swirl marks,
bird damage, buffer trails, and wash induced marring. The
level paint will reflect more light and will appear 'alive'. The
last 3 to 5% of defect removal and resurfacing usually
doubles the time involved. Gold standard finishing is the best
value and most often selected in combination with Bella
Macchina's Gold standard full vehicle detail for results that
have been described as amazing. 95% full enhancement to
the paint's surface.
--Silver standard is a single step of machine polishing that
includes jeweling the paint's surface for maximum gloss.
Light marring and damage will be removed and the paint will
reflect light more true, improving gloss and shine. 80-85%
enhancement to the paint's surface
All paint restoration and enhancement is billed a labor rate of
$80.00 per man hour. The depth the defects penetrate into
the paint as well as the age, condition, hardness, and work
ability greatly varies and is the direct factor in how long a
process takes. Platinum standard is an intensive, total
automobile polishing in which special pads are used to make
sure that each surface of the vehicle is polished to its 100%
potential. Gold features the same high level of enhancement
and brings paint to 95%-99% of its potential at a significant
time savings. This is the Todd's most popular polishing
service. The silver standard is a single step polishing which
focuses on the removal of microscopic damage to level to the
paint and increase gloss while maintaining maximum paint
depth.
Todd does not believe in using traditional glazes or oil
based finishing polishes that often act to 'mask' imperfections for several washes. He has been an industry leader in the study of
paint types and chemical reactions to ensure that his results are 100% true and permanent!
Each paint resurfacing treatment includes an hour of one-on-one consolation with his clients to ensure proper washing techniques
are used in maintaining the highly polished surface. Improper (or not perfectly 'tuned') washing and drying techniques are the #1
cause of new damage instilled into the painted surface. It is important for Todd and his client to work together to preserve the
perfection he creates and prolong the life of your automobile.
based finishing polishes that often act to 'mask' imperfections for several washes. He has been an industry leader in the study of
paint types and chemical reactions to ensure that his results are 100% true and permanent!
Each paint resurfacing treatment includes an hour of one-on-one consolation with his clients to ensure proper washing techniques
are used in maintaining the highly polished surface. Improper (or not perfectly 'tuned') washing and drying techniques are the #1
cause of new damage instilled into the painted surface. It is important for Todd and his client to work together to preserve the
perfection he creates and prolong the life of your automobile.
| For more examples of Bella Macchina's paint restoration and enhancement please click here |
| 2005 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Aranco Borealis Tri-Coat, Full Platinum Paint Enhancement |
| 1984 Ferrari 512BBi Nero (black), Full Platinum Paint Enhancement |
In direct sunlight the 25 year old original Glasurit single stage
enamel had acid rain etching as well as severe scratching and
associated damage.
The beautiful orange pearl color of this Lamborghini fell short
of its potential clarity and gloss do to micro and macroscopic
damage to the clear coat.
Under halogen lighting, scratches and surface damage are
clearly visible. This surface damage diffuses or refracts light
reducing gloss.
To safely remove 25 years of damage, the paint was carefully
surfaced by wet sanding. The paint thickness was measured
with exacting standard to restore the paint to better then new,
concours quality 'Platinum Standard.'
Precise leveling of the clear coat removes the damaged paint,
in this case about .0001 of an inch. After resurfacing, Todd
carefully jewels the paint to a true and amazing gloss.
The side panels of the classic Ferrari also had minor pitting
and damage that was carefully removed and finished with
precisely milled sand paper.
In direct sunlight the reflection of the sun is absolutely perfect.
The perfectly level clear-coat gives a stunning color range and
clarity that makes the metallic flake 'pop'.
After the precise leveling of the original paint, Todd massaged
a perfect gloss by re-surfacing and jewelling the paint until all
damage was removed under the highest scrutiny.
The color has an beautiful range and looks miles 'deep'. Gloss
and reflectivity are perfect and the paint looks 'un-real' in the
words of the owner.
Orange pearl is thought to be a low reflection color. After completion
the Gallardo has mirror shine that dances across the paint's surface.
For more examples of Todd Helme's paint restoration and
enhancement please click HERE
Outside in the sunlight the Ferrari appeared to have a new
paint job. Classic automobiles with original paint are worth
considerably more then automobiles that have been
resprayed. Original paint that is this good
often adds considerable value to any automobile.
The paint looks perfect in the direct light of the sun. By
properly maintaining the paint with careful washing techniques
this Ferrari will look amazing for years to come.
The gloss of the paint has been taken to a highest level by
microscopically leveling or 'jeweling' the surface until maximum light
is reflected. It is a shine that is clearly as 'smooth' as glass.
| All photographs and pictures on this site have been taken by Todd Helme on automobiles he has worked on and are property of Todd Helme's Bella Macchina: The Art of Detailing and copyrighted as such. These pictures represent the quality of Bella Macchina's work and the quality of the automobiles Todd has cared for. Any unauthorized or misrepresented use is prohibited. |
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