Detailed

Image
Auto Detailing Guide
Table of Contents
Wash & Dry
Why Should You Wash Your Car?
How Often Should You Wash Your Car?
Pre-wash Setup
Pre-wash Degreasing
Pre-wash Degreasing How-To
Traditional Two Bucket Wash
Incorporating a Foam Gun
Sheeting Method
Drying Your Vehicle
Rinseless Wash
Waterless Wash
Iron Removers
Facts and Tips
Related Articles
Related Videos
What's Next?

Clay Bar
What Does a Clay Bar Do?
How Often Should You Clay Bar?
Clay Bar Prep
Choosing a Clay Lubricant
How To Clay Bar
Decontamination Pads and Towels
Facts and Tips
Related Articles
Related Videos
What's Next?

Polish
Why Polish Your Car?
When To Polish Your Car
Why Use a Buffer?
Buffer Comparison Chart
Random Orbital Polisher
Forced Random Orbital Polisher
Rotary Buffer
 Choosing a Backing Plate
Hand Polishing
Choosing Polishes
Compounds
Cutting Polishes
Finishing Polishes
All-In-One
Choosing Pads
Pad Types
Smaller vs Larger
Pad Cleaning and Storage
How To Polish
Proper Lighting
Taping
Random Orbital Polisher
Forced Random Orbital Polisher
Rotary Buffer
Hand Polishing
Facts and Tips
Related Articles
Related Videos
What's Next?

Glaze
What Does Glaze Do?
Do I Need To Apply Glaze?
How To Apply a Glaze
Random Orbital Polisher
Forced Random Orbital Polisher
Rotary Buffer
Hand Application
Facts and Tips
Related Articles
What's Next?

Sealant
What Do Sealants Do?
Layering and Cure Times
How Long Do Sealants Last?
How To Apply a Sealant
 Random Orbital Polisher
Forced Random Orbital Polisher
Hand Application
Facts and Tips
Related Articles
What's Next?

Coatings
What Are Semi-Permanent Paint Coatings?
How To Apply a Coating
Layering and Cure Times
How Long Do Coatings Last?
Maintenance and Re-Application
Facts and Tips
Related Articles
Related Videos

Wax
What Does Wax Do?
Layering and Cure Times
How Often Should You Wax Your Car?
How To Apply Wax
Facts and Tips
Related Articles
Related Videos
What's Next?

Microfiber Towels
What Is Microfiber?
Is All Microfiber The Same?
Microfiber Care
Facts and Tips
Related Articles

Wheel & Tire

Why Wheel Care Is Important
How Often Should You Care For Your Wheels?
Wheel Care How-To
Clean and Maintain
Polish
 Protect
Wheel Care Facts and Tips
Why Tire Care Is Important
How Often Should You Care For Your Tires?
Tire Care How-To
Tire Care Facts and Tips
Related Articles
Related Videos

Exterior
Exterior Trim
Trim
Why Trim Care Is Important
How Often Should You Care For Your Trim?
How To Treat Trim
Facts and Tips
Related Articles

Glass
Glass
Why Glass Care Is Important
How Often Should You Care For Your Glass?
How To Clean Interior Glass
How To Clean Exterior Glass
Facts and Tips
Related Articles
Related Videos

Interior
Interior
Why Interior Care Is Important
How To Clean and Protect Carpet
How To Care For Interior Trim
How To Care For Leather Seats
Leatherique Leather Care Application
Facts and Tips
Related Articles
Related Videos

Engine
Engine Bay
Bay
Is It Safe To Detail Your Engine Bay?
How Often Should You Detail Your Engine Bay?
Prep Work and Precautions
 How To Detail Your Engine Bay
Facts and Tips
Related Articles

Detailing
Detailing Dictionary
Dictionary
Wash
Wash and
and Dry
Dry

Why
Why Should
Should You
You Wash
Wash Your
Your Car?
Car?
Washing and drying is the foundation of any detail, whether it's simply maintaining your vehicle with a
wash and dry or the start of a long detailing process. It's often overlooked that properly washing and
drying your vehicle is the single most important step in any detailing process. This is due to the fact
that most imperfections (swirls, scratches, water spots, etc.) are added to your paint during the
washing and drying phase. With the proper tools, products and technique, you can easily minimize
adding imperfections to your paint. There are various methods you can use to properly wash, which
will be explained below in detail.

How
How Often
Often Should
Should You
You Wash
Wash Your
Your Car?
Car?
We recommend washing once every week or two.

Pre-wash
Pre-wash Setup
Setup
There's a few things you want to do to get setup prior to any wash using a hose as your source of
water. Properly preparing everything before you start your wash process will help things go smoother,
which can help cut down on the time it takes to wash your vehicle. Being able to properly wash
quickly will cut down on the chances of water spots forming on your vehicle, which can require a lot of
time and effort to remove. To further eliminate any possibility of adding water spots to your paint, you
can invest in a water purifier system, which removes any minerals from your water making it nearly
impossible for water spots to form.

Recommended Setup Procedure Prior to Washing

Step 1: Attach your hose to your water source
Optional Step: Set up your in-line water purifier for a mineral free wash
Step 2: Unwind the hose and walk it around your vehicle and ensure you can easily spray and
rinse every panel
Step 3: Attach the shut-off valve to the end of your hose (make sure the valve is closed)
Step 4: Turn on your water source
Step 5: Attach your spray nozzle to the shut-off valve coupler
Step 6: Place the Grit Guard insert or Dirt Lock into your designated rinse bucket
 Step 7: Turn your shut-off valve to open
Step 8: Fill each bucket up about half way up with water
Step 9: Soak your wash media in the clean rinse bucket until you are ready to wash

Pre-wash
Pre-wash Degreasing
Degreasing
When heavy contamination has built up over time, you may want to utilize a stronger cleaner than just
your shampoo, such as a degreaser, to help break up and loosen dirt, tar, sap, bird droppings, and
other stubborn forms of contamination. It's usually best to degrease prior to shampooing your vehicle,
so that as you shampoo your vehicle, it ensures there is no degreaser remaining on your vehicle. It's
important to note that most degreasers will usually remove protective layers of sealant or wax, so use
as needed. It's important that you know you'll need to re-apply your coat(s) of protection.

Pre-wash Degreasing How-To

Note: Always read the directions of your product first and follow their recommendations when
outlined. Also, check to make sure the product you are using is safe to use on the surface you plan
on degreasing.
Step 1: Choose your desired strength of the degreaser, many products can be diluted, while
maintaining effectiveness
Step 2: Starting with the lower portion of your vehicle working upwards, mist the degreaser onto
your vehicle
Step 3: Let the product dwell on your vehicle (usually 30 seconds - 5 minutes) as it works to
break up and loosen the contamination from your vehicle
Step 4: Choose a wash media to use and soak it in the clean water for a few seconds
Step 5: Working in small areas, wipe the area you are degreasing with the wash media, using as
little pressure as possible
Step 6: Rinse the wash media in a separate rinse bucket, running your mitt or sponge over the
Grit Guard insert or Dirt Lock to release as much contamination as possible
Step 7: Repeat steps 2 through 6 until each area on your vehicle you degreased has been
agitated with the wash media and water
Step 8: When finished degreasing, clean out your two buckets and fill them up with fresh water
Step 9: Proceed to wash and dry your vehicle

Traditional
Traditional Two
Two Bucket
Bucket Wash
Wash
Using the two bucket wash method is one of the safest ways to maintain your vehicle while
minimizing the possibility of adding imperfections to the paint. It's very beneficial to master this
technique as it can be used in conjunction with various other washing methods, such as washing with
a foam gun and using a rinseless shampoo.

Traditional Two Bucket Wash How-To

Step 1: Follow the Pre-wash Setup Procedure
 Step 2: Pour roughly an ounce (or as directed on the bottle) of shampoo into your non-rinse
bucket
Step 3: Spray the bucket with shampoo to generate some lather and suds
Step 4: Take your wash mitt or sponge from the rinse bucket, and dunk it into the bucket full of
suds
Step 5: Starting from the top of your vehicle, gently glide your wash mitt / sponge across a section
of your vehicle, using little to no added pressure
Step 6: Clean your wash media in your rinse bucket, running your mitt or sponge over the Grit
Guard insert or Dirt Lock to release as much contamination as possible
Step 7: Repeat steps 4 through 6 until your entire vehicle has been washed
Step 8: Thoroughly rinse off the suds from your vehicle
Step 9: Turn the shut-off valve to the off position and remove your spray nozzle
Step 10: Turn the shut-off valve back on and use the free flowing water to perform the sheeting
method
Step 11: Proceed to drying your vehicle

Incorporating
Incorporating a
a Foam
Foam Gun
Gun
Using a Gilmour Foamaster II Foam Gun in conjunction with your two bucket wash method can
further minimize adding imperfections to your paint, as well as add some fun to your wash process.
The main benefit is that you can pre-soak your vehicle with shampoo without the need to touch your
paint. This allows the surfactants in the shampoo to start lifting contamination from the surface of your
vehicle, which can also speed up the wash process.

How-To Wash using a Gilmour Foamaster II Foam Gun

Step 1: Follow the Pre-wash Setup Procedure, making sure you use the Gilmour nozzle that
comes with the Foamaster II
Step 2: Pour roughly an ounce (or as directed on the bottle) of shampoo into your non-rinse
bucket
Step 3: Spray the bucket with shampoo to generate some lather and suds
Step 4: Pour the appropriate amount of shampoo into the foam gun reservoir and add water if
desired (we like 4 - 6 ounces of shampoo with 4 - 6 ounces of water)
Step 5: Adjust the dial to the appropriate dilution setting (we like Setting E for maximum suds)
Step 6: Shake the foam gun tank to mix the shampoo and water, which helps generate more suds
Step 7: Attach the foam gun tank to the foam gun nozzle
Step 8: Starting from the top of your vehicle, cover your entire vehicle in suds with the foam gun
Step 9: Take your wash mitt or sponge from the rinse bucket, and dunk it into the bucket full of
suds
Step 10: Starting from the top of your vehicle, gently glide your wash mitt / sponge across a
section of your vehicle, using little to no added pressure
Step 11: Clean your wash media in your rinse bucket, running your mitt or sponge over the Grit
Guard insert or Dirt Lock to release as much contamination as possible
Step 12: Repeat steps 7 through 9 until your entire vehicle has been washed
 Step 13: Remove the foam gun and thoroughly rinse off the suds from your vehicle
Step 14: Turn the shut-off valve to the off position and remove your spray nozzle
Step 15: Turn the shut-off valve back on and use the free flowing water to perform the sheeting
method
Step 16: Proceed to drying your vehicle
Note: There is no one right dilution ratio for a foam gun and any shampoo combination. We
recommend you experiment with different ratios to see what you like best. If you provide a richer
concentration expect more suds and a slicker surface while washing, but if you want a great value try
diluting it more.

Sheeting
Sheeting Method
Method
The sheeting method is a simple process that allows you to dry most of your vehicle without ever
needing to touch the paint with a drying towel. The main idea behind the sheeting method is to create
a cascading effect where the water flowing onto the car combines with the water already on the
surface, pulling it down off of the vehicle. Simple physics states that like particles stick together, which
is why this method is so successful. When done properly, especially on a vehicle with a sealant or
wax on it, you are left with only a few drops of water on each panel, which can easily be absorbed
with your drying towel.

How-To Perform the Sheeting Technique

Note: This should be performed after you vehicle has been properly washed following the
recommended steps. Also, make sure your hose is dispensing free flowing water prior to starting.
Step 1: Starting from the top of your vehicle moving left to right, flood the roof until water is
pouring off the edge
Step 2: Quickly lower the hose a little to "catch" the water falling from the roof, this time moving
right to left
Step 3: Lower the hose again and continue in the opposite direction moving left to right
Step 4: Continue this technique until you reach the lowest panels of your vehicle
Step 5: Finish drying your vehicle

Drying
Drying Your
Your Vehicle
Vehicle
One of the most common mistakes people make when detailing is improperly drying their vehicle.
This is often a major cause of adding imperfections to your paint. Before putting a towel to your paint,
if you have access to a blower, we recommend blowing out panel gaps, trim pieces, lug nuts,
between mirrors and glass, and lights. This helps prevent the continuous drip from these common
areas which can be a pain when you are performing other detailing steps. For a drying towel, we
highly recommend using a microfiber waffle weave drying towel for removing any water left behind
(after performing the sheeting method of course). Waffle weave towels are textured so that it can help
pull remaining contamination away from the surface rather than dragging it across the paint like a
chamois (such as The Absorber or Shamwow). It's also much softer than a cotton bath towel, and can
hold more than 5x it's weight in water.

How-To Properly Dry Your Vehicle

Step 1: If you haven't already, be sure to perform the sheeting technique to remove a majority of
the water
Step 2: If you have access to a blower, blow out panel gaps, trim pieces, lug nuts, between
mirrors and glass, and lights to stop any dripping
Step 3: Starting from the top of your vehicle working down, blot dry (avoid dragging as much as
possible) any remaining drops of water with your waffle weave drying towel.
Note: If you are performing a maintenance wash and don't plan on doing any steps afterwards, we
recommend going over your paint with a quick detailer and a plush microfiber towel to remove any
tiny droplets of water and to enhance your paints finish. If you are moving on to claying or Polish, a
few tiny drops remaining on your vehicle are OK, as the next steps will remove them.

Rinseless
Rinseless Wash
Wash
The latest in wash technology allows you to wash your car without the need of a hose for rinsing
afterward. You still need water of course, but simply one or two buckets full will do. This allows you to
wash your car in your garage, in an apartment complex or condo, or virtually anywhere you can fill up
a couple gallons of water. Watch as Optimum No Rinse or a similar product encapsulates dirt and
other contamination and lifts it from the surface for safe removal. Keep your car clean and save the
environment at the same time with this paint safe, eco-friendly style of washing.

Rinseless Wash How-To

Step 1: Insert your Grit Guard or Dirt Lock to the bottom of your bucket
Step 2: Fill your bucket with 3 to 4 gallons of warm water
Step 3: Pour in 1 oz. of Optimum No Rinse per 2 gallons of water in your bucket
Step 4: Soak your wash media in the water and ONR solution
Step 5: Wash the surface using little to no added pressure and allow the ONR to lift contamination
off of the surface
Step 6: Rinse your wash medium and glide it across the Grit Guard or Dirt Lock insert to help
release as much contamination as possible
Step 7: Repeat steps 4 - 6 until your entire vehicle has been washed
Step 8: Blot dry using waffle weave drying towels
Step 9: Follow up with your choice of quick detailer and a plush microfiber towel to ensure no
streaking or water is left behind
Note: On heavily contaminated vehicles, we recommend pre-treating the panel you are working on
with a mixture of ONR in a spray bottle, prior to washing. This will help lift the contamination prior to
touching your vehicle, helping minimize adding any imperfections to the paint.

Waterless
Waterless Wash
Wash
This is the perfect step to use a day or two after a wash when there is simply a layer of light dust on
your paint. Waterless wash options are simple, quick and effective. These products are like quick
detailers, loaded with cleaners and surfactants to help remove light contamination without marring
your finish. Our two most popular products are Poorboy's Spray & Wipe and Chemical Guys Go
Green! Waterless Wash. They are best used with plush microfiber towels. Please know that this does
not replace traditional washes. On heavily contaminated vehicles, you will add marring and swirls to
the finish, waterless washes are designed to remove a layer of light dust safely.

Waterless Wash How-To

Step 1: Mist the waterless wash product onto the surface you are trying to clean
Step 2: Let product dwell for 30 seconds to a couple of minutes
Step 3: Using a plush microfiber towel, gently wipe the surface clean
Step 4: Using a second plush microfiber towel, buff away any streaks
Step 5: Repeat steps 1 - 4 until the entire vehicle has been cleaned
Note: For added lubricity, you can mist the microfiber towel prior to wiping the dusty surface.

Iron
Iron Removers
Removers
Iron removers safely and effectively dissolve iron buildup on the paint or embedded in it. Using an
iron remover reduces or eliminates the need for a clay bar. Clay bars can mar the paint and take a lot
of time to use, so iron removers are very effective by comparison. Upon completion the paint should
be cleaner, thus improving the results of your polishing and protecting steps.
Step 1: After thoroughly washing the car with a soapy solution, rinse it well so nothing remains on
the surface.
Step 2: Either continually keep the car wet or dry completely before Step 3 so as to avoid water
marks.
Step 3: Spray the iron remover onto the paint surface and wheels then wait a bit, following the
instructions of the product. (Some products may vary in wait times, but it's usually a few minutes
or less. Most iron removers will show off the iron removal by turning a red or purple color,
indicating it's reacting properly and working.)
Step 4: After waiting the specified time period, rinse off the surface completely and inspect for any
remaining iron deposits.
Step 5: Repeat Step 3 as necessary. Usually on older cars, even when there doesn't look to be
any contamination on the surface, spraying an iron remover a second time will show some left
over spots.
Step 6: After doing a final rinse, dry the car in shade as usual and proceed to the next step,
whether it be clay bar, polishing or protecting.

Facts
Facts and
and Tips
Tips
Use as little pressure as possible with your wash medium
Allow the shampoo to do most of the cleaning, not your force
 Using a foam gun to pre-soak your vehicle can help minimize adding imperfections
It's always best practice to wash and dry in the shade, out of direct sunlight
Always use two wash buckets, one with shampoo and water, and one with rinse water
Using a Grit Guard insert or Dirt Lock helps release contamination from your wash mitt
Use a separate wash media for your wheels and tires, heavy contaminated areas, and lightly
contaminated areas
Pre-treat heavily contaminated areas of your vehicle with a degreaser
Rinse your wash media as frequently as possible (every panel or so)
The more contaminated your vehicle is, the more often you should rinse your mitt or sponge
It's good practice to wash weekly or every two weeks
Using a shut off valve allows you to quickly remove a hose nozzle without getting wet or running
to the water source
You can use a second Grit Guard insert or Dirt Lock in each bucket with shampoo and water
Some shampoos can be used to strip off previous coats of protection when used in high
concentration
Using a Grit Guard insert or Dirt Lock helps trap contamination on the bottom of the bucket
Utilize the sheeting method to remove most of the water from your vehicle
A waffle weave drying towel is the safest product to use to dry your vehicle
Instead of wiping with your drying towel, blot the paint to minimize adding imperfections
Using a blower can help remove water between panels, mirrors, gaps, lug nuts and other hard to
reach areas
Optimum No Rinse is an excellent wash option for people without access to a hose

Related
Related Articles
Articles
Here are a few articles related to Washing & Drying from our Ask-a-Pro Detailer Blog:
How To Properly Wash and Dry a Car
Wash and Wx in 60 Minutes Featuring Optimum No Rinse
Spot Free Washing and Drying With CR Spotless
My Wash Process for Maintenace Washings
Winter Washing with Optimum No Rinse (ONR)
How to Safely Wash You Car in the Winter
Safely Removing Pollen Will Save Your Paint
Product Review: Detailed Image Waffle Weave Drying Towel
The Grit Guard 2x4 Wash Method
Detailing Car Wash Methods Examined: Traditional Washing
Car Cleaning - Car Soap Versus Dish Washing Detergent
Drying Tips for Coated Vehicles
View all Washing & Drying articles

Related
Related Videos
Videos
Ask-a-Pro Blog author James Melfi goes through the proper wash process for washing your car.
What's
What's Next?
Next?
After you've properly washed your vehicle, the next step in the entire detailing process is to clay your
paint to remove embedded contamination that was not removed during the wash. If this was simply a
maintenance wash, consider adding a coat of sealant or wax, or even use a quick detailer to enhance
the gloss and depth.
Clay
Clay Bar
Bar

What
What Does
Does a
a Clay
Clay Bar
Bar Do?
Do?
Using a clay bar will remove embedded surface contamination that still remains after a maintenance
wash. Sometimes the contamination removed is not always visible on the paint to the naked eye.
After using a clay bar on your paint you will be left with a surface that is as smooth as glass and
properly prepped. It is now ready for polish or for you to apply layers of protection. Not only can you
clay your vehicles paint, but glass, wheels, lights and more. A common misconception about using a
clay bar is that it has an impact on removing swirls and scratches, it does not.

How
How Often
Often Should
Should You
You Clay
Clay Bar?
Bar?
We recommend using a clay bar roughly twice a year, or before details where you plan on polishing
the paint. If your car is subject to industrial fallout or heavily contaminated areas, using a clay bar
more often may be required.

Clay
Clay Bar
Bar Prep
Prep
Before using a clay bar, your car should be washed and dried to remove a majority of contamination
on your vehicle. The more contaminated the paint is the more likely imperfections can be added
during the clay bar process.

