The Minutia – Surgical Level Detailing

Words by Raj Hunjan

Definition: The small, precise, or absolute detail, the subtlety, finer point, specific and miniscule technicality. Apt to use Minutia as a name for the ultimate detailing workshop then… Minutia Detailing was established earlier this year and is based in a secure location in Croydon, South London. The ‘Studio’, as Michael Pariera, the owner and creator of Minutia, likes to call it, is a purpose-built, temperature-controlled, assiduously clean and perfectly lit space in which collectible and high performance cars are prepared to better than new visual condition.

The car detailing industry is a crowded place, with many operators offering to not just clean your car, but enhance it’s paintwork, interior and engine bay. So why would Michael choose to enter this world? To put it bluntly he wanted to offer a service that is borderline surgical. Michael is a car collector himself and is fastidious in maintaining both the mechanics and finish of each of his cars, so much so that he couldn’t entrust anyone else to sustain the looks of his cars. He taught himself how to detail cars, learning from the best out there and honing his skills with a polishing wheel and other tools of the trade. It wasn’t long before his friends, other high end collectors, started noticing the finish of Michael’s cars. Upon finding out Michael was responsible for their glass-like outer surfaces and supple as-new leather innards, they started to request him to work on their cars too.

Fast forward twelve years and Michael has his own no expense spared weatherproof unit to work on the finest cars of all time. He won’t let airborne particles, whatever the gloriously unpredictable British weather cook up or indeed any other external contaminants affect the exquisite work he is capable of.

if you’re going to do something, do it properly

The unit has state-of-the-art ultra-white LED lighting, chosen specifically to show up the smallest imperfections and blemishes in paintwork. It allows for uncompromisingly precise levels of paint correction. Not only did Michael put together state-of-the-art infrastructure and a sound base from where to run the business, he invested in the very best tooling, equipment and products, including a vehicle ramp (the type you see at a mechanics garages). How many other detailers are able to lift your car two metres in the air to thoroughly inspect and clean the underside? And this is key to how Michael operates, like many concours owners across the country, a car must be flawless, even on the bits of the car no-one sees.

The nature of working on highly prized and valuable cars does have a downside, the risk of attracting attention of unsavouries. Michael considered the control of this risk an absolute priority, as a result he spent two years searching for the right unit in the right location. The Studio is protected round-the-clock by CCTV and has an alarm linked directly to the police for complete peace of mind while Minutia is in custody of your car. The industrial park that Minutia is based on, ZK Park, is only accessible via electronic gates which are password protected for out-of-hours entry.

For those that have a suitable location and don’t want to travel to the Studio, Minutia Detailing will come to you
and replicate the same high service level through their mobile detailing service. Michael insists though, due to the precision he demands of himself, that certain criteria must be met before he’ll take on specific mobile work.

As I’ve already highlighted, Michael is a living and breathing petrolhead. He has a highly sought after collection of cars including a BMW that only requires three letters to identify it, C, S and L. His passion also stretches all the way to Japan, with his collection of no fewer than three facelift Honda NSXs, one of which was Jenson Button’s pride and joy during his early Formula One career with the Honda F1 team.

Handing over your prized possession couldn’t be easier at Minutia Detailing, as soon as you meet Michael you’ll understand that he shares the same care and consideration as you do. He will personally take care of your car the moment you drive it into the Studio until you drive it out again looking better than new. Michael expertly guides his team, making sure that collectively, they exceed the expectations of even the most discerning client.

As the car detailing industry has evolved, new products and techniques manifest themselves. One of which is ceramic coating, which is an extraordinary product to protect paintwork, alloys and bumpers from pollutants, everyday weathering, light scratches and bird lime. It even protects interior surfaces and fabrics. Ceramic coat bonds with pores in the paintwork to form an extremely durable, crystal clear finish which needs no maintenance except washing, and it can be applied to both new and used vehicles. The only way to get the very best finish and toensure the longevity of the product is to carefully and painstakingly apply in a dust-free, temperature-controlled environment.

Minutia Detailing has become an approved applicator of Ceramic Pro products, exclusively in Surrey and South West London.

Originally designed for the heavy equipment industry, Ceramic Pro products are revolutionizing the car care industry. While others offer waxes or sealants to protect car surfaces that eventually will wear off, Ceramic Pro offers a permanent protection for paint, alloy wheels, rubber, glass and leather and is applicable to all surfaces in the car industry. Ceramic Pro are trusted by ecurie25 in Australia to protect their $8 million exotic supercar collection. Ceramic Pro is also the official Paint Protection for Carlsson Cars, tuners of Mercedes-Benz. Mike will happily demonstrate the product if you visit the Studio.

There are a wide range of services on offer at Minutia Detailing. Each car, regardless of subsequent detailing services goes through the ten stage Preparation Wash. The Protection Detail has been designed for those who want to improve the overall appearance of the vehicle. It leaves a glossy, slick finish and will protect all interior and exterior surfaces after they have been thoroughly cleaned. Your vehicle will be easier to clean and maintain, making further washes less time consuming and keeping your car looking pristine. The Protection Detail is an ideal top up for a previously detailed or well maintained vehicle. The Enhancement Detail is the most popular detailing package with clients, it has been designed specifically for those who regularly visit hand car washes, those whose cars are used every day and for cars taken in and out of storage where ‘storage marks’ from covers and dust have caused damage. It is a two-stage machine polish using the best machine polishers on the market, rotary or dual action. Light oxidation along with moderate swirls, holograms and marring will be removed leaving a high gloss finish with sharper reflections, depth and clarity to the vehicle’s paintwork. This is ideal for preparing a car for sale or for dramatically improving the look and feel of your existing car. It is achieved by selecting a pad and product combination to suit the vehicle and its paint, offering a high level of correction as well as a level of refinement ensuring a much glossier, sharper finish. The Correction Detail is the most comprehensive detailing package and penetrates deep into the car’s bodywork leaving it ‘better than new’. This package is best suited to non-daily drivers and perfect for show winners, concourse cars and collectors. Using various grades of machine polish compounds along with state-of-the-art tools Michael will spend 30 to 40 hours on your car using intricate and careful polishing techniques. In order for Michael to give you a detailed, bespoke quotation, he will need to inspect your vehicle to determine the time required and the expected results. All initial consultations are free so please contact him. The Minutia Correction Detail package will increase the value of your car and give you a positive return on your investment.

If you’re passing, feel free to pop into the Studio for a coffee and a chat to see what all the fuss is about and Michael can give you all the information you need for you to confidently choose Minutia to look after your prized possession.