AutoFX WA

19/10/2026

This tough XY Falcon quickly became one of the favourite cars in our workshop. It looked tough, sounded tough and had plenty of character.

Richard brought the Falcon to AutoFX WA for a paint enhancement, wheel polishing and bumper polishing.

The paint required careful judgement. Thickness readings varied considerably, and the finish had solvent pop, mild orange peel, cloudiness, several bubbles and one split approximately 3 cm long.

Although sanding had been discussed, my gut feeling was not to uncover possible worms when some areas ultimately required repainting. We concentrated on improving the complete vehicle without aggressively chasing defects that polishing could not safely repair.

I enhanced the paint using OPTiX Ultra Fine on a white OPTiX pad with an OPTiX 15 mm dual-action polisher.

Brandon polished the wheels at low speed with a nano polisher using selected OPTiX and Scholl Concepts compounds. He also polished the bumpers.

Crystal Rock was applied as an optional paid upgrade to add further richness and gloss.

Thanks to Richard, a Wheatbelt farmer who also has a home in Melville, for trusting us with this very cool Falcon.

Watch the video:
https://youtu.be/HWuQiwOzKYs

Paint Enhancement:
https://autofxwa.com.au/paint-enhancement/

Request a quote:
https://autofxwa.com.au/get-a-quote/

18/10/2026

‼️We are closed this Wednesday🤝

17/10/2026

13/10/2026

There are so many people who have supported AutoFX WA over the years, and we believe it’s important to acknowledge those who have helped us along the way.

Tim Slako is one of those quiet, unsung heroes.

Tim has been there for us in many ways over the past 8 years, always willing to lend a hand without expecting anything in return.

Today, we’d simply like to acknowledge Tim and say a genuine thank you for his friendship, kindness and ongoing support.

People like Tim don’t always get the recognition they deserve, but their generosity never goes unnoticed.

Thanks for everything, Tim. We truly appreciate it.

Cheers,
Des & the AutoFX WA Team

Tim Slako and the Team at West Racing have been racing and servicing cars since 1974.

08/10/2026

Brandon sanded this scratch with 2000 grit OPTIX foam sanding disc which is so much safer than and 2000 grit paper regardless or brand. Its that good
Slower but a lot safer

08/10/2026

240 grit needed to clean the rotor cover

08/10/2026

What’s the small significance of the new centre cap i have just put on?

07/10/2026

Ceramic coating provides valuable protection—but it does not make your vehicle damage-proof.

It can make paint easier to clean, improve resistance to everyday contamination and help preserve a properly prepared finish. However, ceramic coating cannot prevent:

• Stone chips from road debris
• Deep scratches
• Shopping-trolley and car-door dents
• Swirl marks caused by poor washing
• Water spots when mineral-filled water is left to dry
• Damage from bird droppings left on the paint
• Failing clear coat or poor previous paint repairs

For physical impact protection, paint protection film is the stronger option. Some vehicles benefit from PPF across the high-impact areas and ceramic coating over the remaining paint.

At AutoFX WA, we prefer explaining the real limitations instead of promising protection that no liquid coating can provide.

Read the complete article:
https://autofxwa.com.au/what-ceramic-coating-cannot-protect-against/

06/10/2026

Should you choose a three-year or six-year ceramic coating?

The longest-lasting option is not automatically the best choice for every vehicle.

At AutoFX WA, our three-year options include OPTiX OP888 and a single layer of OPTiX FMJ. Our six-year system uses two separately applied layers of FMJ, with the correct time allowed between each layer.

The appropriate choice depends on:

• How long you intend to keep the vehicle
• Whether it is a daily driver or occasional-use car
• How it is stored and maintained
• The present condition of the paint
• Whether the paint may need further polishing in several years

Preparation creates the gloss and clarity. The coating helps protect and preserve that prepared finish—but it cannot prevent stone chips, deeper scratches or every washing mark.

Our latest article explains the practical differences without assuming the longest option is right for everybody.

Read the comparison:
https://autofxwa.com.au/three-year-vs-six-year-ceramic-coating/

06/10/2026

Ceramic coating and paint protection film are often treated as competing versions of the same product. They are not.

PPF provides a substantially thicker physical barrier against suitable stone impacts, road debris and minor abrasions.

Ceramic coating creates a much thinner protective surface that makes dirt and environmental contamination easier to remove while helping preserve a properly prepared painted finish.

Recent vehicles in our workshop demonstrate the difference clearly.

The black Lexus 500h received paint preparation followed by OPTiX FMJ ceramic coating to improve ongoing maintenance, slickness and protection from normal environmental contamination.

David’s Toyota bZ Tourer received a matte PPF conversion. Its badges and door handles were removed so the film could be fitted more cleanly around the edges and openings before the components were refitted.

The matte film changed the Toyota’s appearance while providing physical protection for the factory paint underneath—something ceramic coating cannot provide.

The practical choice is straightforward:

• Choose ceramic coating for easier cleaning, strong water behaviour and protection from environmental contamination.
• Choose PPF when stone-chip and physical-impact protection are the priorities.
• Choose both when you want physical protection in vulnerable areas combined with easier maintenance across the vehicle.

See a matte PPF conversion on a Toyot BZ https://youtu.be/U-nrunU5xsU?si=_ano2ZCK3--bTnAJ

Read our complete ceramic coating versus PPF guide:

https://autofxwa.com.au/ceramic-coating-vs-ppf-perth/

Ceramic-coating services:

https://autofxwa.com.au/new-car-coating-package/

Paint protection film services:

https://autofxwa.com.au/services/paintprotectionfilm/