Choosing
Choosing a
a Clay
Clay Lubricant
Lubricant
There are two common types of clay lube, quick detailers and a combination of water and shampoo
solution. The clay bar lubricant provides a slick surface for you to glide your clay over. If you use the
clay on paint without clay lube, you'll notice that the clay won't slide across your paint and you can
easily add marring and leave behind pieces of clay on your paint which can be a pain to remove.
Many detailers use a quick detailer as their clay lube. We recommend using one that has some
cleaning power and little or no protective properties. This helps loosen the embedded contamination
from the paint and yields great results. Poorboy's Spray & Wipe is a good clay lube because it's a
great cleaner and creates a slick surface to work on.
Another popular option is to use a mixture of Optimum No Rinse and water. It has cleaning agents
that help lift contamination from the surface, provides a slippery surface to glide your clay over and
cleans up nicely. Simply add 2 ounces of ONR to a gallon of water and you have yourself a great clay
bar lubricant.

How
How To
To Clay
Clay Bar
Bar
Step 1: Wash and dry your vehicle
Step 2: Break off a small piece of clay that you will be working with and shape it into a flat surface
Step 3: Working in small 18" x 18" sections, mist the clay bar lubricant over your working area, so
that every square inch is covered in clay lube
Step 4: Gently glide the clay bar over your working area using overlapping passes going left to
right or up and down. Note: You do not want to rely on a lot of downward force to clean the paint.
You should allow the clay to absorb the contamination. Stubborn contamination can require a
good amount of time, clay lube and passes to remove.
Step 5: Continue working on an area until all contamination is removed. You can tell this has
happened because the clay will slide effortlessly across the paint and you will not hear any
contamination being picked up by the clay.
Step 6: Wipe off the excess clay lube with a microfiber towel
Step 7: Continue steps 3 - 6 until the entire car has been properly clayed
Note: Reshape your piece of clay after each section so that there is a clean fresh surface exposed. If
you cannot reveal a fresh surface, break off a new piece of clay. To increase the life of your clay bar,
spray the bar with a clay lube and store it in a clay bar storage container.

Decontamination
Decontamination Pads
Pads and
and Towels
Towels
Decontamination pads and towels utilize a urethane rubber face to help clean the exterior paint,
glass, etc. making it easier and quicker than a traditional clay bar. These pads and towels can be
washed and reused, even if dropped on the floor, whereas a clay bar should be trashed after it picks
up some heavy contamination or is dropped on a dirty garage floor. In some instances, an aggressive
clay bar may be necessary either before or after the decontamination pad or towel is used, but most
of the time these will eliminate the need for a clay bar.
Step 1: After thoroughly washing the car, prepare for the decontamination process by drying the
vehicle and working in the shade.
Step 2: If necessary, use a clay bar to remove really stubborn contamination such as tree sap and
tar. Clay bar may work better for this and will prolong the life of your decon pads or towels.
Step 3: Once the car is prepped, simply work section by section or panel by panel, spraying the
lube liberally and lightly wiping with the pad or towel back and forth removing contaminants. If the
pad skips or feels dry use more lube.
Step 4: When you are done with each section wipe away excess lube with a clean microfiber
towel. Fold the towel in fourths and expose a fresh surface each section. Usually this involves
several towels to cover an entire vehicle for best results.
Step 5: Depending on the amount of contamination, it's a good idea to rinse the pad or towel
under running water or in a bucket every 1 - 3 panels so the surface is clean.
 Step 6: Once the entire car is decontaminated, you can give it a final rinse and dry if you want to
be extra through. If you were already wiping away excess lube carefully and thoroughly you can
be done. Sometimes however there's just too much contamination that it's better to simply give it
a final wash and dry.

Facts
Facts and
and Tips
Tips
If you drop a piece of clay, throw it away!
Working on a small area ensures that your clay lube will not dry up too fast
Do not use too much pressure when gliding a clay bar across the lubricated surface
Using a quick detailer that leaves behind a slick surface is often good as a clay bar lubricant
For most vehicles, we recommend using a fine grade clay bar
A medium grade clay bar will almost always leave behind some marring that needs to be polished
to remove
Optimum No Rinse mixed with water is a common clay bar lubricant amongst professionals
You can often tell if there is contamination still on the surface by listening closely as your clay
Avoid using a clay bar in direct sunlight so that your clay lube does not dry up quickly
Cutting your clay bar into small pieces helps preserve your clay in the event you drop a piece
Always try to reshape your clay to expose a fresh, clean piece of clay
When storing your clay bar, mist some of your clay lube in the bag or container to keep is soft and
flexible
It's good practice to re-wash your vehicle after using a clay bar to remove any loosened
contamination and to remove excess clay bar residue
Clay not only works well on your paint, but also your glass, wheels, plastics and other surfaces

Related
Related Articles
Articles
Here are a few articles related to Clay Bars from our Ask-a-Pro Detailer Blog:
How to Properly Use a Clay Bar
Why Claying is Vital
Stoner's Tarminator Not Just For Removing Tar
Tutorial: How to Prep a Car For Polishing
Video: Fiat Show Car Saved From Paint Overspray
Auto Detailing Maintenance Schedules
Ask DI: Should I Use a Traditional Clay Bar or a Clay Alternative?
When to "Clay" Your Car
NanoSkin AutoScrub Foam Pad
Product Review: NanoSkin AutoScrub Sponges
Product Review: Nanoskin Autoscrub Foam Pads
View all Clay Bar articles

Related
Related Videos
Videos
Ask-a-Pro Blog author James Melfi goes through his process of decontaminating and claying your
paint.

What's
What's Next?
Next?
After your paint has been clayed it is good practice to give the car a re-wash before proceeding to the
next step, which is polishing your paint. Re-washing your vehicle can ensure that any loosened
contamination is removed and that all of the clay bar lubricant is removed. The wash should go much
quicker since there should be nearly no contamination on the vehicle and you should be able to sheet
dry very effectively since your paint will be ultra smooth. After the re-wash, then you want to polish
your paint.
Polish
Polish

Why
Why Polish
Polish Your
Your Car?
Car?
Polishing is the step in the detailing process that yields the most dramatic difference in your paint's
appearance. The objective of polishing is to remove imperfections in the clear coat that cause the
paint to look dull. Surface imperfections can include swirls, scratches, water spots, etchings, industrial
fallout, oxidation, etc. These surface imperfections cause light to fragment instead of passing directly
through the clear coat yielding less gloss and depth. When these imperfections are removed, you will
reveal the true potential of your vehicle's paint.
A swirl mark is a very thin and shallow scratch on the surface of your paint, that often comes from
washing and drying improperly. Waxes, sealants and most glazes will not permanently remove these
surface imperfections at best they will hide them temporarily. To eliminate these imperfections safely
and permanently you want to polish the surface starting with a less aggressive polish and using more
aggressive polishes as needed. The chemical polishing agents and/or the polishing particles will
safely remove the extremely fine imperfections.

When
When To
To Polish
Polish Your
Your Car
Car
We recommend only polishing as needed, which is typically around one to two times per year during
a full detail. After a thorough multiple step polishing process has been completed you can maintain
the finish properly using the correct washing and drying products and techniques. Keeping the paint
in good condition will ensure it needs less frequent polishing.

Why
Why Use
Use a
a Buffer?
Buffer?
While you can polish by hand, it is highly recommended to use a quality buffer for maximum results.
When you remove imperfections in your paint, you are working in polishing particles thoroughly and
evenly. To do this by hand, you need to use a fair amount of pressure while moving the pad rather
quickly. To put it in perspective, the standard in the industry for buffers is the Porter Cable 7424 XP.
This buffer can generate 6,800 oscillations per minute at full speed very safely and effectively.
Imagine trying to move your arm 6,800 times per minute for hours on end, all while exerting 10 - 15
lbs of pressure on the applicator pad. It's impossible to duplicate by hand and it can be tiresome to do
a small fraction of this work by hand.
Another main advantage of a buffer is its ability to work with various pads that help increase the
polishing power. For example a blue pad is extremely soft so it's used for extremely fine polishes, but
if you use an orange pad it's more dense and can work in a medium cutting polish extremely well.
Best of all these pads all use the same hook and loop backing so you simply slap them on and pull
them off with ease and no tools are needed. Below we will outline some of the most popular buffers
for detailers and what pads and polishes they work great with. There is no one best buffer and there
is no one best combination of pad and polishes, however our recommendations come from years of
experience and consistently yield excellent results.
To see a comparison of the technical specifications between buffers please check out our Buffer
Comparison Chart below.

Buffer Comparison Chart

Compatible Backing
Buffer Type Speed Dial Comes With Specifications
Plates & Pads

1. 2,500
OPM 6" Pad
4.5 Amps
2. 3,400 w/permanent
2,500 - 6,800 OPM
OPM backing plate
5.75 lbs
3. 4,200 Instructions Backing Plate -
Spindle Thread 5/16-24
Random OPM manual Dual Action 3" - 6"
Speed Dial (1 - 6)
orbital 4. 5,000 Side handle Buffer Pads - 3" -
90 day guarantee, 1yr mfg &
OPM Built in 6" 7"
3yr parts warranty
5. 5,900 counterweight
Does not come with a
Porter Cable 7424XP OPM Wrench for
backing plate
6. 6,800 backing plate
OPM

500 Watts
Backing Plate: 6"
Weight: 5.95 lbs
Orbit: 21-13/16"
Cord Length: 29.5ft
Backing Plate -
Spindle Mounting hole: 8
Random 3,000 RPM - Built in 6" backing Rupes 5" - 6"
mm x 1.25 mm female
orbital 4,500 RPM plate Buffer Pads - 5" -
thread
7"
Improved ergonomics
Electronic speed control dial
Rupes MarkIII 21
Progressive trigger
1 year warranty
Made in Italy

500 Watts
Backing Plate: 5"
Weight: 5.73 lbs
Orbit: 15-19/32"
Cord Length: 29.5ft
Spindle Mounting hole: 8 Backing Plate -
Random 3,000 RPM - Built in 5" backing mm x 1.25 mm female Rupes 5" - 6"
orbital 5,200 RPM plate thread Buffer Pads - 5" -
Improved ergonomics 7"
Electronic speed control dial
Rupes MarkIII 15 Progressive trigger
 1 year warranty
Made in Italy

500 Watt output

Orbit Size: 21 mm
Machine weight: 5.73 lbs
Spindle Mounting hole: 8
mm x 1.25 mm female
Backing Plate -
thread
Random 2,500 RPM - Built in 6" backing Rupes 5" - 6"
Speed control soft start to
orbital 4,700 RPM plate Buffer Pads - 5" -
prevent product sling
7"
Electronic speed control
maintains constant speed
Rupes MarkII 21
New ergonomic front handle
1 year warranty
Made in Italy

500 Watt output

Orbit Size: 15 mm
Machine Weight: 5.73 lbs
Spindle mounting hole: 8
mm x 1.25 mm female
Backing Plate -
thread
Random 2,500 RPM - Built in 5" backing Rupes 5" - 6"
Speed control soft start to
orbital 5,300 RPM plate Buffer Pads - 5" -
prevent product sling
7"
Electronic speed control
maintains constant speed
Rupes MarkII 15
New ergonomic front handle
1 year warranty
Made in Italy

400 Watt output

Orbit Size: 12 mm
Machine Weight: 5.73 lbs
Built in 5"
Speed control soft start to Backing Plate -
backing plate
Random 4,000 RPM - prevent product sling Rupes 5"
Rupes Yellow
orbital 5,500 RPM Electronic speed control Buffer Pads - 5" -
Polishing Foam
maintains constant speed 7"
Pad - 5"
New ergonomic front handle
Rupes LHR 12E
1 year warranty
Duetto
Made in Italy

400 Watt output

Orbit Size: 12 mm
Machine Weight: 5.07 lbs
Built in 3"
Speed control soft start to Backing Plate -
backing plate
Random 4,000 RPM - prevent product sling Rupes 3"
Rupes Yellow
orbital 5,500 RPM Electronic speed control Buffer Pads - 3" -
Polishing Foam
maintains constant speed 4"
Pad - 4"
New ergonomic front handle
Rupes LHR 75E Mini 1 year warranty
Made in Italy

15mm Throw
 Built in 3" 320 l/min Max Air Backing Plate -
Random
0 - 11,000 RPM backing plate Consumption Rupes 3"
orbital
2x allen Machine Weight: 5.07 lbs Buffer Pads - 3" -
wrenches Ergonomic Control Lever 4"
1 year warranty
Made in Italy

Rupes BigFoot
Pneumatic Mini -
LHR75

500 Watt output

Orbit Size: 21 mm
Spindle Mounting hole: 8
mm x 1.25 mm female
Backing Plate -
thread
Random 2,000 RPM - Built in 6" Rupes 5" - 6"
Speed control soft start to
orbital 4,200 RPM backing plate Buffer Pads - 5" -
prevent product sling
7"
Electronic speed control
maintains constant speed
Rupes LHR 21ES
1 year warranty
Made in Italy

500 Watt output

Orbit Size: 15 mm
Spindle Mounting hole: 8
mm x 1.25 mm female
Backing Plate -
thread
Random 2,000 RPM - Built in 5" Rupes 5" - 6"
Speed control soft start to
orbital 5,200 RPM backing plate Buffer Pads - 5" -
prevent product sling
7"
Electronic speed control
maintains constant speed
Rupes LHR 15ES
1 year warranty
Made in Italy

Available in two kit Two Lithium-ion batteries

options: (18V 2.5Ah)
1. Two batteries Battery Charger
Random 3,000 RPM and a charger Corded iBrid Power Adapter Buffer Pads - 3" -
orbital -5,500 RPM 2. Two batteries, 12mm orbit function 4"
charger, 3-inch backing plate
polishes, pads, 1 year warranty
Rupes iBrid Mini
microfiber Made in Italy
HLR75 Polisher

1100 watt, 10 amp motor

Backing Plate: 6"
Orbit: 21mm
Includes 6" 10-foot quick-connect cord
backing plate (16-gauge SJO Rubber) Backing Plate -
10 ft 6 speed settings Griot's Garage
Random 2,000 OPM - Detachable Constant speed control Fanned Orbital
orbital 6,400 OPM Power Cord Trigger lock (6")
Replacement Hardened gearset lubricated Buffer Pads - 6" -
Griot's Garage Long high-carbon with Mobil MobiluxTM 7"
Throw Orbital brushes Molybdenum Grease
Polisher G21 Quick access brush side
ports
 1100 watt, 10 amp motor
Backing Plate: 5"
Orbit: 15mm
Includes 5" 10-foot quick-connect cord
Backing Plate -
backing plate (16-gauge SJO Rubber)
Griot's Garage
10ft Detachable 6 speed settings
Random 2,000 OPM - Fanned Orbital
Power Cord Constant speed control
orbital 6,400 OPM (5")
Replacement Trigger lock
Buffer Pads - 5" -
high-carbon Hardened gearset lubricated
Griot's Garage Long 6"
brushes with Mobil MobiluxTM
Throw Orbital
Molybdenum Grease
Polisher G15
Quick access brush side
ports

8 mm Throw
3,000 - 7,000 OPM
Variable Speed Control
Backing Plate -
Instructions Smooth Start Up
Random 3,000 - 7,000 Dual Action 3" - 6"
manual Reduced Vibration Control
orbital OPM Buffer Pads - 3" -
Wrench Billet Counterweight
7"
Digital Torque Management
Meguiar's MT300 Does not come with a
Dual Action Polisher backing plate

700-watt, 6-amp motor

13mm throw
Precision, CNC-machined
aluminum counterbalance
2" and 3" Premium bearing
backing plates construction
5 mm backing 10-foot quick-connect 16
Random 2,000 - 6,400 plate Allen AWG SJO rubber power Buffer Pads - 2" -
orbital OPM wrench cord 3"
Replacement 6 speed settings
Griot's Garage G13 high-carbon Speed dial accessible for
Mini Long Throw brushes right-and left-hand users
Orbital Polisher Full variable speed trigger
throttle with trigger lock
Quick access brush side
ports

1000 Watts
8.5 Amps
6" Vented Backing Plate: 6"
Backing Plate Orbit: 9mm
10ft Detachable 10-foot quick-connect 18 Backing Plate -
Power Cord AWG SJO rubber power Griot's Vented
Random 2,000 - 6,400
14 mm backing cord Orbital 5" - 6"
orbital OPM
plate wrench 6 speed settings Buffer Pads - 5" -
Replacement Fan-cooled counter-balance 7"
Griot's Garage G9
high-carbon Constant speed control
Random Orbital
brushes Quick access brush side
Polisher
ports

700 watt motor

 Includes 2" and Backing Plate: 2" and 3"
3" backing Orbit: 8mm Backing Plate -
plates 10-foot quick-connect 18 Griot's Garage
Random 2,000 - 6,400 10ft Detachable AWG SJO rubber power Vented Orbital 2"
orbital OPM Power Cord cord - 3"
Replacement 6 speed settings Buffer Pads - 2" -
high-carbon Fan-cooled counter-balance 4"
Griot's Garage G8 brushes Constant speed control
Mini Random Orbital Quick access brush side
Polisher ports

240 Watt motor

3,500 - 10,000 OPM
Soft start, constant speed
feature
An ergonomic built-in grip at
the head of the unit Backing Plate -
Random 3,500 - 10,000 3" DA backing plate
Heavy duty cord Dual Action 3"
orbital OPM included
Steel bevel gear drive for Buffer Pads - 3"
smoother operation
A standard style backing
Griot's Garage 3"
plate with a 5/16" shaft
Lifetime Warranty from
Griot's

Orbit rate, no load: 4,600 -

7,600 opm
Orbit: 15mm
Rapid Battery
Battery voltage: 18 V
Charger Backing Plate -
Battery capacity: 2.5/5.0 Ah
2x Batteries Flex XCE and
Weight without battery: 4.62
Random 4,600 - 7,600 18.0/5.0Ah XFE Backing
lbs
orbital OPM Backing Plate Plate
Time working in full power:
5" Buffer Pads - 5" -
Up to 45 minutes per battery
Flex XFE 15 150 Backing Plate 7"
(5.0Ah)
18.0 Cordless 6"
Time to charge the battery
Polisher Set
from dead to fully charged:
Approximately 40 minutes

15mm throw
Variable speed trigger with
trigger lock
5" Backing 8 position speed dial
Random 2,650 - 5,100 Plate Maintains speed and power Buffer Pads - 5" -
orbital RPM Instruction under load 6"
Manual 2.21 in. of battery clearance
Compatible with M18
Milwaukee M18
Redlithium batteries and
FUEL 15mm Polisher
chargers

21mm throw
Variable speed trigger with
trigger lock
6" Backing 8 position speed dial
Plate Maintains speed and power
Random 2,400 - 4,500 Buffer Pads - 6" -
Instruction under load
orbital RPM 7"
 Milwaukee M18 Manual 2.21 in. of battery clearance
FUEL 21mm Polisher Compatible with M18
Redlithium batteries and
chargers

Available as a kit:
1x Bigfoot iBrid
HLR15 Tool
2x DA
Intermediate
Foam Pads
350 watt motor
2x DA Fine
Backing Pads: 125 - 5"
Foam Pads
Orbit: 15 - 19/32"
2x Coarse Wool
Volt DC: 18V
Pads
Battery life time: 30 40 min
2x Fine Wool
Random 3,000 - 5,200 Charging time: 50 - 55 min Buffer Pads - 5" -
Pads
orbital RPM Weight (without battery): 3.8 6"
1x DA Coarse
pounds
Polishing
Speed Control
Rupes BigFoot iBrid Compound
Overcurrent Protection
HLR15 1x DA Fine
Electronic Switch
Polishing
LED Indicator
Compound
2x
Rechargeable
Batteries
1x Dual Battery
Charger

Available as a kit:
1x Bigfoot iBrid
HLR21 Tool
2x DA
Intermediate
Foam Pads
350 watt motor
2x DA Fine
Backing Pads: 150 - 6"
Foam Pads
Orbit: 21 - 13/16"
2x Coarse Wool
Volt DC: 18V
Pads
Battery life time: 30 40 min
2x Fine Wool
Random 3,000 - 4,500 Charging time: 50 - 55 min Buffer Pads - 6" -
Pads
orbital RPM Weight (without battery): 4.3 7"
1x DA Coarse
pounds
Polishing
Speed Control
Rupes BigFoot iBrid Compound
Overcurrent Protection
HLR21 1x DA Fine
Electronic Switch
Polishing
LED Indicator
Compound
2x
Rechargeable
Batteries
1x Dual Battery
Charger

