Buffing and shining for a living

With a background in panel beating and a passion for cars, business owner Donovan de Bruyn moved from KZN to the West Rand for a better future.

Along with his family of three, he decided to start a business of his own to make ends meet and still exercise his love for upkeeping vehicles.

Our life in Durban was very uncertain and challenging. The accommodation and cost of living, as well as the fact that most of our family is in Randfontein, were the main reasons for moving.

“Family is very important to us, and with a son who was in Grade Four at the time, it was important for him to get to know his family,” he expressed.

He further stated that his job in Durban refused to pay employee wages from time to time, which put a lot of stress on Donovan to fulfil his obligations as a husband and father.

“Those were difficult times, but they formed us as a family and only strengthened our bond. Today, we look back and see how God’s hand led us to where we are today. Job opportunities for a young man without the right qualifications are scarce, and what is available is just too small a salary to support a family. After much discussion and prayer, my wife and I decided to take a chance and start our own business,” he explained.

This industry is extremely competitive. I have learnt that you should never give up.

“You have to have perseverance and endurance to hold onto your dreams. Because if you don’t, someone else will take it.”

He specialises in the paint protection of both old and new cars along with protection against UV rays, oxidisation, sea air and road grimes among other.

“Just as you would take your car for regular services, it is important to also check your car’s paint and exterior annually. By looking after your car, irrespective of its age, you can maintain the highest value and drive around with pride,” he stated.

Donovan further explained the upkeep is usually done manually with a hand polish. Thereafter, a three-way protection application is used to removed dirt, oxidise paint, and buff minor scratches. A sealant is then used on the paintwork of any vehicle which protects it against fading, discoloring and loss of gloss for one year. A person can also maintain the exterior of their vehicle by glazing, waxing, headlight restoration and ceramic coating.

He noted there are various benefits to maintaining a vehicle. This includes colour restoration, prevention of water stains, protection against sun damage, shields against dirt and discolouration.

He also gave a few tips regarding the upkeep of a vehicle:

• Wash your car regularly (and correctly). Keeping your car clean is one of the most effective ways to preserve its paint. Dirt, bird droppings, tree sap, and other contaminants can stick to the surface and cause long-term damage if not removed promptly
• Wax your car for extra protection
• Avoid parking in direct sunlight
• Use paint sealants or ceramic coating
• Handle scratches and chips immediately

“Neglecting to look after your car’s paint will result in your car’s value depreciating. It is sad to see that people sometimes leave the scratches and marks [because it’s so small, they say] and over time, more are added to the car and before you know it, a new spray job is required, costing you an arm and a leg where it could have been prevented.

“Take pride in your car because apart from your home, it is the second largest thing that you will purchase in your lifetime. So make sure that it lasts for many years to come.

Treat your car as a part of the family. It never talks back, always takes you where you want to go, and will stand by your side as long as you look after it,” he concluded.