The Detailing Process Explained

This is a brief outline of what gets done to your car when you chose one of the High End Detail Options.


The very first stage of the process is a vehicle inspection with the owner. This inspection is done when the car is dropped off for the detail. Every body panel is inspected one at a time for various imperfections which may need to be discussed prior to starting. The entire interior from the carpet to the headliner is also looked over. Expect this process to last anywhere from fifteen minutes to thirty minutes depending on the vehicle.

Exterior
Our style of detailing is very different then others because we do not use polishes with fillers, or glazes. Polishes with fillers and glazes are commonly used to get the job done quickly. These fillers wash away quickly leaving your paint with the same imperfections as before. This is a short cut way of polishing which gives you an illusion that the imperfections have been removed. However, this will only last for a few days.

First, the tires and wheel wells are degreased and scrubbed down. The wheels are cleaned inside and out with a safe, pH balanced gel wheel cleaner and several brushes. Then the lower body panels are degreased to remove any caked on debris. The paint is then pre- soaked to remove any loose dirt. Then the car is hand washed using the two bucket method. Next, the entire car is clayed including the windows, lights, small crevices, and around the emblems. The clay bar gets rid of the small contaminants embedded in the paint which regular washing can't remove. This leaves the paint surface extremely smooth and free of tiny dirt particles. This is a very important step in correctly prepping the paint for polishing and achieving an optimum finish.

After washing and claying the car, it is cleaned again with a paint cleaner to remove any remaining wax, grease, or oils. Then the car is taped off and the paint is inspected to determine what kind of polish is needed. Most of the time cars require a two or three step polish. The first step involves using a more aggressive polish, or compound. This step REMOVES imperfections and levels the paint. During the second step we use a moderate polish to remove all marring from the previous step and restore gloss. The final step is referred to as "jeweling", this is when maximum gloss is achieved. During and after polishing, the paint is wiped down with a paint cleaner to remove any oils that may be hiding paint defects, and to prep the paint for applying the layer of protection. Please email us for more information on the polishing process.

After polishing is complete, all jambs are cleaned and the entire car is rewashed with 0 ppm water from a de- ionized water filtration system. This removes all polishing dust and ensures a spot- free finish. The car is then inspected in full sun to ensure there are no holograms or remaining imperfections which should of been removed. Then we apply the final coat of perfection. We offer several different types of waxes, synthetic waxes, and sealants to meet your needs.

All metal is polished, the outside of the windows are cleaned, and convertible tops receive a long lasting silicon free protectant. A sealant is applied to the wheels which increases their shine and protects them from brake dust. The tires, weather stripping, exterior plastic, etc. is dressed with water based dressings. Many detailers use cheaper dressings which contain petroleum based silicon oils. These silicon oils will remove the protective coating on tires and can cause sidewall failure. These types of dressings can also sling onto the paint which can stain the paint and require repainting, or even replacing the entire panel. 

Interior
All of the products used on your interior surfaces are gentle and effective. They are pH balanced, water based, and don't contain petroleum based silicon oils. These silicon oils can cause vinyl, rubber, and plastic to fade and give it a chalky white appearance. We do NOT dilute heavy duty all purpose cleaners, which can still be unsafe for many interior surfaces.

All vinyl, plastic, and rubber is cleaned and receives an anti- static protectant leaving a fresh, matte, and non- greasy finish. The gauge cluster, radio screens, and navigation screens and cleaned and protected. All plastic wood trim is cleaned, polished, and protected. The pedals are also thoroughly cleaned and protected.

The leather is vacuumed, then cleaned and protected using dedicated leather products. This cleaner safely removes dirt, grease, and oils from the leather to prevent cracking and restores it to it's original condition. The protectant will not leave the leather greasy or shiny.

All carpet is vacuumed, spot treated, shampooed, and hot water extracted. Cloth seats are also shampooed and hot water extracted. Then all fabric and carpet receives a fabric guard to help repel water, dirt, and grease.

The inside of all the windows are cleaned using a tint safe, ammonia free cleaner.

Additional Options

  1. Headlight Restoration- This will make your old hazy yellowed headlights look brand new again.
  2. Wet sanding/ compounding- Some very deep scratches cannot be removed by polishing alone. To remove these deep scratches the paint must be wet sanded and compounded.
  3. Upgrade to Swissvax Concorso- This is a famous high end show car wax containing 51% by volume pure Brazilian grade Carnauba wax.