No-load rotational speed:

140-430 rpm Backing Plate -
Backing Plate No-load orbit speed: 2,900- Flex XCE and
Forced 2,900 - 8,600 5" 8,600 opm XFE Backing
 rotation OPM Instructions 590 watt motor Plate
manual 8.8ft power-cord Buffer Pads - 5" -
8mm orbit 7"
5.7 lbs

Flex XCE 10-8 125

Corded Polisher

Orbit rate, no load: 4,600 -

7,600 opm
Orbit: 8mm
Battery voltage: 18 V
Rapid Battery
Battery capacity: 2.5/5.0 Ah
Charger
Weight without battery: 4.62
Forced 4,600 - 7,600 2x Batteries Buffer Pads - 6" -
lbs
rotation OPM 18.0/5.0Ah 7"
Time working in full power:
Installed 6"
Up to 45 minutes per battery
Flex XCE 8 125 18.0 Backing Plate
(5.0Ah)
Cordless Polisher
Time to charge the battery
Set
from dead to fully charged:
Approximately 40 minutes

5" and 6"

Powerful 1000 watt motor
Backing Plate
6.8mm throw
Forced Instruction Buffer Pads - 5" -
150 - 350 OPM 11 speed settings
rotation Manual 7"
20ft swiveled power cord
Reflection
5.5 lbs
Dynabrade Renny Board
Doyle Series DB8
Polisher

1. 3,200/160
OPM/RPM
2. 4,500/200 7.5 Amps
OPM/RPM Instructions 3,200 - 9,600 OPM
Backing Plate -
3. 5,800/270 manual 160 - 480 RPM
Forced Flex 4 3/8" - 5
OPM/RPM 5.5" backing 5.75 lbs
random 1/2"
4. 7,000/330 plate Variable speed trigger
orbital Buffer Pads - 5" -
OPM/RPM Handle Lock-on button locks the
7"
5. 8,300/400 Alan wrench trigger
Flex XC 3401 VRG OPM/RPM 1 year mfg warranty
6. 9,600/480
OPM/RPM

1", 2", 3" Micro Powerful 10-amp brushless

Backing Plates motor
13mm Orbital Fast-change drive system
Drive and Pivoting head 15, 30, 45,
Rotary Drive and 90 angles
Rotary & Digital control center
2,000 RPM - 12V 2.5 Ah - 30 Buffer Pads - 1" -
Random Fully variable speed trigger
5,000 RPM Wh Lithium-Ion 4"
orbital throttle with trigger lock
Battery
Griot's Garage THE 12V/20V Ergonomic body with
BOSS Hybrid Micro Lithium-Ion double-shot rubber
 Smart Charger Overload circuitry
Inverted rest pads

1680 Watt, 14 amp motor

8mm, 15mm and rotary
5" Backing
Rotary & functions
900 - 3,600 Plate Buffer Pads - 5" -
Random Strong 13ft cord
OPM Instruction 6"
orbital Variable speed trigger with
Manual
trigger lock
LC Power Tools
Weight: 6.9 lbs
UDOS 31E 3 in 1
Polisher

10 Amps
880 Watt
Tool Fixture: 5/8"
5.6 lbs Backing Plate -
600 - 2,100 Side handle Speed without load: 600 - Rotary 3" - 6"
Rotary
RPM included 2100 RPM Buffer Pads - 3" -
Overload protection 7"
1 year mfg warranty
Flex PE 14-2 150 Does not come with a
backing plate

1. 600 RPM Makita 9237C

2. 900 RPM Wool and 10 Amps
3. 1,500 blended pad 600 - 3,000 RPM
RPM 6" backing plate Spindle thread 5/8" - 11 Backing Plate -
4. 2,100 Makita nylon UNC Rotary 3" - 6"
Rotary
RPM tool bag 6.6 lbs Buffer Pads - 3" -
5. 2,700 Bail and side Variable speed trigger 7"
RPM handle w/lock on button
Makita 9237C-X3 6. 3,000 Hex wrench & 1 year mfg warranty
RPM centering post

7.6 Amp motor

Compact design (12" long &
4 lbs)
Easy access to tight, hard to
Instructions reach areas Backing Plate -
1,300 - 3,900
Rotary manual Soft start and smooth feel Rotary 3"
RPM
Side handle Quiet Buffer Pads - 3"
1 year manufacturer
warranty
Flex PE 8 Kompakt
Does not come with a
backing plate

700 watt, 6 amp motor

Backing Plate: 1", 2", 3"
1", 2" and 3" 10-foot quick-connect cord
backing plates (18 AWG SJO Rubber)
2" and 3" shaft 6 speed settings Griot's Mini
extensions Variable speed, dual-pivot Rotary Backing
800 - 2,500 10ft Detachable trigger throttle Plate - Set of 3
Rotary
RPM Power Cord 5/8" - 11 threaded shaft (1", 2" & 3")
Replacement Hardened gearset lubricated Buffer Pads - 1" -
Griot's Garage GR3 high-carbon with Mobil Mobilux 4"
 Mini Rotary Polisher brushes Molybdenum Grease
Quick access brush side
ports

Random Orbital Polisher

Random orbital polishers are great for both experienced professionals and first time users. Many of
these buffers are very affordable, so you can get a quality tool that will last for years. It is also
incredibly easy and safe to use so brand new users can expect excellent results with their first detail.
Random orbital buffers oscillate rather than spin. This helps reduce the amount of heat generated on
the paint and is very safe to use. Even at full speed, the risk of damaging your paint is virtually zero.
Pros:
Many affordable and high quality options available
Very safe to use at any speed
Easy to control and maneuver
Can be used with almost any hook and loop pad
Cons:
Can not remove some scratches and deeper imperfections

Forced Random Orbital Polisher

The Flex XC3401VRG dual action buffer uses a revolutionary design that really changed detailing
when it was first released. Forced random orbital polishers like the XC3401VRG have the ability to
correct imperfections nearly as fast a rotary buffer, but are totally safe to use and you won't burn the
paint with them. The Flex is a true dual action buffer, meaning it oscillates as well as utilizes forced
rotation. This creates even more power while keeping it safe and easy to use. It has plenty of
polishing power to remove many surface imperfections quickly and effectively. The ergonomics of the
buffer and unique features make it easy to operate, even for first time buffer users.
Pros:
Fast correction of swirls, scratches, water spots, oxidation and more
Powerful motor that will not bog down under pressure
Up to 9,600 OPM and 480 RPM at full speed
Variable speed trigger allows you to reduce the speed on the fly
Professional like results nearly every time you polish
Can be used to apply a compound, polish, glaze, sealant or wax
Cons:
Up front cost of the buffer

Rotary Buffer
Rotary buffers are perfect for the high end detailing enthusiast or professional detailer. Rotary buffers
can correct paint imperfections faster than random orbital or dual action buffers, however, they take
lot of practice to master and have a higher risk of damaging the paint when used incorrectly.
Pros:
Fast correction of swirls, scratches, water spots, oxidation and more
Slow starting RPM speed of 600 on some models
Cons:
Not recommended for beginner detailers due to the risk of damaging the paint

Choosing
Choosing a
a Backing
Backing Plate
Plate
Every buffer requires some form of a backing plate that allows you to attach pads to the buffer. Each
buffer may have a different requirement for what type of backing plate is needed so make sure you
get the correct one. The backing plate may come pre-assembled but many will screw in or otherwise
attach to the buffer. It will stay there no matter what type of pad you use as long as it's the same size.
The face of the backing plate is hook and loop (similar to Velcro) which very easily attaches to the
back of the hook and loop pads. You simply just center the pad on the backing plate and press it
down securely and you are done.
To determine what backing plates are compatible with your buffer, see the Compatible Backing Plates
& Pads section of our Buffer Comparison Chart above. If you are not sure what size backing plate to
get please see the Smaller vs Larger section below.

Hand
Hand Polishing
Polishing
As previously stated a buffer is generally more effective at applying a polish or compound because it
can provide more passes and pressure than a normal hand application. The added pressure and
passes will work the polish in more thoroughly and effectively removing more of the surface
imperfections. However, if you are not able to use a buffer you can still apply polishes by hand and
make you're vehicle look noticeably better. Hand applications are generally completed with one of two
methods. The traditional method is a generic hand applicator usually made of foam or microfiber.
Another option is to use a product like the Polishing Pal and Lake Country four inch pads to work in
the polishes.
The Polishing Pal is a huge help for those who prefer a hand application because of two main
advantages over a traditional hand application. The Polishing Pal makes it is easier to distribute the
pressure through the entire four inch pad instead of just where your finger tips press. Secondly you
can use any of the four inch pads from Lake Country which are a huge help with the polishing
process. For example you will get more polishing power with an orange four inch pad and the
Polishing Pal versus the same application with a traditional foam applicator. The Polishing Pal can be
used with various pads so you use it to apply any compound, polish, glaze, sealant and wax. Many
detailers believe the Polishing Pal feels more comfortable to work with and less tiresome.

Choosing
Choosing Polishes
Polishes
With so many polish options available, it can be difficult to choose which product will work best for
your needs. Each polish has their pros and cons, while a few excel in almost everything. Polishes can
vary from a non-abrasive chemical cleaner to a very abrasive compound. The overall objective of
polishing is to rid the surface of imperfections. In an ideal world, you would always use the least
aggressive polish and pad combination to get the results you are looking for. The problem with going
this route is it can be very time consuming to test lots of polish and pad combinations and it can be
costly to stock up on multiple polish and pad combinations. As you become more experienced, you
will be able to assess your paint and have a good idea what level polish you will need.
As a detailing enthusiast, it is recommended to have at least one polish of each level on hand to
tackle any type of imperfection that may come your way. Listed below are the various types of
polishes and what each polish is typically used for.

Compounds
Compounds are the most aggressive type of polish and should be used only as needed. Compounds
are commonly used on severely neglected vehicles and to clean up wet sanding marks. Compounds
will almost always leave behind some marring, hazing, or holograms and should always be followed
up with a finer polish and pad combination.

Cutting Polishes
Most polishes that correct moderate paint imperfections fall into the category of a cutting polish. They
are less aggressive than compounds in terms of cutting power and usually do not finish down as well
as a finishing polish. On most paint, it is recommended to follow up a cutting polish with a finishing
polish to remove any micro-marring, hazing or holograms as well as increase the depth and gloss.
Some cutting polishes are capable of finishing down very nicely on certain paint finishes, but to be
safe we recommend a light pad and polish be used afterward.

Finishing Polishes
The point of most finishing polishes is to remove very minor imperfections in the paint, such as micro-
marring, hazing and holograms. Finishing polishes typically will not remove imperfections deeper than
a very light swirl. They are also used to burnish the paint to achieve an exceptional level of gloss and
depth.

All-In-One
All-In-One polishes are products intended to not only clean the surface, but add gloss and protection
to the paint all in one step. Typically you can only remove very light imperfections in the paint, so
these are great as a one step polish option, or at the end of a two or three step polishing process.
These types of polishes combine detailing steps, to greatly save time and overall effort.

Choosing
Choosing Pads
Pads
When it comes to selecting the proper pad for polishing, you want to always make sure you take a
few things into account:
 What polisher are you using? Some pads are designed with certain polishers in mind.
What size is your backing plate? Check the size of the backing plate on your unit.
What size pads do you want to use? For example, if the answer to the question above was 5",
make sure you choose 5" - 6" pads. If you want to use something smaller or larger, pick up a
different size backing plate first. You never want to use a pad smaller than the backing plate you
are using.
What are you trying to achieve? Match the aggressiveness of the polish with the aggressiveness
of the pad?
A mismatched pad size, aggressiveness combination, etc. can create unnecessary work while
wasting your time and product, so take the time to ensure you have the right pad and polish for the
job. Below are all of the pad types we carry with some highlights of each!

Pad Types
Foam Pads
A Foam Pad is a pad that is produced with a cellular structure (can be either open or closed cell),
used in paint correction or to apply protectants or cleaners to a surface. These pads come in various
styles, made by different manufacturers, each designed for different polishing steps or use with
different polishers. Take a look at the list below for all of our foam pad offerings.
Flat (i.e. Lake Country) - All-around pad with a flat smooth face, great for use on various
polishers.
CCS - Feature a group of closed foam cells on the surface of the pad, which do not absorb
polishes or waxes. Instead, they gradually release these products, providing you with a longer
work time.
HDO - Beveled at a 70-degree angle and use of thinner foam and center hold to reduce heat.
Designed for use on larger throw polishers.
Force - Super dense foam designed to keep polish on the surface (face) of the pad. Formulated
with forced rotation polishers in mind.
Rupes (Flat) - Super durable open-cell foam designed to be used with Rupes polishers and
polishes for the best results. Beveled with the front of pad an inch larger than backing.
Rupes (Mille) - Fine pore structure formulated for use with their Rupes Mille Gear Driven polisher
and Mille polishes. Thinner profile when compared to their regular flat pads.
Rupes (Rotary) - Open-cell foam that helps provide rotational stability and maintains airflow
throughout the pad when using a rotary polisher.
Meguiar's (Soft Buff) - Thin 17.5mm disc design allows for a lower operating temperature and a
much smoother and easier feel through the machine. Great when used with your Meguair's
polisher, or any other unit you may have.
CarPro (Flash & Gloss) - Made of reticulated polyurethane foam with a 7/8" thick design and
beveled profile.
Griot's Garage (BOSS Pads) - Ultra-firm euro foam with an 8mm thick (5/16"), low profile design.
Chemical Guys (Hex-Logic) - Hex-logic grooves and center hole are designed to help reduce and
disperse heat from the center of the pad.
 Buff & Shine (Uro-Tec) - Made with reticulated (open cell) euro foam of a higher density than
traditional foam pads. This design is great for use with these long throw units.
Buff & Shine (Low-Pro) - These pads are engineered with a rubber interface to help reduce heat
and improve polishing results, especially on long throw polishers.

Microfiber Pads
Microfiber pads are a type of cutting and/or polishing pad made up of microfibers on the face. These
fibers grab the paint less, which increases pad rotation. This higher rotation rate translates into
increased defect removal making microfiber a great choice when looking to remove heavy
imperfections. There are also some great light polishing options as well. Below are some of the
microfiber pads we carry.
Lake Country - Microfiber is packed into an 11mm thick pad backed with sturdy foam. Comes in
three corrective powers, cutting, light cutting and polishing.
Meguiar's - Microfiber discs that work great within the Meguiar's microfiber system (with D300,
D301, and D302) or individually.
Rupes - These pads are packed with a short and dense microfiber pile, featuring high-quality
microfiber filament technology. They also feature various holes that help reduce heat while
polishing.
Griot's Garage - Two corrective options, one with a foam backing, the other without. Works great
with your Griot's Garage polishers, or any other unit you may have.
Buff & Shine - Two options, the Uro-Fiber and Uro-Fiber Finisher. Both feature a lower nap length,
but the Uro-Fiber has two different aggression fibers. One will help remove imperfections while
the other finishes down. The Uro-Fiber Finisher only features light finishing microfibers.

Wool Pads
Wool pads are made from a natural or synthetic material typically used to produce a polishing pad for
aggressive defect removal, especially when using a rotary machine. Take a look at the list below for
some of the wool pads we carry.
Lake Country - A few different options, some with a foam backing and other without. Works best
when paired with a heavy cutting polish, targeting heavy imperfections.
Rupes - The pads were designed with the LH19E Rotary unit in mind but can be used with other
rotary or DA units. These pads help remove heavy imperfections while running cooler during the
polishing process.
Buff & Shine - These pads use 100% soft, processed wool and the individual fibers are knitted
onto the pad, not twisted.

Miscellaneous
Below are a few other polishing options you cannot forget, by glass and hand polishing. With glass
being incredibly hard, we recommend using glass polishing discs and a glass specific polish (i.e.
CarPro Ceriglass). For hand polishing, the 4" Foam Pads fit perfectly on the Polishing Pal. Polishing
by hand is a lot of work, but this combo makes for great spot polishing and/or protection applications.
 Hand (Polishing Pal + Foam Pads)
Glass (Lake Country Glass Polishing Discs)

Smaller vs Larger
Different pad sizes can have an impact on how well the buffer works in a polish, control,
maneuverability, and how fast you can cover an area.
Smaller pads, in general, will offer you more control with any buffer. Smaller pads also make it easier
to maneuver buffers in tighter areas, around corners and closer to trim pieces. On the downside, a
smaller pad will fill up with product faster than a larger pad. For maximum results, especially when
polishing, it's best to swap the pads out for fresh ones more frequently, especially with the smaller
pads. We recommend changing the pad out for a fresh one every couple panels, so you may use 4 -
6 pads per coat. In general, the fresher the pad, the better the results.
Larger pads can cover a larger surface area in less time. This is particularly helpful with a sealant or
wax which only needs to be spread nice and thin. We recommend using 2 - 4 pads per coat so you
get maximum results while polishing. The downside to this larger surface area is that it's slightly less
effective when trying to thoroughly work in a polish.
With random orbital buffers, such as the Porter Cable 7424 XP, the smaller the pad, the more
effective you'll be able to work in polishes. This is due to the fact that you are concentrating more of
the buffers energy over a smaller area. Larger pads on a random orbital do not break down polishes
as effectively as smaller pads because the energy is distributed over a larger area.
With a rotary buffer, the opposite holds true. Smaller pads offer less polishing power versus a larger
pad. On a rotary buffer, the outer edge of the pad is spinning the fastest. The larger the pad is, the
more cut you are going to get out of a rotary buffer. This can correct imperfections faster than smaller
pads, however, the risk of leaving behind hazing or holograms is much higher with larger pads on a
rotary buffer.
There is no one right size pad, it just depends on your specific goals and the buffer you choose. In
general, if we have to pick one size we recommend the 5.5" pads as they are a nice happy medium.
The 5.5" pads provide enough corrective power while covering plenty of surface area to complete the
detail in a timely manner.

Pad Cleaning and Storage

As you progress through your polishing process, your pads will become saturated with polishing
product and clearcoat removed from the surface. Because of this, you want to make sure you are
using 4-6 pads per polishing step and to clean your pads during use. Swapping out pads and
cleaning often will not only help increase your polishing results, but it will prolong the life of your pads.
After you are done polishing, clean your pads thoroughly and let them air dry completely. Once dry,
store in an open bag and in a closet, drawer, etc. Keep the bag open (i.e. DI Accessories Recloseable
Storage Bag) so that you do not lock in any moisture during storage.
Foam Pads - We have three options that we like, two for cleaning during the polishing process and
one after. If you are looking to clean during polishing we recommend using either a foam pad cleaning
brush or pad washer. If you clean with a foam pad cleaning brush, we recommend flipping the pad
over and brushing the face of the pad with the brush. This helps remove any polish and clearcoat on
the face of the pad without using any water. It does not, however, remove any soaked up product, so
we still recommend swapping out your pads as much as possible when using this cleaning method.
If you are using a pad washer, once you are all set up (water and pad washer), submerge the pad in
water and against the grate and turn your unit on. This will spin the pad across the grate and remove
polish and clear coat leaving it in the water. Back the pad out of the water and off the grate and
continue to spin until dry.
One of our favorite cleaning processes, however, is to clean at the end. Leave a bucket with water
and pad cleaning solution to the side and toss pads in after every panel. This lets them soak, not
allowing any polish to dry in the pad. After you are done polishing, take your bucket of pads and rinse
them under running water, using a cleaner to help remove any excess polish.
Microfiber Pads - These pads have a tendency to mat down during polishing, so it is very important
to clean often while in use, along with one final cleaning at the end. To clean, simply use compressed
air to blow the pads clean, keep them dry and lower temperature all at once. If you do not have
access to compressed air, a pad cleaning brush will do the trick as well.
Wool Pads - Just like microfiber pads, wool pads can mat down during use. To clean we recommend
a combination of compressed air, along with a pad cleaning spur. Both work great to keep the pads
clean, cool and lasting longer during the polishing process. After you are done polishing, use the spur
or compressed air again, or a pad washer for one final cleaning before storage.

How
How To
To Polish
Polish
Properly polishing your paint to remove imperfections can take lots of practice to master, but if you
follow these steps as closely as possible, you'll get the best results in the shortest amount of time.
Before you polish your vehicle, the paint should already be washed and clayed for maximum results.

Proper Lighting
In order to know if you are getting the results you are looking for when polishing, it is extremely
important to invest in quality lighting. One of the most cost effective light sources you can purchase is
a Scangrip light. Using the proper lighting will reveal imperfections in your paint and give you a clear
understanding if the polishing combination you selected is going to give you the results you'll be
looking for.

Taping
To help reduce the risk of damaging any part of your vehicle, it is best to tape off the areas you want
to protect. By properly taping, it also allows you to get as close to trim pieces as possible without
damaging them. There are many quality options on the market but we recommend the 3M Automotive
Performance Masking Tape. This will release easily from your paint with little to no residue left behind
and is easy to clean up. We recommend taping off any area you do not want to polish or get any
product on. Common areas to tape are your trim pieces, around emblems, headlights, tail lights,
around clear bras, and more. When in doubt, tape it up, it's better to prevent a problem than to create
one.

Random Orbital Polisher

Step 1: Attach the appropriate backing plate to the buffer
Step 2: Center your pad on the backing plate
Step 3: Apply several pea sized drops of polish on the outer edge of the pad (apply a few extra
drops to a fresh pad
Step 4: Visualize your working area, starting with a small 12" x 12" box on a horizontal surface
Step 5: Trace your working area with the polish on your pad with the buffer off
Step 6: Turn the buffer on a low speed setting (1 - 3 on a Porter Cable 7424 XP) and spread the
polish evenly through the entire 12" x 12" working area
Step 7: Turn the speed dial of the buffer up (5 or 6 on a Porter Cable 7424 XP) and start in a
corner of your 12" x 12" working area
Step 8: Begin to apply roughly 15 - 20 lbs of pressure on the head of the buffer
Step 9: Working from one corner to the next, move the buffer at a pace of 1" per second while
exerting the 15 - 20 lbs of pressure
Step 10: Once you reach the opposite corner, follow the same path back to where you started,
but overlap your first pass by approximately 50%
Step 11: Continue this pattern until you have polished your entire 12" x 12" working area
Step 12: Polish the area again, but this time use the opposite direction (if you were working top to
bottom then bottom to top the first time around, change it to left to right and right to left
overlapping movements)
Step 13: Polish the area the same as you did the first time, but this time use slightly less pressure
Step 14: If the polish is broken down (usually looks like a clear milky haze), shut the buffer off
Step 15: Using a clean microfiber towel, remove the broken down polish from the paint
Step 16: Assess your work with your light source to ensure you have achieved the results you
were looking for
Step 17: Repeat steps 3 through 16 until the entire vehicle has been polished
Note: After every couple of panels, replace your pad with a fresh one for maximum results. If you are
working with a limited number of pads, clean out the pad after every few sections using a medium
bristled toothbrush and the buffer on a low speed (do this away from the car as it can potentially dust
quite a bit).

Forced Random Orbital Polisher

Step 1: Center your pad on the backing plate of your buffer
Step 2: Apply several pea sized drops of polish on the outer edge of the pad (apply a few extra
drops to a fresh pad
Step 3: Visualize your working area, starting with a small 12" x 12" box on a horizontal surface
Step 4: Trace your working area with the polish on your pad with the buffer off
Step 5: Set the speed dial to your desired working speed (between 4 and 6 is recommended for
 the Flex XC 3401 VRG)
Step 6: Using the variable speed trigger, spread the product around your 12" x 12" working area
at a low speed
Step 7: Starting in one corner of your working area, pull the trigger to full speed and lock in your
speed
Step 8: Begin to apply roughly 15 - 20 lbs of pressure on the head of the buffer
Step 9: Working from one corner to the next, move the buffer at a pace of 1" - 2" per second while
exerting the 15 - 20 lbs of pressure
Step 10: Once you reach the opposite corner, follow the same path back to where you started,
but overlap your first pass by approximately 50%
Step 11: Continue this pattern until you have polished your entire 12" x 12" working area
Step 12: Polish the area again, but this time use the opposite direction (if you were working top to
bottom then bottom to top the first time around, change it to left to right and right to left
overlapping movements)
Step 13: Polish the area the same as you did the first time, but this time use slightly less pressure
Step 14: If the polish is broken down (usually looks like a clear milky haze), shut the buffer off
Step 15: Using a clean microfiber towel, remove the broken down polish from the paint
Step 16: Assess your work with your light source to ensure you have achieved the results you
were looking for
Step 17: Repeat steps 2 through 16 until the entire vehicle has been polished
Note: After every couple of panels, replace your pad with a fresh one for maximum results. If you are
working with a limited number of pads, clean out the pad after every few sections using a medium
bristled toothbrush and the buffer on a low speed (do this away from the car as it can potentially dust
quite a bit).

Rotary Buffer
Step 1: Attach the appropriate backing plate to the buffer
Step 2: Center your pad on the backing plate
Step 3: Apply several pea sized drops of polish on the outer edge of the pad (apply a few extra
drops to a fresh pad
Step 4: Visualize your working area, starting with a small 12" x 12" box on a horizontal surface
Step 5: Trace your working area with the polish on your pad with the buffer off
Step 6: Turn the buffer on the lowest speed setting and spread the polish evenly through the
entire 12" x 12" working area
Step 7: Turn the speed dial of the buffer up to a comfortable working speed (between 1000 - 1500
RPMs is common)
Step 8: Very little pressure is needed when using a rotary buffer, try to use just a hair more than
the weight of the buffer
Step 9: Working from one corner to the next, move the buffer at a pace of 2" - 3" per second while
making sure you always keep the buffer moving
Step 10: Once you reach the opposite corner, follow the same path back to where you started,
but overlap your first pass by approximately 50%
Step 11: Continue this pattern until you have polished your entire 12" x 12" working area
 Step 12: Polish the area again, but this time use the opposite direction (if you were working top to
bottom then bottom to top the first time around, change it to left to right and right to left
overlapping movements)
Step 13: Polish the area the same as you did the first time, but this time use even less pressure
Step 14: If the polish is broken down (usually looks like a clear milky haze), shut the buffer off
Step 15: Using a clean microfiber towel, remove the broken down polish from the paint
Step 16: Assess your work with your light source to ensure you have achieved the results you
were looking for
Step 17: Repeat steps 3 through 16 until the entire vehicle has been polished
Note: After every couple of panels, replace your pad with a fresh one for maximum results. If you are
working with a limited number of pads, clean out the pad after every few sections using a medium
bristled toothbrush and the buffer on a low speed (do this away from the car as it can potentially dust
quite a bit).

Hand Polishing
Step 1: If you are using the Polishing Pal select the desired pad and center it on the Polishing Pal
Step 2: Apply a few pea sized drops of polish to the face of a clean pad (when the pad is new you
can apply a few extra drops)
Step 3: Spread the product over a 18" x 18" area or less with extremely light pressure to distribute
the product evenly
Step 4: Work the polish in with medium to firm pressure in a circular motion
Step 5: Overlap each pass by 50% working left to right and then up and down
Step 6: Remove the excess product immediately or within a few minutes with a clean microfiber
towel
Step 7: Assess your work with your light source to ensure you have achieved the results you
were looking for
Step 8: Repeat steps 1 through 7 until the entire vehicle has been polished
Upon completion the paint should have less swirls, oxidation and other surface imperfections. With a
more optically clear surface you will now get a deeper gloss and a better shine. Additionally your
sealant or wax used afterward will bond to this cleaner and smoother surface better so you can
expect increased durability from the protection.

Facts
Facts and
and Tips
Tips
The smaller the section you work in, the better your results will be
Do not rush the polishing process, it is very time consuming but the results are worth it
When using a random orbital or dual action buffer, apply roughly 15 - 20 lbs of pressure
Always match the aggressiveness of the product with the aggressiveness of the pad
Swap out your pad for a fresh one every couple of panels for maximum results
Keep a bucket of water and Snappy Clean solution by your side to soak your pads as soon as you
are done
Using the proper lighting when polishing is important to assess your results accurately
 Smaller pads offer you more control and can get in tighter areas
Larger pads can spread products quickly, which is great when applying a sealant
Rotary buffers should be used by experienced detailers and professionals
Tape off your trim, glass, and any other area you do not want polish to potentially damage
Use 3 pea sized drops of polish per working area, many detailers use too much product

Related
Related Articles
Articles
Here are a few articles related to Polishing from our Ask-a-Pro Detailer Blog:
Polishing How to With Meguiar's m105 & m205
Tutorial: How to Prep a Car for Polishing
Polishing With the 4 Spot Pad for Better Results
1 Step, 2 Step, The various Types of Polishing Process
How Much Polish Should I Use on My Pad
Assessing Paint Condition and Deciding on a Correction Process
Polishing Pads: How Many Should I Use?
3 Questions You Should be Asking EVERY Correction and Coating Client
Do I Need To Polish A Brand New Car?
Pad Cleaning During and After Polishing
The 5 Key Elements to Proper and Effective Paint Polishing
3 Dual Action (DA) Polishing Tips: From Newbie to Pro
Clear Coat Preservation: Are You Polishing Too Often?
View all Polishing articles

Related
Related Videos
Videos
Ask-a-Pro Blog author James Melfi explains where paint swirls and scratches come from in the first
video below. In the second video, James shows you how to properly polish your car paint.
What's
What's Next?
Next?
After polishing your paint to your liking, the clear coat is more optically clear and you'll get a much
deeper reflection. It should look more vibrant and feel smoother to the touch. After that, your next step
could be to use a glaze, sealant or wax. These products will help enhance the appearance of the
surface and the sealant and wax can protect it.
Glaze
Glaze

What
What Does
Does Glaze
Glaze Do?
Do?
A glaze is often an optional step of the detailing process, but when used correctly can help add an
additional layer of gloss and depth to the paint. Glazes are essentially polishes that leave behind oils,
kaolin clay or some other substance that is designed to increase the depth and gloss while being able
to mask or hide some minor imperfections in the paint. Glazes are great products to use right before a
car show as it can help increase the depth and gloss, especially on lighter colored vehicles where this
is often hard to accomplish. One of the downsides of using a glaze is that it may reduce a sealant or
waxes ability to bond to the paint with it's maximum potential. The sealant and wax will still protect
very well, it just may not last quite as long as it would if it was used on the bare paint.
Many people's expectations are often too high when it comes to a glaze filling in minor imperfections.
If your car is filled with swirls and scratches, you are much better off investing in a polish to remove
the marks, which is also a permanent fix, the results from a glaze are temporary. Your car should be
washed, clayed, and polished prior to using a glaze for optimal results.

Do
Do II Need
Need To
To Apply
Apply Glaze?
Glaze?
It's never absolutely necessary to apply a glaze so it can be done as little as you would like or as
much as you would like. For best results we recommend applying a glaze during a full detail,
therefore it would be after washing, clay and polishing and before your sealant and/or wax. At a
minimum make sure the vehicle has been freshly washed, apply the glaze and lastly apply the
sealant and/or wax of your choice.

How
How To
To Apply
Apply a
a Glaze
Glaze
When using a buffer to apply a glaze, we recommend using a black finishing pad.

Random Orbital Polisher

Step 1: Center your black pad on the backing plate
Step 2: Apply 3 pea sized drops of glaze in a triangular pattern towards the outer edge of the pad
Step 3: Visualize your working area, something between 18" x 18" and 24" x 24"
Step 4: Trace your working area with the glaze on your pad with the buffer off
 Step 5: Turn the buffer on a low speed setting (1 - 3 on the Porter Cable 7424 XP) and spread the
glaze evenly through the entire working area
Step 6: Turn the speed dial of the buffer up (approximately 4 on the Porter Cable 7424 XP) and
start in a corner of your working area
Step 7: Begin to apply a light amount of pressure (approximately 5 lbs) on the head of the buffer
Step 8: Working from one corner to the next, move the buffer at controlled pace (approximately 3"
- 5" per second)
Step 9: Once you reach the opposite corner, follow the same path back to where you started, but
overlap your first pass by approximately 50%
Step 10: Continue this pattern until you have applied the glaze to your entire working area
Step 11: Repeat this process, but this time use the opposite direction (if you were working top to
bottom then bottom to top the first time around, change it to left to right and right to left
overlapping movements)
Step 12: Once the glaze is worked into the paint, shut the buffer off
Step 13: Using a clean microfiber towel, remove the glaze from the paint
Step 14: Repeat steps 2 through 13 until the entire vehicle has the glaze applied

Forced Random Orbital Polisher

Step 1: Center your black pad on the backing plate
Step 2: Apply 3 pea sized drops of glaze in a triangular pattern towards the outer edge of the pad
Step 3: Visualize your working area, something between 18" x 18" and 24" x 24"
Step 4: Trace your working area with the glaze on your pad with the buffer off
Step 5: Set the buffer to your desired work speed (usually between 2 - 3 is recommended for the
Flex XC 3401 VRG)
Step 6: Using the variable speed trigger, spread the product around your working area at a low
speed
Step 7: Begin to apply a light amount of pressure (approximately 5 lbs) on the head of the buffer
Step 8: Working from one corner to the next, move the buffer at controlled pace (approximately 5"
per second)
Step 9: Once you reach the opposite corner, follow the same path back to where you started, but
overlap your first pass by approximately 50%
Step 10: Continue this pattern until you have applied the glaze to your entire working area
Step 11: Repeat this process, but this time use the opposite direction (if you were working top to
bottom then bottom to top the first time around, change it to left to right and right to left
overlapping movements)
Step 12: Once the glaze is worked into the paint, shut the buffer off
Step 13: Using a clean microfiber towel, remove the glaze from the paint
Step 14: Repeat steps 2 through 13 until the entire vehicle has the glaze applied

Rotary Buffer
Step 1: Attach the appropriate backing plate to the buffer
Step 2: Center your black pad on the backing plate
Step 3: Apply 3 pea sized drops of polish in a triangular pattern towards the outer edge of the pad
 Step 4: Visualize your working area, somewhere between 18" x 18" and 24" x 24"
Step 5: Trace your working area with the polish on your pad with the buffer off
Step 6: Turn the buffer on the lowest speed setting and spread the glaze evenly through the
working area
Step 7: Turn the speed dial of the buffer up to a comfortable working speed (between 700 - 900
RPMs is common)
Step 8: Very little to no added pressure when applying the glaze
Step 9: Working from one corner to the next, move the buffer at a pace of 5" - 6" per second while
making sure you always keep the buffer moving
Step 10: Once you reach the opposite corner, follow the same path back to where you started,
but overlap your first pass by approximately 50%
Step 11: Continue this pattern until you have polished your entire working area
Step 12: Polish the area again, but this time use the opposite direction (if you were working top to
bottom then bottom to top the first time around, change it to left to right and right to left
overlapping movements)
Step 13: Once the glaze is worked into the paint, shut the buffer off
Step 14: Using a clean microfiber towel, remove the excess glaze from the paint
Step 15: Repeat steps 3 through 14 until the entire vehicle has the glaze applied

Hand Application
Step 1: Dispense about 2 pea sized drops in the center of the foam hand applicator pad
Step 2: Outline your 18" x 18" working area
Step 3: Gently spread the glaze thinly and evenly in your working area
Step 4: Using light pressure work the glaze into the paint using overlapping circular motions
Step 5: Wait 2 - 5 minutes then use a clean microfiber towel to remove the excess glaze
Step 6: Repeat steps 1 through 5 until the entire vehicle has the glaze applied

Facts
Facts and
and Tips
Tips
Glazes can help increase the depth and gloss in the paint
The filling of light imperfections is only temporary and will return over time
Do not expect a glaze to fill in too many imperfections, only the slightest imperfection can be
masked
Glazes typically cannot be layered, so only one coat is necessary for maximum results

Related
Related Articles
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Here are a few articles related to Glazes from our Ask-a-Pro Detailer Blog:
When to Glaze and When to Compound Polish Away Defects
Learn Something New, Don't Read The Instructions
36 Hour Paint Correction Detail Rolls Royce Phantom
Todd Cooperiders Top 10 Favorite Detailing Products
1966 Corvette Stingray Paint Correction Detail
 Product Guide and Review: Klasse High Gloss Sealant Glaze KSG
5 Car Detailing Products for Advanced Users
DJ Mayo Studios: 350z Paint Correction
Product Review: Chemical Guys Blacklight
View all Glaze articles

What's
What's Next?
Next?
After applying the glaze to your paint, the next step is to protect the exterior paint. This can be done
with a sealant or wax or a combination of both. If you want to apply both apply the sealant first and
layer the wax on after.
Sealant
Sealant

What
What Do
Do Sealants
Sealants Do?
Do?
The primary purpose of a sealant is to properly protect your vehicle from the elements. Sealants are
designed to bond to your paint and provide roughly 3 to 6 months of protection. This is significantly
longer protection than what a carnauba wax offers, which is typically 3 to 8 weeks. The barrier of
protection that sealants provide help minimize contamination from embedding in to your paint and
makes maintaining your vehicle significantly easier. Another benefit of a sealant is that it will enhance
the look of your paint by giving you sharper reflections and more depth and gloss.

Layering
Layering and
and Cure
Cure Times
Times
Applying multiple coats will increase the strength of the protection and durability of the protection. The
most important thing to note is that when you want to apply more than one coat, you have to let the
previous coat cure. Each sealant's cure time will vary and environmental conditions (i.e. temperature,
humidity, etc.) can impact cure times. Most sealants will cure within 1 - 24 hours and the vast majority
of any sealant will be cured within the first hour. If you have the time waiting 24 hours is ideal to be
absolutely certain but if you are in a rush waiting a minimum of one hour should still work very well for
most sealants.

How
How Long
Long Do
Do Sealants
Sealants Last?
Last?
In general, sealants typically last between 3 to 6 months. There are many factors that go into
determining how long a sealant will last. Some of the major factors are if your car is stored in a
garage or outside, how many miles are driven, the type of weather conditions your vehicle is exposed
to, how well your paint was prepped prior to applying the sealant, the frequency of washing your
vehicle, and type of shampoo. The key is to reapply your coat of protection before the previous coat
runs out. As you maintain your vehicle, keep an eye out for how well the water beads and sheets off
your paint. If water begins to pool on your paint, then chances are there is little to no protection
remaining and it's advised to apply another coat of sealant. A good rule of thumb is to reapply a coat
of sealant once a season (4 times a year).

How
How To
To Apply
Apply a
a Sealant
Sealant
The key when applying a sealant is to stretch the product as thin and far as possible. The saying "less
is more" definitely applies to any quality sealant. We do not recommend applying a sealant with a
rotary buffer, but it is fine to use a random orbital or dual action buffer using a soft foam polishing pad.
Hand applications also work very well and help you get in to tight spaces more effectively.

Random Orbital Polisher

Step 1: Center your pad on the backing plate
Step 2: Apply 2 pea sized drops of your sealant on the pad (fresh pads may require a few extra
drops)
Step 3: Visualize your working area, since you're spreading the product as far as possible, it can
be as large as a panel
Step 4: Trace your working area with the sealant on your pad with the buffer off
Step 5: Turn the buffer on a low speed setting (1 - 3 on the Porter Cable 7424 XP) and spread the
sealant evenly through the entire working area
Step 6: Turn the speed dial of the buffer up (approximately 3 on the Porter Cable 7424 XP) and
start in a corner of your working area
Step 7: Working from one corner to the next, move the buffer at controlled pace (approximately 3"
- 5" per second) using no additional pressure
Step 8: Once you reach the opposite corner, follow the same path back to where you started, but
overlap your first pass by approximately 50%
Step 9: Continue this pattern until you have applied the sealant to your entire working area
Step 10: Repeat this process, but this time use the opposite direction (if you were working top to
bottom then bottom to top the first time around, change it to left to right and right to left
overlapping movements)
Step 11: Once the sealant is spread thinly and evenly over the paint, shut the buffer off
Step 12: Using a clean microfiber towel, remove the sealant from the paint
Step 13: Repeat steps 2 through 12 until the entire vehicle has the sealant applied

Forced Random Orbital Polisher

Step 1: Center your pad on the backing plate
Step 2: Apply 2 pea sized drops of your sealant on the pad (fresh pads may require a few extra
drops)
Step 3: Visualize your working area, since you're spreading the product as far as possible, it can
be as large as a panel
Step 4: Trace your working area with the sealant on your pad with the buffer off
Step 5: Turn the buffer on a low speed setting and spread the sealant evenly through the entire
working area
Step 6: Turn the speed dial of the buffer up one setting and start in a corner of your working area
Step 7: Working from one corner to the next, move the buffer at controlled pace (approximately 3"
- 5" per second) using no additional pressure
Step 8: Once you reach the opposite corner, follow the same path back to where you started, but
overlap your first pass by approximately 50%
Step 9: Continue this pattern until you have applied the sealant to your entire working area
 Step 10: Repeat this process, but this time use the opposite direction (if you were working top to
bottom then bottom to top the first time around, change it to left to right and right to left
overlapping movements)
Step 11: Once the sealant is spread thinly and evenly over the paint, shut the buffer off
Step 12: Using a clean microfiber towel, remove the sealant from the paint
Step 13: Repeat steps 2 through 12 until the entire vehicle has the sealant applied

Hand Application
Step 1: Dispense about 2 pea sized drops in the center of the foam hand applicator pad
Step 2: Outline your working area, since you're spreading the product as far as possible, it can be
as large as a panel
Step 3: Gently spread the sealant as thinly and evenly in your working area
Step 4: Using light pressure spread the sealant on the paint using overlapping circular motions
Step 5: Wait 10 - 20 minutes then use a clean microfiber towel to remove the excess sealant
Step 6: Repeat steps 1 through 5 until the entire vehicle has the sealant applied

Facts
Facts and
and Tips
Tips
In general, sealants last somewhere between 3 to 6 months
When applying a sealant, it's best to spread it as thin as possible
In general, you should give each coat of sealant at least 1 hour to cure and bond to the paint
Sealants can be layered to increase the depth and gloss as well as protection
Sealants can be topped with a wax to get the best of both worlds in terms of looks and durability

Related
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Here are a few articles related to Sealants from our Ask-a-Pro Detailer Blog:
Layering: Waxes and Sealants
Cure Times for Sealants and Waxes
Product Review: 303 Touchless Sealant
Gtechniq C2V3 Liquid Crystal Application & Instructions Video
Product Review | CarPro Reload
P&S Bead Maker Review: Best Last Step Product Ever?
CarPro HydrO2: Application Tips
What's the Best Way to Remove Old Wax / Sealant So That I Can Apply a New / Different One?
View all Sealant articles

What's
What's Next?
Next?
After applying a sealant, it's best to let the coat cure for at least one hour before applying a second
coat or a wax. You may opt to top your sealant with a carnauba wax to help increase the depth and
gloss in the paint. Natural carnauba waxes also tend to bead water better than sealants, so
maintaining your vehicle is slightly easier when it is protected by a carnauba wax.
Coatings
Coatings

What
What Are
Are Semi-Permanent
Semi-Permanent Paint
Paint Coatings?
Coatings?
While the idea of "wipe on, wipe off" still applies, the application process of coatings differs quite a bit
from both sealants and waxes. Rather than applying to the entire car, waiting some period of time to
cure, then removing the residue, a coating application is done panel by panel and sometimes even
sections of a single panel due to its quick drying time.
A coating starts as a liquid that is poured onto an applicator and applied to a section of the paint.
Coatings react with air quickly and start drying and becoming harder, turning into the resistant layer
described above. Before the coating is fully hardened, it needs to be leveled. This is accomplished by
wiping off remaining residue from the coated section after a certain amount of time has passed, using
a quality microfiber towel.
This amount of time depends on the coating that you're using, but generally speaking it's anywhere
from 1 - 3 minutes on the low end, 5 - 10 minutes for some "medium" drying coatings and then 15 -
20+ minutes for slower coatings. It's always a good idea to have a timer handy when working with a
coating because you do not want a coating to dry too much before leveling. This will lead to a hazy
finish which will at the very least require quite a bit of elbow grease to fix and at worst may require
polishing the coated section to fully remove the badly applied coating layer.

How
How To
To Apply
Apply a
a Coating
Coating
In short, the application of a coating includes:
Step 1: Make sure the vehicle has been thoroughly cleaned, which ideally includes a wash, iron
remover, decontamination pad/towel or clay bar. Polishing before hand is also a must to ensure
the surface is clean, smooth and looking it's best.
Step 2: Apply a few drops to a small section of your applicator or applicator towel. Using very light
pressure work the coating into the paint spreading it very thin, working in a logical pattern to cover
a panel or small section.
Step 3: When your timer reaches the point you should start leveling take a clean microfiber towel
and lightly wipe away excess product, starting from the same place you first applied the coating.
This will ensure the coating is applied evenly and level for maximum protection and aesthetics.
Step 4: Inspect your results upon completion, if you see some haze, try wiping the area again to
remove it. If you still see some haze repeat Steps 2 and 3 right away.
 Step 5: After the panel or section looks good continue with Steps 1 - 4 until the entire car is
protected.

Layering
Layering and
and Cure
Cure Times
Times
Similar to the dry times mentioned above, cure times will vary from coating to coating. By "dry time"
I'm referring to the coating going from liquid to a more solid state during application, at which point it
needs to be leveled with a towel for a proper bond and good looks. "Cure time" refers to the amount
of time a coating needs to fully harden and be resistant to the environment and this time starts after
the coating is leveled. Most coating manufacturers require a cure time of 24 hours before the coating
can be exposed to water that can potentially dry on the surface. Most also require no washing with
any detergents for 4 - 7 days after application. Generally, coatings will fully cure anywhere from 1 - 4
weeks. This cure time can be accelerated by using certain lamps to speed up the curing process.
Layering is possible with most coatings, but again, very different than when using waxes or sealants.
In the case of coatings, you will usually need to apply a second layer within 30 - 60 minutes of the first
layer in order to get a bond with the first layer. Reason being, once the coatings start to dry and cure,
they become more and more hydrophobic and resistant to anything sticking, including consecutive
layers of that same coating. If you try to apply another layer on top of a coating after a few days, it will
simply "reject" it and it would be a waste of time. Most coatings can work with two layers and some 3
- 5 or more, but it will vary depending on the manufacturer. Make sure you consult the label or
manufacturer for specifics about layering.

How
How Long
Long Do
Do Coatings
Coatings Last?
Last?
As mentioned in the first paragraph, coatings generally last 1 - 3+ years. This means that a coating
will be reapplied much less frequently than waxes or sealants, but that doesn't mean that you can't
apply a wax or sealant on top of the coating. It's actually encouraged so as to provide even more
protection and protect the coating investment. Due to a coating application requiring polishing prior,
you'll want to reapply a coating at a point where it's starting to diminish due to age or when the paint
starts looking a bit swirled and it's time again for polishing. This will vary depending on maintenance
done to the coated vehicle.

Maintenance
Maintenance and
and Re-Application
Re-Application
There is nothing special when it comes to coating maintenance aside from not being able to use clay
bar. Clay bars have strong cleaning power and can diminish the coating to some extent. Using
chemicals such as IronX and TarX when necessary will be much better for the longevity of the
coating. Otherwise, proper washing and drying techniques will keep the coating looking good and
continuously protecting.
Re-application will depend on the look of the car, strength of the coating after a certain time and
personal preference. As mentioned above, some level of polishing is required prior to applying a
coating. This should be done either when the coating is on its last legs or if the paint condition is not
to your liking anymore. If polishing to remove defects, keep in mind that some coatings can withstand
a fine polishing, which means that you may be able to remove some swirl marks without fully
removing the coating. At this point you need to decide whether you want to do a more involved
polishing and re-apply the coating or if you simply want to stay on top of it with a wax or sealant every
few months until the coating gives way and needs to be applied again.

Facts
Facts and
and Tips
Tips
Similar to waxes and sealants, there are numerous coatings available. Most coatings are intended
to protect the paint, but there are also options for wheels, glass, plastic, vinyl, leather, fabric, etc.
Generally speaking, the application process is very similar for all coatings and for all areas of the
car. Obviously you want to heed the manufacturer's instructions because a mistake in coating
application can be costly in terms of both time and money.
Coatings can be seen as a sacrificial layer to help preserve the paint on a vehicle. As we
mentioned above, at some point you will need to polish the car again and reapply the coating. We
hope that at this time, all or most the required polishing is being done within the coating layer, thus
preserving the clear coat as much as possible. Since the coating adds a measurable layer of
protection to the paint surface, this layer can absorb a lot of swirl marks, stains, etching, etc. and
help keep the clear coat practically new.
During application, it's important to keep in mind that the leveling process is usually quicker than
the application process. This means that you need to be mindful of the time frame between
application and leveling on a certain section of the paint, otherwise you may end up with an
uneven layer of the coating. Quick example: assume applying a coating that needs to dry for 2
minutes before leveling to a fender left to right. Also assume the fender size takes exactly 2
minutes to cover. So we're at 0:00 at the start, 1:00 at the middle and 2:00 at the end of that
fender. (In this example we'll ignore the 5-10 seconds to put down the applicator and pick up the
leveling towel and assume a second person is doing the leveling as soon as 1st person finishes
application). We must make sure we're at 2:00 at start, 3:00 in middle and 4:00 at the end of that
fender. This ensures that each section has dried to roughly the 2 minute mark. If you level too
quickly, you may end up with a more durable thicker layer of coating at the start of the panel, but
thinner at the end.
Working in small sections is encouraged so you're not too rushed. Another way to help resolve
leveling issues above is to do 2 layers of the coating and simply start from the opposite end of the
panel on the second coating to try and apply as evenly as possible.

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Here are a few articles related to Coatings from our Ask-a-Pro Detailer Blog:
The Benefits of a Paint Coating
Coating Application: How To Reduce Marring
Maintaining Your Paint Coating
CarPro Cquartz UK Edition: Application Process
Harley Davidson Detail | 22PLE VM1 and VR1 Coating
Gtechniq: How to Prepare Paint for a Ceramic Coating
 The Truth Behind Wild Coating Claims
Nano Coatings: When to Replace & How to Recoat
What Coating Should I Buy?
Layering Coatings: How Much is too Much?
Initial Impressions & Application: Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light (CSL)
Professional Coating Application Techniques
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Wax
Wax

What
What Does
Does Wax
Wax Do?
Do?
Carnauba waxes are a great way to protect your vehicle against the elements. Carnauba waxes often
offer stronger protection than sealants do, but will not last as long. Waxes typically last 3 to 8 weeks,
where a sealant can last up to 6 months. Carnauba waxes often bead water better than sealants,
which makes your vehicle easier to maintain. Carnauba waxes are what you want to use when you
want the absolute wettest finish possible.

Layering
Layering and
and Cure
Cure Times
Times
Applying multiple coats or layers of wax can add more protection, gloss and shine to the surface.
When you want to apply more than one coat, you have to let the previous coat fully cure. Assuming
you apply the wax nice and thin, the cure times will range from 1 - 24 hours. The exact time will vary
depending on the specific wax, how it was applied, temperature, humidity, etc.

How
How Often
Often Should
Should You
You Wax
Wax Your
Your Car?
Car?
In general, carnauba waxes will last anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks. There are many factors that go into
determining how long a wax will last. Some of the major factors are if your car is stored in a garage or
outside, how many miles are driven, the type of weather conditions your vehicle is exposed to, how
well your paint was prepped prior to applying the wax, the frequency of washing your vehicle, and
type of shampoo. The key is to re-apply your coat of protection before the previous coat runs out. As
you maintain your vehicle, keep an eye out for how well the water beads and sheets off your paint. If
water begins to pool and look flat on your paint, then chances are there is little to no protection
remaining and it's advised to apply another coat of wax. A good rule of thumb is to re-apply a
carnauba once a month (12 times a year).

How
How To
To Apply
Apply Wax
Wax
Step 1: Using a clean foam applicator pad, gently wipe it across the top of the paste wax (for a
harder paste wax you may need to exert more pressure in a circular motion)
Step 2: Make sure you only have a very thin amount on your applicator pad
Step 3: You can apply the wax with light pressure in a circular, back and forth and/or up and down
 motion, remember to stretch the wax nice and thin
Step 4: Wait 10 - 20 minutes before you buff off the excess wax with a clean microfiber towel
Step 5: Repeat steps 1 through 4 until your entire vehicle has been waxed

Facts
Facts and
and Tips
Tips
Carnauba waxes typically last between 3 to 8 weeks
Apply your wax as thin as possible, only a microscopic layer of wax actually sits on your paint,
excess wax is just wasted
In general you should give each coat of wax 1 to 24 hours cure time
It is best to work in the shade when applying and removing a wax
Most waxes can benefit from 2 to 3 layers for maximum depth and gloss
When your paint stops beading water, it is time to reapply a coat of wax

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Wash and Wax in 60 Minutes Featuring Optimum No Rinse
Cure Times For Sealants and Waxes
Ask A Pro: Best Polish or Wax for Black Paint
How to Wax Your Car Like a Pro
Product Review: Blackfire Midnight Sun Carnauba Wax Review
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Ask-a-Pro Blog author James Melfi highlights his process of properly applying a car wax.

What's
What's Next?
Next?
After applying your wax, it is best to allow the coat to cure for 1 - 24 hours before topping it with
another coat of wax. If you are done applying the wax congratulations on completing your detail work!
Mark on your calendar when you completed this detail and create a maintenance schedule for
yourself. You can now move on to the interior, exterior trim, wheel and tire care or the engine bay care
section.
Microfiber
Microfiber Towels
Towels

What
What Is
Is Microfiber?
Microfiber?
Microfiber products are absolutely essential to high quality detailing for both the interior and exterior
of any vehicle. Microfiber towels, applicators, wash mitts and pads are used in virtually every area of
detailing. You may use microfiber products to clean the paint, leather, wheels, glass, interior and so
much more. The uses are literally endless so you can never have enough top quality microfiber
products.
Microfiber is made up of a unique blend of materials with an innovative weave and fiber designs
made of ultra fine synthetic yarn. The synthetic yarn is usually comprised of 70% - 80% polyester with
20% - 30% polyamide depending on the specific towel. Each strand is approximately 0.2 denier,
which is equivalent to 1/20th of a strand of silk or 1/100th of a human hair. The cross section of a
microfiber strand resembles an asterisk (*), which allows them to collect and trap particles whereas
traditional towels push particles around or temporarily collect them. On dry surfaces the microfiber
towels use electrostatic energy to easily lift and collect large amounts of dust, dirt and other particles
in to the micro-wedges of each fiber.

Is
Is All
All Microfiber
Microfiber The
The Same?
Same?
People often will splurge on their wax but spend far less on microfiber products when they are truly
the backbone of a good detail. Investing in quality towels and caring for them will greatly increase
your results while saving you time and money in the long run. The life of your microfiber products will
vary based on the quality of the towel and how well you care for them. Not all microfiber towels are
created equal so low quality towels may feel nice at first but they often break down rapidly with just a
few washes. At DetailedImage.com we take great pride in selecting only top quality towels that will
last for years with good care.

Microfiber
Microfiber Care
Care
Generally we recommend you maintain three groups of towels, storing them in separate containers.
The first group is the pristine new towels that you use on the most sensitive surfaces such as the
exterior paint, gages, navigation screens, etc. The second group are towels still in great condition but
may be a bit worn, which we use for interior cleanings, glass care, leather treatments, etc. All other
towels in the third group may have visible stains and be noticeably worn down. Use these towels for
your dirty jobs like cleaning the exhaust tips, engine bay detailing, door jambs, etc.
When you receive your towels you should wash them just to ensure they are clean and free from any
contaminants they may have come in contact with while in transit. Before washing any microfiber
make sure you have removed any stickers or labels that come on some new microfiber towels. Never
wash microfiber towels with any other fabrics as the microfiber towels will collect the lint, which can
greatly reduce the effectiveness of any microfiber product. Microfiber is virtually free of lint so you can
wash them with other microfiber products only. Do not use any detergent with fabric softener or
bleach in it. Using fabric softener will deposit a coating on the microfiber strands that clogs the pores,
which reduces absorbency, cleaning ability and can lead to streaking. If you are not sure what to use
you can pick up the DI Microfiber Micro-Restore Microfiber Detergent Concentrate, which has no
fabric softener, bleach or added scent. If you are looking for additional cleaning power you can add
one teaspoon per towel of distilled white vinegar.
When you are done washing the towels you can air dry them to be extra cautious, however many
detailers need the help of a dryer due to time constraints which is generally fine. Do not use any dryer
sheets and make sure you have cleaned the lint filter and removed any other lint particles. Again the
microfiber towels will collect lint from other fabrics so do not dry it with other fabrics. Try to use just
enough heat to dry the towels and do not overheat the towels. Excessive amounts of heat can harm
the long term health of the towel.
As mentioned above the towels should be separated and stored according to their condition and we
generally recommend three groups. Put them in an air tight storage container like a zip lock bag (i.e.
DI Accessories Reclosable Storage Bag) or a rubbermaid container that is labeled to avoid dust and
dirt settling on your recently cleaned towels. Remember microfiber products have a natural
electrostatic charge and will literally pull contaminants in so it's very important to store them properly.

Facts
Facts and
and Tips
Tips
Always remove any tags on microfiber products to minimize the risk of marring the paint
Always wash new microfiber towels prior to using them for the first time
Never use fabric softener when washing or drying your towels
Group your towels together, such as paint safe towels, wheel and tire towels, interior towels, etc.
Adding distilled white vinegar to your rinse cycle can help further clean your microfiber
If your towels lose their absorbency, try boiling them to dissolve product and reopen the pores
Store your clean microfiber towels in labeled microfiber storage bags
Always wash your microfiber with microfiber, avoid mixing them with other fabrics

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Premium Microfiber: One of the Most Overlooked Detailing Tools
Product Review: The Rag Company Edgeless 300GSM - 500GSM
Proper Microfiber Care
 Microfiber Towel Storage and Organization
Product Review: P&S Rags to Riches Premium Microfiber Detergent
The Best Microfiber Towels for Cleaning Your Exterior
How To Determine YOUR Microfiber Needs
How I Use A Microfiber Towel To Remove Polish or Wax Residue
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Wheel
Wheel and
and Tire
Tire

Why
Why Wheel
Wheel Care
Care Is
Is Important
Important
Wheels can drastically change the appearance of any vehicle, which is proven by the huge after
market offering. Having wheels covered in brake dust is a complete eye sore and can take away from
the overall look of any vehicle. Wheels that look brand new, on the other hand, can turn heads and
really show off your car. Properly caring for your wheels is not difficult or time consuming when
maintained on a regular basis.
Caring for your wheels consists of properly removing contamination, polishing them to a high shine,
then protecting them to make maintaining your wheels significantly easier. Stubborn brake dust can
often be difficult to remove, but usually can be restored to a like new finish with the proper products
and tools.

How
How Often
Often Should
Should You
You Care
Care For
For Your
Your
Wheels?
Wheels?
We recommend maintaining your wheels with a basic wash of soap and water with a dedicated wash
mitt, every time you clean your vehicle (1 to 2 weeks). Thorough cleaning of your wheels and adding
layer(s) of protection should be done every 2 to 3 months.

Wheel
Wheel Care
Care How-To
How-To
When caring for your wheels it is important that you have the proper products and tools. It is also
important to know what type of wheels you have so you use the proper products on them. If you have
factory alloy wheels, chances are they have a layer of clear coat on your wheels. This makes things
easy because you can use a variety of wheel cleaners without worrying about oxidizing your wheels
finish. You can also treat them like you would your clear coat on your paint, which means you can
wash, clay, polish and protect your wheels. After market or upgraded wheels that have a high
polished finish or bare metal need to be treated carefully, otherwise you may oxidize the finish and
potentially damage your wheels.
Your wheels should be completely cool when you start to clean them. If you have been out driving,
even just a little bit, give them ample time to cool down before using any cleaner on them. You can
spray them down with water to help them cool down but it may take some additional time for them to
reach air temperature so you can begin cleaning. Clean the wheels in the shade whenever possible
to avoid water marks or rinse them frequently while in direct sunlight.

Clean and Maintain

The best way to clean and maintain your wheels is by using some automotive shampoo and water
with a dedicated wash mitt. This is safe for every type of wheel finish and also means you are not
spending money on wheel cleaners. This is a very effective way to care for your wheels if you follow
two things 1) maintaining your wheels on a regular basis 2) you have a coating of protection on your
wheels.
Soap and water will help remove loose contaminants and clean wheels that are well maintained but
often times stubborn build ups will require a wheel cleaner. The safest bet is to use a pH balanced
(aka pH neutral) wheel cleaner, such as the SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect. They can be used on
any type of wheel finish and you can increase the cleaning power by letting the product dwell for
several minutes if you are in the shade. Acidic wheel cleaners are highly effective but they can easily
oxidize or tarnish polished wheels and other sensitive wheel finishes. Acidic wheel cleaners should
only be used on factory wheels with a thick clear coat on them. When you are done rinse the wheels
with a steady stream of water, be especially thorough near the lug nuts. If you see any remaining
stains spot treat them with the same cleaner and a soft cloth or a wheel safe brush. Using a nylon
brush or a brush with very stiff bristles can add swirls to the finish of the wheel, so look for brushes
with very soft bristles or natural fibers. If you still have some remaining stains try a quality metal
polish, which can generally be applied to most bare metals and clear coated wheels, see below
(Polishing Wheels) for more information.
To effectively clean the inner barrels of your wheels, we highly recommend investing in an EZ Detail
Brush. If you have protected your inner barrels with some protection (chances are you needed to do
this with the wheels off of the vehicle) then you can dip the brush in soap and water and brake dust
should come off very easily. If your wheels were not protected, spray some wheel cleaner on the inner
parts of your wheels as well as your EZ Detail Brush to get a deeper clean. We recommend cleaning
the inner barrels of your wheels first because when you pull the bristles back out, it can transfer some
dirt and contamination on the face of your wheels.
Using a clay bar on your wheels is an effective way to properly prep the surface and remove stubborn
brake dust. Be careful using one on high polished wheels as you could add micro-marring or swirls
that can be difficult to remove.

Polish
Polishing your wheels can help increase the depth and gloss of your wheels as well as remove minor
surface imperfections. If your wheels have a clear coat on them, then you can treat them the same as
you would polishing your paint. If your wheels consist of bare metal, such as the lip of your wheel, you
can polish them using a metal polish to increase gloss and depth and remove minor imperfections.
How-To Polish Wheels
 Step 1: Dispense a pea sized drop of metal polish on a foam applicator pad
Step 2: Using as little pressure as possible, spread the polish thinly over the area you wish to
polish
Step 3: Starting with light pressure work the polish into the wheel, increasing pressure as needed
Step 4: Continue working the polish into the wheel until the polish turns to a clear milky haze
Step 5: Using a clean microfiber towel, remove the broken down polish
Step 6: Repeat steps 1 through 5 until the entire wheel has been polished
Note: Always test your polish on a small inconspicuous area before polishing your entire wheel.

Protect
When it comes to keeping your wheels looking like new for long periods of time you want to make
sure your wheels are always protected. While you can use a sealant or wax to protect your wheels,
there are some products that are designed specifically for your wheels. Poorboy's World Wheel
Sealant is our favorite wheel protectant as it is easy to apply and remove, leaves behind a super slick
surface so brake dust slides right off, is designed to withstand high temperatures that brakes produce,
increases the depth and gloss of your wheels and makes cleaning your wheels a breeze.

Wheel
Wheel Care
Care Facts
Facts and
and Tips
Tips
Maintain your wheels with shampoo and water with a dedicated wash media
Keeping a coating of protection on your wheels will make maintaining them significantly easier
Always use a pH balanced wheel cleaner when dealing with after market wheels
Acidic based wheel cleaners can easily oxidize a high polished finish
Using a clay bar can effectively prep your wheels for polishing and protecting
Polishing your wheels can increase the depth and gloss as well as remove some imperfections
Protecting your wheels with a sealant is the key to easy maintenance on your wheels

Why
Why Tire
Tire Care
Care Is
Is Important
Important
Caring for your tires means more than just slapping on some tire dressing and calling it a day. A lot of
detailing enthusiasts do not understand the importance of properly prepping your tires before applying
a dressing. Properly prepping your tires can help increase the durability of your dressing and
minimize tire dressing sling.
There are various types of tire dressing on the market: water based and silicone based. Water based
tire dressings get absorbed into your rubber and can actually nourish your rubber keeping them soft
and flexible. Silicone based tire dressings mainly sit on the surface of your tire, which often leads to
tire dressing sling. Silicone based dressings can dry out your rubber and also brown it over time.
Silicone based dressings are typically glossier than water based dressings.

How
How Often
Often Should
Should You
You Care
Care For
For Your
Your Tires?
Tires?
We recommend dressing your tires after each wash (every 1 to 2 weeks). The condition of your tires
will determine if they need to be cleaned and prepped. If you wash your tires and there is still dirt and
contamination, we recommend using a degreaser on your tires to clean them and strip off any
previous tire dressing. If you have high polished wheels, make sure the tire cleaner is safe for your
wheel finish, in case you get product on them.

Tire
Tire Care
Care How-To
How-To
Cleaning your tires is pretty simple. We recommend using a dedicated wash mitt or sponge (foam
media tends to work better since it's more durable) for your wheels and tires. Wash them with soap
and water and assess if they need a deeper cleaning. If you are looking to get the most out of your
dressing, we recommend cleaning your tires with a degreaser and a firm brush. Soak your tires with
the degreaser and allow it to penetrate for a couple of minutes. Scrub your tires with the brush to
remove the heavy contamination.
Applying the tire dressing is pretty straight forward. Simply dispense some tire dressing onto an
applicator pad and work it into your tires. You want to use as little product as possible to prevent sling
onto your paint. You are better off applying multiple thin coats of tire dressing than one thick coat. For
complete even coverage, move your vehicle forward or backwards to apply dressing on the part of
the tire that was closest to the ground.

Tire
Tire Care
Care Facts
Facts and
and Tips
Tips
Silicone based tire dressings have a higher tendency to sling up onto your paint
Water based tire dressings get absorbed into your tires and nourish your rubber
Properly prepping your tires prior to applying a dressing can increase durability and prevent tire
dressing sling
Always apply your tire dressing in thin, even coats
Drive your vehicle a few feet forward after applying the first coat of dressing so you can get an
even application on the part of the tire that was closest to the ground

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How To Prep and Protect Your Tires the GYEON Way
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Tips to Polish and Protect Polished Aluminum
Product Review: Sonax Wheel Cleaner Plus
How to Detail Your Wheels, Tires, and Wheel Wells
How to Clean Your Tires With a Purpose
My Go-To Wheel and Tire Cleaning Products
How to Avoid Tire Dressing Sling
Airbrush Application: Wheel Coatings
How to Properly Clean Wheels: Lug Nuts, Faces and Barrels...Oh My!
Product Review: Gtechniq C5 Wheel Armour
 Auto Detailing Myth: Tire Sling is Caused By Product
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Ask-a-Pro Blog author James Melfi goes through the process of properly cleaning your wheels in the
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Exterior
Exterior Trim
Trim

Why
Why Trim
Trim Care
Care Is
Is Important
Important
Your exterior trim is constantly exposed to the elements, but it often doesn't receive the same care
you provide your exterior paint. We encourage you to make sure you do not neglect this area as it is
very important to the end result. When the trim is cleaned and protected it helps create a sharp
contrast with your paint for a stunning appearance when you are done. Paying attention to these
areas is what helps separate a good detail from an outstanding detail.

How
How Often
Often Should
Should You
You Care
Care For
For Your
Your Trim?
Trim?
If you maintain your vehicle on a regular basis the trim should be relatively clean to begin with. Every
one to three months we recommend using a light degreaser to ensure it's thoroughly cleaned. For
protection we normally recommend re-applying the protectant every one to two months. The cleaner
will help remove stubborn build ups and the protectant will provide a beautiful finish with UV
protection. If you haven't cared for the trim in a while spend a little extra time cleaning the surface with
at least one to two passes. If the trim looks severely neglected you may want to consider using one of
our products designed to restore the trim.

How
How To
To Treat
Treat Trim
Trim
Caring for the trim starts off with a cleaning and then you should assess the condition of the trim
afterward. Most trim is vinyl, plastic or rubber so you can generally use the same type of cleaner on
all three of these surfaces. Always clean the trim first while washing the vehicle with your shampoo
and wash mitt. For a deeper cleaning spray a light degreasing solution on a microfiber towel and wipe
the trim with medium pressure. When you are done the trim should look and feel much cleaner. If you
still have stubborn build ups you can use a brush to work in the degreaser, but be careful you don't
brush the surrounding paint.
If you have dried polish, sealant or wax on your trim (vinyl, plastic and rubber) try restoring it with the
Poorboy's Trim Restorer. It's a deep cleaning formula that also dresses the trim with a dark and rich
glow. Apply a few drops no larger than the size of a nickel to a microfiber towel or applicator and work
it in to the surface with medium pressure back and forth. It will help remove the stubborn stains and
leave a dark and shiny finish behind.
If your trim is clean but looks dull try using a product that will actually re-apply some of the lost color.
The TUF SHINE Black Restore Kit or the Black WOW are both great options that will help restore the
trim to like new. Each of them are powerful formulas that can help bring back that like new
appearance that really lasts. They are both popular on vinyl, plastic and rubber surfaces.
For well maintained trim you will only need to use a protectant on it that you simply wipe on. A good
protectant will provide strong UV protection and a fresh appearance to the trim. The 303 Aerospace
Protectant offers superior UV protection and a nice dark finish that is not glossy or oily, so it's very
popular amongst detailing enthusiasts. Spray a light coating on a clean applicator or towel and wipe
the trim back and forth. A nice light coating provides the best results and within minutes it will be dry
to the touch. The 303 Aerospace Protectant and most protectants can be applied to vinyl, rubber,
plastic and more.

Facts
Facts and
and Tips
Tips
Having properly cleaned and dressed trim creates more contrast with your paint
For best results, degrease your trim prior to applying a dressing
Make sure you are using a dressing that provides UV protection to prevent fading
Using a brush can help provide a deeper cleaning to your trim pieces
Old wax build ups can be removed with a degreaser

Related
Related Articles
Articles
Here are a few articles related to Trim Care from our Ask-a-Pro Detailer Blog:
Cleaning Door Jambs and Other Filthy Places on an Otherwise Clean Car
Headlight Restoration Process
How to Remove Dried on Wax from Textured Black Plastic or Rubber Moldings
Clearing Hazy Head Lamp Housings on a Budget
How Do I Remove the Car Dealership Stickers, Decals, Badges, or Emblems From My Car
Removing Polish and Wax From Rubber Trim
Exhaust Tip Detailing
Nextzett Plastik Reiniger Plastic Deep Cleaner - A Specialty Cleaner With Versatility
Ask DI: Can I Apply Ceramic Paint Coating to Trim?
Product Review: Gtechniq C4 Permanent Trim Restorer
Product Review: Solution Finish Trim Restorer
Product Review: Gyeon Trim Q2
View all Trim Care articles
Glass
Glass

Why
Why Glass
Glass Care
Care Is
Is Important
Important
Caring for your glass is not only important for aesthetics but it's also critical for driving safely. If too
much glass cleaner is left on the glass you can expect to see streaking and hazing which can be a
detriment to your vision. This can be especially dangerous when driving in the evening so make sure
you take the time to clean your glass properly. We understand that streaks are common and very
frustrating but don't worry we'll show you the products and techniques needed for streak free glass
cleanings.

How
How Often
Often Should
Should You
You Care
Care For
For Your
Your Glass?
Glass?
You should care for your glass on an as needed basis to ensure you always have the best visibility
when driving.

How
How To
To Clean
Clean Interior
Interior Glass
Glass
To get the most out of your glass cleaning both for the exterior and interior, the first thing you should
do is roll your windows down a couple of inches so you can clean the very top of the glass effectively.
Many detailers forget to do this step and if you drive with the windows partially down afterward you
may see this area you missed. Follow the same technique that is outlined below for best results. We
also recommend that you spray a light degreaser on a cloth and wipe the inside and outside edges of
the window seal to ensure that it is clean.
When caring for interior glass you are usually dealing with different problems than your exterior glass.
Interior glass can be subject to bodily oils from people touching windows, product over spray from
treating your trim pieces, smoke residue and most commonly moisture from simply breathing inside
the vehicle. While reaching certain parts of interior glass may be difficult, caring for the glass is pretty
straight forward.
One of the most common mistakes we see in detailing is people using too much glass cleaner. Use
just enough cleaner to remove contaminants and residue on the glass. The more product you use the
more you need to buff off in the latter steps. We recommend using a total of 3 microfiber towels to
care for your glass. One all purpose towel to apply the glass cleaner, a second all purpose towel to
buff off visible residue and a third, low nap, glass specific microfiber towel to buff to a streak free
finish. If you use just one towel you are almost guaranteed to see streaks afterward. We fold each
one of these towels (16" x 16") in fourths and expose a fresh surface for each section of glass you are
working on. This is especially important for the second and third towel so you can effectively remove
the excess glass cleaner. Folding the towel in fourths gives you eight fresh surfaces and increases
the value of any towel by utilizing the entire surface area instead of overusing just the middle section.
Another common mistake we see is working on the glass in direct sun. You must care for glass when
it is cool and in the shade, otherwise you greatly increase the chances of leaving behind some
streaking.
After you have put the vehicle in the shade the first step is to mist a small amount of glass cleaner on
a microfiber towel folded in fourths. Avoid spraying your glass directly to prevent yourself from getting
over spray on the trim pieces. It's actually best to spray the product onto the towel outside of the
vehicle. Remember to use just enough glass cleaner to clean the glass, you can always mist your
towel again if you need more product. Using the slightly misted towel apply some moderate pressure,
slowly working the product into the glass while keeping the towel flat. Pass over each area multiple
times to ensure you clean the glass from different angles. Take your second microfiber towel and buff
off the excess product as best you can right after. Work in a logical pattern up and down and then
side to side to ensure you don't accidentally miss any areas. Complete slow overlapping passes with
moderate pressure while holding the towel flat. Finally, take your glass specific microfiber towel and
repeat the same process to ensure no streaks have escaped.
The process listed above is pretty easy however reaching every corner of the glass can be
challenging. We recommend using a Stoner Invisible Glass Reach and Clean Microfiber Mop Tool to
effectively clean and reach the corners of your windshield effortlessly. Without a tool like this, it is
difficult to apply pressure in to the lower corners of the front and rear windshield. Follow the same
basic process listed above applying just enough cleaner to one microfiber bonnet and use the other
glass microfiber bonnet to buff off the left over product. You can also simply wrap microfiber towels
around the head of the mini-mop to get the same effect. Another tip when treating the front windshield
is to sit on the passenger side of the car when cleaning the drivers side glass. This helps you get
behind the steering wheel a little bit easier.
If you have tinted glass make sure you use a tint friendly cleaner that does not use ammonia or harsh
chemicals. The Stoner Invisible Glass and the Chemical Guys Window Clean are two great choices
that are completely safe on the tinted surfaces.
If you have fog forming on your front windshield make sure you turn off the recirculate mode from
your heating and cooling system. The recirculate mode recycles the air currently in your cabin which
contains more moisture. Moisture will often cling to the cooler glass forming a fog, which can reduce
your visibility. Turning off the recirculate mode will help.

How
How To
To Clean
Clean Exterior
Exterior Glass
Glass
Your exterior glass is exposed to various elements as you drive and even when you are parked.
Caring for your exterior glass is somewhat similar to caring for your paint, but remember glass is
actually much harder. You want to thoroughly clean it and then protect it from the elements. To clean
the glass you can wash, clay and even polish it so it is truly clean and clear. By protecting your
exterior glass afterward with a sealant your maintenance will be much easier and you can improve
your visibility during poor driving conditions.
If your glass needs just a basic cleaning, wash it as you would the rest of your vehicle. When you are
done, follow the same cleaning steps as you would for your interior glass (see above), using multiple
microfiber towels and just enough glass cleaner.
To give your exterior glass a deeper cleaning, you may want to consider using a clay bar. A clay bar
can help remove contaminants trapped on top of the glass and in the micro-pores of the glass. The
process here is virtually identical to the way you use a clay bar on the paint.
If you have very faint water marks on your glass distilled white vinegar is a good home remedy.
Unfortunately some water mark etchings are too deep for the vinegar solution to remove, so in these
situations we highly recommend using the Glass Science Glass Scrub. This is a unique cream glass
polish designed to dissolve mineral deposits and remove light etchings, sap, road grime and more.
Even if you think your glass is clean the Glass Scrub will make it look noticeably cleaner and moisture
will roll off easier instead of clinging to contaminants. The Glass Scrub needs to be applied to a wet
surface, so the best time to use this product is just after washing and before drying. With the glass
wet apply a dime sized drop to a wet foam applicator and buff it in with medium pressure in a circular
motion. Use more product as need be but try not to use an excessive amount because the Glass
Scrub needs to be thoroughly rinsed off when you are done.
After your glass is clean and clear you can protect it with a sealant. This will help moisture (i.e. rain,
sleet and snow) form small beads that roll right off with ease. It will also help prolong the life of your
wipers since you won't have to use them as often and there is less friction. You can use a glass
specific protectant such as the Glass Science Rain Clear or a sealant used on the paint. The Rain
Clear is a gel based formula that needs to be applied thin and buffed off with medium pressure and a
clean microfiber towel. A traditional sealant like those used on the paint can also be used to protect
the exterior glass. Both options will help repel the moisture and make driving much simpler no matter
the weather.

Facts
Facts and
and Tips
Tips
Use as little glass cleaner as possible to minimize streaking
Never use ammonia based glass cleaners on tinted windows
Use multiple towels to clean your glass, this will help reduce streaking
Always clean your glass when it is cool to the touch and out of direct sunlight
Protect your exterior glass to reduce maintenance and to improve visibility during poor weather
conditions
Using a glass polish or distilled white vinegar can help remove water spots on glass
Before cleaning the glass roll down the window and clean the very top of the glass and the
window seal

Related
Related Articles
Articles
Here are a few articles related to Glass Care from our Ask-a-Pro Detailer Blog:
 Glass Cleaning Secrets: Delete Streaks with this Tip
3 Simple Tips to Clean Interior Windshields and Keep your Sanity
Video | Glass Cleaning
Product Review: Detail Factory Microfiber Glass Towel Video
Glass Protection: Is It Worth It?
Product Review: DI Microfiber Glass Polishing Towel
Perfect Glass: Glass Cleaning Tips
View all Glass Care articles

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Ask-a-Pro Blog author James Melfi highlights his 2 step method for streak free glass cleaning.
Interior
Interior

Why
Why Interior
Interior Care
Care Is
Is Important
Important
Caring for your interior is just as important as your exterior. You spend the most time inside your
vehicle and your passengers often take notice of how clean, or not so clean, your interior is. It's
important to protect your interior trim and leather from harmful UV rays that can potentially dry out
and fade your interior. Keep your interior looking like new so you enjoy getting into your vehicle each
and every time.

How
How To
To Clean
Clean and
and Protect
Protect Carpet
Carpet
Caring for your fabrics is pretty simple, but unfortunately your carpets often see the most wear and
tear since you are constantly bringing in dirt, debris and contamination from your shoes. First off
remove your mats and be careful not to dump dirt and pebbles on the mat on to the carpets while
removing them. A quick vacuum will help remove the obvious build ups if you haven't cleaned the
carpets and mats recently, but don't get fussy you'll vacuum them again later in this process. A firm
bristle brush is one of the most underrated tools in detailing and can be used next to loosen debris
embedded in the carpets. Start brushing in a corner and work your way towards one mid point from
all corners and sections. Once you've made a pile of debris, use a vacuum to remove it. Continue this
same process for each fabric section and if you have fabric seats start with them and move on to the
carpets and mats second.
After making an initial pass with the brush and vacuum, spot treat any stains with a fabric cleaner.
Most cleaners should dwell on the fabric for 1 - 2 minutes, then scrub them again with a bristle brush
in multiple different directions with medium pressure. The brushes bristles will get in between the
carpet fibers and help bring contaminants to the surface. At the same time the bristles will break up
stains and build ups on the surface. If stubborn stains persist spray them again with your cleaner and
dip your brush in a tray of hot water before scrubbing them again with medium to firm pressure. When
you are satisfied with the cleaning, use the vacuum if needed to remove any visible debris.
Once your carpet has completely dried, we recommend protecting your carpet. The 303 Fabric Guard
is a great example of a fabric protectant. This will help prevent stains from forming in the future and
will make cleaning your fabrics easier in the long run. Simply mist some product onto your carpet,
mats and upholstery for a barrier of protection and you are done. The carpets will continue to look
and feel completely natural but they will resist moisture and stains
How
How To
To Care
Care For
For Interior
Interior Trim
Trim
Most interior trim (dashboard, console, doors, etc.) consists of a combination of vinyl, plastic, rubber
and leather, which can be cared for with many of the same products, so there is no need to get a
product for each material. Some products are strictly meant for cleaning, some are just for protection
and others have a combination of both. In general products strictly meant for cleaning or protection
are more effective than options that do both. If you need a serious cleaning then we highly
recommend picking up a separate cleaner and protectant. Even if your vehicle is relatively clean we
recommend at a minimum of 1 - 2 times per year you use just a cleaner on the interior for a more
thorough cleaning. If your vehicle is well maintained than you may be able to use a cleaner and
protectant in one bottle for maintenance cleanings.
For the vinyl, plastic, rubber, carpets and mats the 303 Spot Cleaner is a great product. It's a highly
effective and very versatile formula that is very gentle. If you want some outstanding protection
afterward the 303 Aerospace Protectant is a great choice for rubber, leather, vinyl, plastic, etc. It
leaves a nice dark finish that is not glossy or greasy while providing outstanding UV protection. If you
want a cleaner and protectant in one the Nextzett Cockpit Premium is a great choice for rubber,
plastic, vinyl, etc. It has some light cleaning agents but also leaves UV protection that looks stunning
with zero oily residue left behind.

How
How To
To Care
Care For
For Leather
Leather Seats
Seats
Beautiful leather is synonymous with clean leather and when the leather is looking its best it is a
source of tremendous pride for automobile owners. Leather seats are one of the very first things we
notice when entering a vehicle and dirty seats not only look bad but it can harm the long term health
of the seats. Modern day leather can be comprised from a variety of natural and synthetic materials.
Very few vehicles actually use just raw leather and many of them have a coating on them to help
protect against wear and tear. All of these material are prone to drying out and breaking down over
time so regular maintenance is essential.
Caring for virtually any type of seat involves the same basic steps which are cleaning, conditioning
and protection. Inevitably over time dirt, dust, human oils, etc. work themselves deep in to the seats
and can be quite challenging to remove. A good leather cleaner should be able to safely separate
those contaminants and help bring them to the surface for removal. A quality leather conditioner can
help keep the leather soft and flexible yet strong and durable. Cleaners and conditioners should not
leave a glossy or oily finish behind. Lastly some protection can help prevent UV fading while
preserving the color and finish for decades to come. With proper care the seats will look and feel
outstanding year round while increasing the resale value.
In general products that clean and condition in one bottle are not as effective as a separate cleaner
and conditioner. The trade off with using separate products is that it can cost more and they may take
more time to apply. If interested in just a leather cleaner we recommend the Leatherique Prestine
Clean or the Connolly Leather Cleaner. For conditioning the Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil and the
Connolly Hide Care Leather Conditioner are two top notch choices. If you want to clean and condition
in one bottle the SONAX Leather Foam and Nextzett Leather Care are some of the many great
choices we have available. For protection afterward the 303 Aerospace Protectant is always a
favorite for it's world renowned ability to block UV rays.

Leatherique Leather Care Application

Leatherique leather care products are some of the best in the industry. They have been the product of
choice for the Bentley and Rolls Royce Owners Clubs. Leatherique can restore faded, hardened and
neglected leather but it can also maintain brand new leather in great condition. They work extremely
well on synthetic leathers "leatherette", coated leathers, vinyl seats and so much more! Both products
use all natural active ingredients with no dyes to provide high quality leather care. The process leaves
the seats feeling completely natural without a greasy or oily residue. The application is a two step
process consisting of the Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil and Leatherique Prestine Clean. If you are
working on seats that have not been well cared for recently you can expect to use more product, but
well maintained or newer seats will need less product. The application of these products is unique in
that the conditioner is applied first and the cleaner is applied second.
Start off using the Leatherique Rejuvenator Oil, which will penetrate the surface and condition your
leather top to bottom. Apply the product liberally on your leather seats with either your bare hands or
a soft applicator pad (i.e. terry cloth applicator). You can use a leather brush to help work the product
deeper into the leather's pores if desired. Don't forget to do the head rests, back of the seats, sides,
bolsters, arm rests and really work it in to creases and folds. If the product readily absorbs in to the
seat you can apply more product until there is some visibly left on the surface. Each seat may need
anywhere from .5 ounces to 2 ounces. When you are done back your vehicle into direct sun and if it's
not sunny out you can use a hair dryer or turn on the heated seats. The heat will help open the pores
of the leather and thin out the Rejuvenator Oil so it can penetrate in to every crevice of the leather.
Ideally, you want to let the Rejuvenator Oil sit for a full day but a minimum of one to two hours still
works very well. If none of these heat sources are are available to you don't worry the product will still
work well on it's own, just let it sit the minimum of one to two hours.
After you've let the product sit on the leather for as long as possible, the surface may be a bit tacky to
the touch, which is a good sign. At this time the Rejuvenator Oil has removed many of the embedded
contaminants and forced them up to the surface. Now you will apply the Prestine Clean directly on top
of the surface with a clean applicator pad (i.e. terry cloth applicator) or clean microfiber towel. Apply
anywhere from .5 to 1.5 ounces per seat, working it in thoroughly with light pressure. Let the Prestine
Clean sit on the leather for another 15 to 30 minutes. Take a slightly damp towel, using warm water,
and remove both products from the leather with light pressure. Immediately follow up with a dry towel
to remove any visible moisture. The seats should now look and feel incredible with no greasy or oily
mess left behind at all. The leather will have a completely natural finish and be well nourished to help
prevent future problems.

Facts
Facts and
and Tips
Tips
A clean interior shows you take pride in your vehicle
Cleaning and conditioning your leather on a regular basis will keep the leather looking great year
round
 Protect your leather with a product that blocks UV rays
Leather seats should never feel greasy or oily and avoid any product that adds a shine to the
leather
A scrub brush is arguably the most important tool to clean any fabric
Microfiber towels are great for interior cleanings because they collect and trap dust particles
As you exit the vehicle try to not twist on the seat, over time this can remove material from the
surface
Make sure you and your passengers don't have any sharp buttons, belts, etc. on your bottom side
that can harm the leather
Keep the interior clean by removing any wrappers, bottles and trash as soon as possible
Adding an air freshener is an easy way to create a smile

Related
Related Articles
Articles
Here are a few articles related to Interior Care from our Ask-a-Pro Detailer Blog:
Leatherique Leather Care How To
Simple Yet Effective Interior Cleaning
Product Review and Guide: 303 Aerospace Protectant
All About Brushes - Interior Use
Meguiar's D-102 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
Product Review: Lilly Brush Mini Pet Hair Detailer
Video | How-To Clean Interior Door Panels
Interior Cleaning Made Easy with the Tornador
Tips and Tricks to Enhance Your Carpet Art
Groom Carpets and Floor Mats without Special Tools
Quickly Remove Animal Hair From Seats & Carpets
Product Review: Gtechniq I1 Smart Fabric
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Ask-a-Pro Blog author James Melfi highlights how your leather gets dirty and 3 different methods of
cleaning your leather.
Engine
Engine Bay
Bay

Is
Is ItIt Safe
Safe To
To Detail
Detail Your
Your Engine
Engine Bay?
Bay?
Detailing the engine bay can often seem overwhelming and potentially scary but in reality it's one of
the easiest areas to care for. Many owners fear they will ruin some part of the engine with a simple
cleaning, but the truth is the modern day engine bay is so well protected it's hardly a concern
anymore. With minimal effort you will be amazed at how easy and affordable it is to make your engine
bay look like new again. You only need a degreaser, protectant, protectant applicator and a cloth or
brush to work in the degreaser. The process should only take 20 - 45 minutes depending on how dirty
the engine bay is.

How
How Often
Often Should
Should You
You Detail
Detail Your
Your Engine
Engine
Bay?
Bay?
The engine bay should be detailed every 3 - 6 months to keep it clean and well protected.

Prep
Prep Work
Work and
and Precautions
Precautions
While the vast majority of vehicles are extremely easy and safe to work on we'll go over some basic
precautions that apply to some select vehicles. If you are working on a classic car or any older model
(mid 1990's and older) you may want to be extra cautious. Electrical components are generally well
covered, but if you have any visible avoid hitting them with a high pressure water flow. They are
meant to resist moisture but it's possible to get water in there if you were careless or if they were
defective. To be conservative wrap exposed electrical connections in tin foil. The air intakes are
usually protected but avoid hitting them with a direct stream of water, if needed cover them with a
plastic bag because you don't want to flood the air intake with water. If you have an exposed
aftermarket air filter make sure it's covered by a plastic bag. If you have any exposed belts or fans
cover them up with a plastic bag or tin foil. After you have checked off these areas you are ready to
begin detailing. Again most of these areas are not of concern to the modern day vehicle but you
should check just to be safe.

How
How To
To Detail
Detail Your
Your Engine
Engine Bay
Bay
 Step 1: Prior to starting, the engine bay should not be hot but it's okay if it's just barely warm.
Some detailers will turn the car on for 1 - 2 minutes just to get it a little bit warm.
Step 2: Mist a light degreasing solution across the entire engine bay including the flipped up
hood. Let it dwell for at least 1 - 2 minutes.
Step 3: Agitate visible build ups with a brush or rag. A small brush like the Mini EZ Detail Brush is
very helpful as it get's in to those tough to reach areas with ease.
Step 4: Apply a fine mist of water starting top down to rinse away the dirt and contaminants.
Step 5: Spot treat any remaining areas and re-rinse the engine bay down with a fine mist of water.
Step 6: Dry the engine bay top down with a microfiber towel and you should see a noticeable
improvement already. If needed, use compressed air beforehand to help remove any small pools
of water that may be hard to access.
Step 7: If any of the vinyl, plastic, or rubber are faded use a product like the Chemical Guys Black
on Black or the TUF SHINE Black Restore to bring a darker and richer appearance back. If the
material is not faded but you'd like to provide a darker appearance and protection, apply your
favorite protectant to the surface. The 303 Aerospace Protectant is a popular choice as it leaves
outstanding protection and adds a like-new finish to anything vinyl, plastic and rubber. Do not
apply the protectant or cleaners to any mechanical pieces like moving belts and fans.
Step 8: Remove any plastic bags or tin foil you used and start the engine just to be certain you
are all set.
Upon completion the engine bay should look outstanding and be protected for months to come!

Facts
Facts and
and Tips
Tips
Many fear cleaning the engine bay when it's actually one of the easiest areas to care for
It can take as little as 20 minutes to clean and protect the entire engine bay
The modern day engine bay is so well protected it's quite easy and safe to care for
A degreaser, protectant and cloths are all you need
Generally speaking water will not harm the engine bay, it's designed to resist moisture
Don't use WD-40 or Windex to clean the engine bay
Clean and protect the engine bay at least twice per year
Don't forget to care for the hood that gets flipped up
An EZ Detail Brush can help you reach down in to the engine bay

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2006 Acura TL in Nighthawk Black Pearl Part 1
How to Detail Your Engine Bay
Product Review and Guide: 303 Aerospace Protectant
Why You Need a Bottle of the Multi Purposefull Klasse AIO
Product Review: DI Boars Hair Detailing Brush
Product Review: Chemical Guys Fade 2 Black
2008 m6 in Black Sapphire Metallic
 Product Review: Mini EZ Detail Brush
Ferrari f40 60 Hour Restorative Detail by Todd Cooperider and Craig Reed
Learn Something New, Don't Read the Instructions
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Detailing
Detailing Dictionary
Dictionary

The definitions below were specifically created to help define various detailing terms, they are not
general definitions. Understanding these detailing terms is critical to ensuring you have the
information you need to detail at a high level. We recommend reading all of these definitions in
addition to reading through the rest of our Detailing Guide and our Ask a Pro Detailer Blog.

303 Brand
1. Since 1980, when the brand was developed originally for the aerospace/aviation industry, 303
has been the premium choice for avid boaters, car enthusiasts, homeowners, etc. 303 products
offer a diverse line of protectants and cleaners designed to keep the things you love looking and
performing like new. From Protectants to Detailers, 303's top of the line products have been
exceeding the highest expectations of even the most avid users. They can help you clean and
protect almost your entire interior of your vehicle including carpets, seats, console, leather, etc.
Not only are 303 products great for automobiles they are recommended by manufacturers of
boat/RV awning, spa cover manufacturers, outdoor furniture manufacturers, 303 products are
trusted and recommended everywhere. In fact, 303 Fabric Guard is the only fabric guard product
recommended by leading outdoor manufacturer, Sunbrella for water repellency retreatment of
their fabrics. 303 products is owned and manufactured by Gold Eagle Co, headquartered in
Chicago, IL. Gold Eagle Co. was founded in 1932, and is the manufacturer of several leading
brands, including STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer, HEET Gas-Line Antifreeze, and104+ Octane Boost.
This great brand has created so many high quality products you are going to love!

3D Brand
1. With over two decades of research and development 3D Car Care has established a solid name
as a leader in the car wash, detailing, and car care industry. 3D works hard to provide innovative
products at a great value to their customers. Products like the Speed (polish and protect) have
taken the detailing world by storm and showed off their high-quality, value-based product
development. With a large variety of products, you will find everything you need from shampoos
 to dressings, to polishes and much more!

3M Brand
1. 3M is a global fortune 500 company whose many innovations have improved the daily life of
people all over the world. They have made products that allow you to drive at night easier, made
buildings safer, and made consumer electronics lighter, less energy-intensive and less harmful to
the environment. 3M is always coming up with new innovative ideas that will continue to help
shape the world as we know it.

Abrasive
1. A particle suspended in a liquid used to polish or compound paint.
2. Aluminum Oxide particles attached to paper to form sand paper.

Acid
1. A corrosive material (pH less than 7) that is generally used for wheel cleaning.

Adenna Brand
1. Adenna founder Maxwell Lee bridged markets and cultures when his U.S. based company
partnered with his uncle's Malaysian glove factory to bring affordable, quality gloves to the
masses. You will find various material makeups and thickness constructions, allowing you to
have the best glove on hand for any detailing step you are performing!

Adhere
1. To stick to. To not easily be removed.
"This polish is adhering to the paint."

Adhesion
1. The force between two objects that are stuck together.
"The paint has good adhesion to the substrate."

Alcantara
1. Composite material, generally made of Polyester and Polyurethane.

Alkaline
1. Any substance with a pH value greater than 7; also referred to as a "base."

All in One (AIO)

1. A product intended to not only clean, but add gloss and protection in one step.

Alloy
1. A compound formed with more than one type of metal or nonmetal.
AMPs
1. or Amperage is a measurement for the consumption or amount of electricity used.

Anodized
1. A metallic surface that has been electrically treated to produce a cosmetically pleasing, corrosion
resistant finish.

APC
1. All Purpose Cleaner. A cleaner that can be used in many situations for cleaning multiple surfaces.

APEX Steam Brand

1. APEX Steam works hard to provide their customers with high-quality steam cleaners to help
them save money and valuable time while on the job. Skipping on harmful chemicals, APEX
steam cleaners will help you clean various surfaces using only high-temperature steam. APEX
makes several high quality models that come standard essential accessories included with each
unit and a fantastic warranty, APEX Steam is a company you will want to work with.

Applicator Pad
1. A pad used to apply product. This could be a coating, sealant, wax, or anything else that is
applied to a surface of a car, inside or out.

Aquatek Brand
1. Aquatek Coatings are designed in the USA and made in Japan. The brand was founded by two
passion driven detailers with a no-nonsense approach and a goal to provide customer service,
value and quality products that professionals can depend on. As former reps and installers in the
coating industry, they know the frustrations on both sides of the coating business. Aquatek works
hard to provide what they want most as installers and as a coating manufacturer.

Autofiber Brand
1. Autofiber is a family run business based in San Diego California. They have been designing,
manufacturing, wholesaling and distributing the highest quality microfiber cleaning products for
over 20 years and there is no end in sight. From their extremely popular Dreadnaught drying
towel to their Saver applicators, Autofiber prides themselves on providing their customers with
unique, high quality microfiber items. Everyone needs high quality microfiber when detailing, so
look no further than Autofiber!

Backing Plate
1. The plate that is attached to a polisher. Polishing pads are attached to this plate with hook and
loop material.

Baked Dry
1. A term used to describe the use of heat to accelerate the drying or curing of paint, clear coat,
 chemicals or film.

Base Coat
1. Also referred to as "Color Coat," the layer(s) of paint on top of the primer and below the clear
coat.

Beveled Edge on Pads

1. Rounded corners on the edge of foam pads.

Biodegradable
1. Describes any substance that organically decomposes.

Blackfire Brand
1. Blackfire produces high quality detailing supplies that really help you take your detailing to the
next level. Many of the products were upgraded at the end of 2017 as they revamped this already
great line of products and refreshed the packaging. They also are now known as Blackfire Pro
Detailer's Choice, to drive home their mission of creating quality products professional detailers
will enjoy. They have some outstanding waxes, sealants, polishes, shampoos, quick detailers,
wheel cleaners, tire dressings and more. Each product is uniquely well balanced so it's easy to
use and achieves top-notch results.

BLO Car Dryer Brand

1. Air drying your car has a lot of advantages over towel drying and BLO has released affordable,
high quality options. You can find anything from handheld units great for cracks and crevices, to
larger units designed to quickly blow standing water off your vehicle. BLO is dedicated to not only
offering high quality units, but innovating over the years to guarantee they are always offering the
best!

Blotting
1. The process of placing a towel down on a surface and lifting it straight up when drying rather than
dragging the towel over the surface, to help reduce the chance of marring the paint.

Blower
1. Gas or electric power tool that forces warm air through a round tube to concentrate the air in one
direction. They are commonly used to dry cracks, crevices, grills, spoilers, and other areas tough
to dry with a towel.

Blowerband Brand
1. Blowerband specializes in unique silicone bands, that attach to your leaf blowers and the Stubby
Nozzle Leaf Blower Nozzles. This simple tool helps transform leaf blowers into tools you can use
to dry vehicles and the silicone tip protects your vehicles paint from any scratches in the process.
Using Blowerband helps you save money using a tool to dry our vehicles that many of us already
 have on hand!

Body Shop Safe

1. Describes a chemical which will not interfere with the process of painting a car (i.e. cause
fisheyes, adhesion problems, or other unwanted side effects).

Brake Dust
1. Iron particles from the brake rotor and pads, commonly deposited on wheels.

Brush
1. A tool comprised of either natural or synthetic bristles to displace dry particulates or agitate liquid
cleaning chemicals. Commonly used on soft surfaces like carpets, mats, fabric seats, soft
convertible tops and leather. Usually has a handle for hand usage but some brushes can attach
to buffers.

Buff and Shine Brand

1. Buff and Shine was founded by Richard Umbrell in the 1980's after he listened to his father
complain about how poorly some pads were made for detailers. Richard designed and tested
some pads that far surpassed some "leading pads" and thus a business was born. As the
business evolved they developed a philosophy to focus on quality, listen to the users and improve
the technology. They custom designed tools to make some of the best pads possible and
detailers have been loving them for decades now.

Buff Brite Brand

1. From innovative polishing lights and vacuum attachments, Buff Brite has taken their 40+ years of
detailing experience and put that knowledge into products to increase the productivity of every
detailer. The innovation will not stop at the Flamethrower and Fur-eel, Buff Brite is always
working on the next and best!

Buffer
1. A power tool which can be a rotary machine or a dual action machine. Used for applying
protection, buffing, polishing, or sanding paint or clear coat.

Buffer Trails
1. An unwanted result on the paint or clear coat from improper buffer usage.

C6 Ceramics Brand
1. C6 Ceramics works hard to make unparalleled gloss and hydrophobics a possibility. Utilizing
state-of-the-art technologies, C6 has developed and will continue to develop high quality coatings
and other coating based products.

Car Candy Brand

1. Car Candy was started in 2010 and manufactures automotive detailing chemicals and supplies in
Lakeland Florida. Their product lineup aims to offer high quality products at a great value to
professional detailers and enthusiasts alike.

Carnauba
1. A type of wax, commonly sourced from Brazil, which is mixed with other ingredients to form a
paste or liquid automotive wax.

CarPro Brand
1. CarPro has developed some of the most exciting products in the detailing industry that are loved
by professional detailers and weekend detailers. They offer a wide range of detailing products
including shampoos, tar remover, contaminant remover, glass polish, polishes, ceramic coatings,
trim protection and so much more. The revolutionary IronX and Cquartz products combined with
other top notch items have quickly made them an industry leader that detailers simply can't get
enough of. Check out the CarPro products today!

CCS Pads
1. A patented technology of Lake Country Mfg. which uses groups of closed foam cells on the
surface of a buffing pad which do not absorb polishes or waxes.

Chemical Guys Brand

1. Chemical Guys is committed to providing high quality detailing products that produce only the
highest quality results. For over 30 years they have manufactured and distributed products to
every kind of detailer around the world. They produce a wide variety of waxes, sealants, glazes,
polishes, metal polishes, degreasers, dressings and so much more. Best of all Chemical Guys
constantly refine their products and develops new ones, so you always have the latest and
greatest. Chemical Guys keeps their finger on the pulse of the detailing community, which helps
them develop products on the cutting edge of detailing technology. Their wide range of products
is sure to help you throughout your detailing process. Try some of the Chemical Guys products
and you'll know why they have a worldwide following.

Chrome
1. An electroplated finish of chromium typically applied over a metal or plastic substrate.

Clay Bar
1. A soft and malleable synthetic bar that can remove contamination from smooth and non-porous
automotive surfaces (i.e. glass, clear coat). You must spray clay lube on the surface beforehand
so the bar will glide over the surface safely.

Clay Lube
1. Lubricant specifically made to assist a clay bar to glide over the surface it is being used on.
Clay Magic Brand
1. Clay Magic produces some of the finest clay bars in the detailing industry. Clay Magic is the
original, seven patented clay bar that was developed during the early 1990s. Clay Magic started
making clay bars to help safely clean vehicles from the everyday contaminants that your vehicle
comes in contact with. Contaminants such as brake dust, rail dust, industrial fall out, tree sap,
paint overspray, bug smear, road grime, etc. can leave your vehicles surface dirty and rough to
the touch. Clay Magic clay bars help safely remove these contaminants from your vehicle so it
can be optically clear and aesthetically pleasing. Simply spray clay lube (quick detailer) over a
small area and then glide the bar side to side and you'll instantly notice the surface is cleaner and
smoother. It's safe to use on almost all paint, glass and clear coated surfaces.

Cleaner
1. A chemical designed to emulsify dirt or contaminants.

Cleaner Wax
1. A type of wax containing a chemical paint cleanser to remove very minor surface defects and
contaminant build ups while leaving a layer of protection at the same time.

Cleaning
1. The act of removing foreign dirt/particulates/contamination from a surface.

Clear Bra / Paint Protection Film

1. Urethane film applied to painted surfaces to preserve them, specifically preventing chips and
scratches.

Clear Coat
1. Paint without color. It is the final coat in modern paint systems applied on top of paint to preserve
it.

Cloth Seats
1. Seating surfaces with a fabric/broadcloth covering.

Coating
1. Any product that adds measurable thickness to the top of paint, and creates a cross linked barrier
with extended durability.

Collinite Brand
1. Collinite is located in Utica, New York and was founded in 1936 by Charles H. Collins. Collinite
has a long standing heritage to quality products. They believe that many manufacturers have
been looking past the quality of their own products, instead focusing on marketing. Collinite took
advantage of this and invested its time into quality of production. All of Collinite's products are
made in the USA and hand poured in small kettle-sized quantities to ensure top shelf quality. The
 quality of Collinite products spread like wildfire via word-of-mouth and after 1994 and business
really picked up. Along the way Collinite products collected 5 first place awards in industry-wide
product tests. This success all came without advertising, modern packaging, and an internal
sales force. Collinite products truly stand for "It's what's inside that counts."

Colourlock Brand
1. With many years of research and development, coupled with a strong desire to deliver good,
honest and efficient products has led Colourlock to become a leader in the automotive, furniture
and leather goods industries. From leather cleaners, conditioners, protectants, dyes, along with
fabric cleaners and protectors, Colourlock has various products in their product line to help you
tackle not only detailing steps but around the house repairs as well.

Compound
1. A paste or cream containing aggressive abrasive particles designed to quickly remove noticeable
defects in the paint or clear coat.

Concentrate
1. A product that is intended to have water added by the end user.

Contaminant
1. Any foreign particle rested, embedded, or bonded to any part of a vehicle that would ideally be
removed when cleaning.

Counterweight
1. The component in a Dual Action polisher that balances the eccentric orbital motion of the tool.

CR Spotless Brand
1. CR Spotless is committed to providing you quality water that will not leave watermarks while
cleaning your home, automobile, boat, etc. They produce high quality water filtration systems that
de-ionize water and remove impurities. The CR Spotless water filtration systems allow you to
wash without fear of watermarks and you don't even have to dry the surface. This type of
innovation has made CR Spotless the premier name in the industry. Try one of their portable or
wall mounted units and use it all around your home and vehicles.

Cure
1. The action of a paint or coating cross-linking to form a stable matrix or film. Gases will evaporate
from the surfaces during this process so you should not protect the surface until this process is
complete.

Cure time
1. The duration of the curing process, or length of time between application of a product and that
product reaching a fully stable state.
Cutting
1. Removing the top layer of paint or clear coat via polishing or compounding. This is done most
effectively with a buffer.

Cutting Pad
1. An aggressive pad that gets attached to a buffer to help remove noticeable surface imperfections
in the clear coat or paint.

DeFelsko Brand
1. DeFelsko Corporation, a leading U.S. Manufacturer of coating thickness gages and inspection
instruments, has been delivering Simple, Durable and Accurate gages since 1966. Family owned
and operated in Northern New York, their state of the art facility houses research, development,
manufacturing, quality, sales and service departments.

Over the years, DeFelsko has pioneered many technologies including the first combination
ferrous/non-ferrous gage to automatically recognize the substrate and take a measurement and
the first hand-held ultrasonic coating thickness gage for non-metal substrates including plastic,
wood and concrete. Starting with the mechanical PosiTest FM and GM, DeFelsko has shown a
commitment to excellence in manufacturing and after sales support. DeFelsko actively
participates in several key organizations (SSPC, NACE, ASTM, ISO) to improve and promote the
science of coating inspection.

DeFelsko is recognized as a premier American manufacturer of quality inspection instruments.

Degreaser
1. A solvent chemical designed to emulsify and flush oils and greases from a surface.

Detail Factory Brand

1. Detail Factory strives to create high-quality tools that any detailer uses on a daily basis. From
amazing brushes to high-quality microfiber, you will find the essentials needed to clean up your
daily driver or take care of a client's supercar.

Detail Guardz Brand

1. Detail Guardz, formerly known as Hose-eez, developed a product in 2015 to help stop an age old
problem: cord and hose jamming under your tires. The Detail Guardz Tire Guard has helped pro
detailers and weekend warriors detail frustration-free and pushed Detail Guardz to tackle other
detailing steps, guarding you against frustrations. With innovations in pad cleaning and bucket
filtering, Detail Guardz continues to release impressive products.

Detailer Brand
1. With Detailer by DetailedImage.com, you can represent yourself as a detailer everywhere you go.
Under Armour T-Shirts? Check. Under Armour Hoodies? Check. What about banners, stickers,
 tool bags? Check, check and that's right, you guessed it, check. The Detailer brand features
various simple, yet functional and high-quality products that help you not only promote the
detailing industry as a profession, but as a great hobby as well. Take pride in your profession or
your favorite hobby and show it off to others! This is a Detailer brand you will want to support!

Detailer's Helper Brand

1. Detailer's Helper specializes in belts that are paint safe and allow detailers to carry their favorite
detailing products with ease. These belts were made by owner of Detailer's Helper, Kevin Davis,
who is a professional detailer. Kevin wanted an easier way to carry items with him while detailing,
while not having to worry about scratching the paint with the material, metal buckles, etc. After
some testing, the Detailer's Helper belt was born and comes with various pocket configurations
for professional detailers and weekend warriors alike!

Detailing Outlaws Brand

1. The Detailing Outlaws brand was born in 2017 and excels in manufacturing high quality and
innovative detailing products. Their focus is "outside the box" thinking and coming up with
products that help solve a detailing problem. The Buckanizer helps keep your wash media
organized and is only the first product with many more game changers to come!

Diamond ProTech Brand

1. Diamond ProTech is a brand belonging to NGNT S.A. Switzerland. NGNT operates from a
dedicated laboratory to research and develop nanotechnology composites. This innovation
brought forth Diamond ProTech, which is the first brand to use enriched nanodiamonds in
protective coatings. With this formulation, users will have a coating with greater hardness and
durability, while still being easily applied. Diamond ProTech and NGNT are excited to continue to
innovate and pushing their products to the limit!

Dilute
1. The process of adding water to reduce the concentration of a liquid product.

DIY Detail Brand

1. The goal of DIY Detail is to make detailing easy for everyone. Their pro-grade product line offers
high quality items that are easy to use, no matter if you are a pro detailer or a weekend warrior!

Dr. ColorChip Brand

1. Dr. ColorChip is a company specializing in automotive paint chip repair solutions. They offer a
variety of kits designed to help you fix minor scratches and chips in your vehicles paint, restoring
it to its original appearance. Their products are known for their ease of use and ability to provide
a professional looking finish.

Dressing
1. A product designed to moisturize and protect rubber, plastic, or vinyl surfaces which may also
 contain ingredients to leave some level of gloss behind.

Driveway Shield Brand

1. Driveway Shield works hard to offer innovative products designed to help protect our driveway
and garage floors. Their TireBib protects these areas from tire protection products and Driveway
Shield is always working on new products to help solve everyday detailing issues.

Dry Sanding
1. The action of sanding without the use of water.

Drying
1. The act of removing moisture from a surface.

Dual Action (DA) Buffer

1. Refers to a polisher which both oscillates and rotates in order to remove paint defects or apply
protection. Generally considered more user friendly than a direct drive rotary polisher.

Durability
1. Refers to longevity. Length of time a product will last before evaporating or breaking down.

Dwell Time
1. The period of time you let a chemical/product sit on an automotive surface.

Dynabrade Brand
1. Description Coming Soon!

Elcometer Brand
1. Ever since the first Elcometer gauge was manufactured in 1947, their philosophy has been to
provide industry-leading, innovative, high-quality products; supported by a best-in-class customer
experience at a competitive price. By concentrating on these core values, Elcometer has grown
into a global network with representation in over 170 countries. They have been responsible for
creating many industry-leading devices that have made their name synonymous with quality
meters and gages. Their products are absolutely essential for any professional detailer, body
shop, car collector, restoration shop, etc. With a range of products, Elcometer has anything to
meet your inspection needs!

Enamel Paint
1. A resin-type finish which cures to a hard gloss. Can be either pigmented with color or a clear
coat.

Engine Bay
1. The compartment of a vehicle containing the engine and other mechanical components such as
 the alternator, air cleaner, battery, etc.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

1. Department of the United States government responsible for protecting human health and the
environment. As it relates to detailing the EPA regulates the allowable emission of pollutants into
the environment from vehicles and the products that care for them.

Fabric
1. A material produced from woven natural or synthetic fibers.

Fabric Guard
1. A protectant that repels dirt or liquids from fabrics.

Fine Grade
1. A term typically used to describe a clay bar or polish that is only mildly aggressive or abrasive.

Finishing
1. The final step in the paint correction process, intended to remove any remaining fine surface
defects or haze.

Finishing Pad
1. A soft pad that is used to produce a high gloss finish.

Fish Eye
1. A type of defect caused by contamination left on a surface during the painting process.

Flash Point
1. The temperature at which a chemical or solvent vaporizes and/or ignites.

Flat Pads
1. Pads that have no grooves or dimples in the face of the pad.

Flat Paint
1. Having no texture or orange peel.
2. Having little to no gloss or shine.

Flex Brand
1. Flex tools is a leading designer of innovative and highly efficient power tools. Flex produces a
wide variety of buffers, grinders and drills for over 80 years. They are a European based
company that is now sweeping through the US. Their buffers produce outstanding results that
have made them extremely popular with high end detailers. The remarkable balance of power
 and safety has led to the Flex XC 3401 VRG buffer becoming one of the the most desirable
buffers in the detailing industry. It has plenty of power with minimal risks of burning or otherwise
harming your vehicle. It can remove permanently remove the majority of the swirls and other fine
imperfections in your vehicle's clear coat to reveal a deep and glossy shine.

Foam Gun
1. An apparatus that connects to a typical garden hose which uses water pressure and a
soap/detergent to produce suds, usually for washing automotive exteriors.

Foam Lance
1. An apparatus that attaches to a pressure washer to produce suds from a soap or detergent to
help wash the vehicle's exterior.

Foam Pad
1. A pad produced with a cellular structure (can be either open or closed cell), used in paint
correction or to apply protectants or cleaners to a surface.

Fortador Brand
1. Fortador's company policy is to, "create effective solutions with no shortcuts". These units are
powered by motors made by Lamborghini, yes you heard that right, the same company that
makes those iconic sports cars! You will notice both companies have a similar logo as they are
affiliated by sharing parts, styling and a commitment to excellence. These powerful machines
help you save valuable time when cleaning. No more double cleaning or waiting for your steam
cleaner to heat up, Fortador knocks out dirt, grime, bacteria, germs and more super fast and
easy. One machine can even support up to three users at a time! This means you can save more
of your valuable detailing time. State of the art features combined with incredible styling screams
high quality professional work. Not only do they work incredibly well, but they run efficiently so
you can save on operating costs. When you see and feel these units in person you know they will
take your detailing business to the next level.

Geist Brand
1. Geist. product range focuses on innovations that are efficient and very safe for the surfaces
treated, the client's health, and the environment. They are committed to using plant and algae
derived ingredients wherever they offer high levels of performance and also not use forever
chemicals.

Gel Coat
1. A type of epoxy finish used to produce a smooth finish over composite materials such as
fiberglass or carbon fiber.

Ghosting
1. When a nearly invisible mark appears in or on the clear coat or paint. It is common to see
 ghosting when you remove a badge, sticker or decal because the clear coat underneath is
preserved extremely well and the surrounding clear coat may be oxidized, creating a contrast.

Gilmour Brand
1. Gilmour has been making top quality products for the auto, home and garden industry for
decades. They are part of the Robert Bosch Tool Company and pride themselves on
manufacturing nothing but the best tools. They invest the time in to developing top quality
products made from only the finest parts. Rest assured anything you buy with the Gilmour name
will work great and last for years to come. They are known to detailers for their foam guns,
hoses, hi-flow shut off valves and more. Each one of their products is something you'll be using
for years to come and they guarantee it on most products with their Lifetime Replacement Policy.
Very few, if any, companies back up their products with this kind of guarantee and this is why they
have been so successful!

Glass
1. A solid material possessing high strength and transparency.

Glaze
1. A product containing a mixture of oils and solids designed to feed porous single stage finishes
and/or temporarily mask minor surface defects in order to provide a high gloss finish.

Gloss
1. An objective measurement of the "shine" of a paint finish, typically representative of reflective
clarity.

Griot's Garage Brand

1. Griots Garage has been making car care products since 1988! Whether they were just starting
out in a garage or as an international recognized brand, they always focused on product quality.
In the beginning stages of the company, if the product quality fell short then they would ask the
manufacturer to make improvements. This set the tone for Griots to take matters into their own
hands and start making their own products. Today they continue on as innovators of high quality
products they can be proud of. With the Griot's line of products can always be sure they you will
be able to have fun with effective detailing products.

Grit Guard
1. A plastic screen designed to allow dirt and particulates to settle at the bottom of a wash bucket,
reducing the risk of re-contamination of a wash mitt or sponge.

Grit Guard Brand

1. Grit Guard provides washing solutions to help you wash more effectively and with less risks of
adding swirls to your paint. The washing process is where the majority of new swirls are
introduced to the paint. Help keep your washing mitt clean and safe with the Grit Guard inserts.
GSM
1. Grams per square meter; A measurement of weight for microfiber towels to add standardization.

Gtechniq Brand
1. In 2004, scientists at Gtechniq created a line of products aimed towards perfecting all surfaces
on a car. After lots of time, testing, and hard work, Gtechniq is now a high end detailing system
for car care professionals and enthusiasts alike. They stand out from the competition because of
their Smart Surface Science, which combines micro-abrasive finishing technology along with
unique bonding elements. These two features combine together to help produce a great finish on
the various surfaces of the interior and exterior of your vehicle. Gtechniq offers a wide range of
products designed to clean, polish, and protect the various materials on your vehicle with ease.
They specialize in coatings that protect your vehicle for not just days, weeks or months but for
years! If you have a love of science and cars you will really appreciate the Gtechniq brand!

Gyeon Brand
1. Gyeon offers a range of premium quality detailing products designed to help you achieve
outstanding results, every time. Each product customers purchase will come with all information
to help you easily achieve the best results. This falls right in line with their mission, which is to
always "deliver the most technologically advanced products, at very competitive prices". Whether
it is product development, customer service, detailing education. or overall constant improvement
in their products, Gyeon takes pride in detailing products and the detailing industry as a whole.

Here is more from Gyeon "While known worldwide for their Quartz Coatings, GYEON is a full
range car care manufacturer offering innovative products used by weekend enthusiast detailers
and top level professionals alike. With a focus on user-friendly products that deliver pro results,
GYEON is growing rapidly with success in over 50 countries. The product line covers everything
you would need to perform a full detailing and protection service from start to finish, from surface
decontamination to coating, and everything in between. Stand out products like Foam, Bathe,
Smoothie Wash Mitt, Iron, WetCoat, CanCoat, Mohs, and the Silk Drier are must haves in any
detailing arsenal."

Hack Job
1. Generally, this is a detailing job not performed up to the standards of a high quality detail.
"Did you see the hack job the detailer from dealership did to that car?"

Hand Applied
1. Using an applicator or pad by hand, to correct paint or to apply product.

Hazardous Chemicals
1. Any chemical that presents a significant threat to the environment or the health of those exposed
to it without proper personal protection equipment.

Haze
 1. Lacking clarity, usually describing the appearance of the clear coat. A common effect of
aggressive machine polishing that can be removed with a finer pad and polish combination.

Headlights
1. Lighting which illuminates the area in front of a vehicle to provide visibility in dark ambient
conditions.

Headliner
1. The fabric or vinyl covering on a vehicle's interior roof.

Hi-Tech Brand
1. Hi-Tech is a Detroit based company, dedicated to supplying the global professional car care
industry with a comprehensive array of premium products. You can find over 500 products in their
catalog and distribution established in 30+ countries across Europe, Latin and South America
and Asia!

High End Detailing

1. A type of detailing which involves an above-average level of dedication and effort to provide the
best possible results.

Holograms
1. See Buffer Trails

Hook and Loop

1. Fabric that has either a hook or loop attached, when touched together they temporarily join
together.

Hyde's Serum Brand

1. Hyde's Serum specializes in high quality and innovation. They recently opened their doors in
2013 and started off with the introduction of Rustopper, a quality solution for detailing wheels and
braking systems. This product will fight rusty rotors that can happen after the wash process and it
is not the only product they have on the horizon. Hyde's Serum will continue to innovate and
come out with new and exciting products for the detailing community.

IGL Coatings Brand

1. IGL Coatings strives to not only offer high-quality automotive coatings, but cleaners and
conditioners as well. You can find products for trim, wheels, windows, interior and so much more
in their offerings. Best yet, most products contain all-natural ingredients or are formulated with
reduced hazardous chemicals that can be found in other products on the market.

IK Brand
1. Behind the IK brand there is an international group of people united by the passion to develop
 new ways of spraying. IK works hard to make it easier, safer and more efficient in various areas,
along with car detailing. These high quality, innovative tools will help save you not only time but
money as well.

Industrial Fall Out

1. Also known as rail rust, embedded iron particles in the surface of the paint.

Iron Remover
1. A product used to remove ferrous material that gets adhered to the exterior surface of a car.

Jenesco Brand
1. Jenesco specializes in providing customers with high end ozone generators. Ozone gases are
designed to help you remove odors, mold and mildew by destroying the molecules, bacteria, and
spores associated with them. This ozone gas can actually go anywhere air can go (between
fibers, into cracks, into the AC system), allowing it to penetrate hard to reach areas. The
molecules of this ozone gas then attach themselves to the molecules of the mold, mildew or
odors, chemically changing the structure and destroying them at the source. Jenesco offers
various models to choose from and if you are having issues with mold, mildew, and or removing
pesky odors, these units are for you!

Jescar Brand
1. Since 1978 Jescar has been a leading distributor of high-end automotive polishing products.
They were the first to introduce German quality to the automotive assembly plants and ultimately
to the professional detailing market. With their unique understanding of the automotive products
market, Jescar expanded beyond just polishes to develop its excellent range of car care
products, and some of our fan-favorite products were born! Jescar Finishing Products is now
manufacturing its own new high-performance compounds and polishes that take paint correction
to a new level of quality. Jescar has expanded to waxes, cleaners, ceramic sprays and more!

With over 40 years of experience in industrial polishing and high-gloss surface applications,
Jescar is committed to the automotive detailing market with innovative new product development
for the ultimate in car care.

Karcher Brand
1. In 1950 Alfred Krcher invented the high-pressure cleaner. Since then Karcher has expanded and
grown into a complete line of award winning pressure washers. They work hard to provide high
quality machines at great prices to their customers. From small electric pressure washers to large
gas units, Karcher has something for everyone to be excited about. If you are looking for an easy
and effective way to clean your car, siding, driveway, decks, windows, and many other household
jobs, Karcher Pressure Washers should be your choice.

Kevin Brown Method

1. The original KBM article was delivered in e-mail form, outlining a simple set of instructions that
 enabled a polishing enthusiast to drastically increase the cutting and finishing performance of a
typical random orbital polisher.

The KBM dictates that the simplest aspects of polishing are continuously considered or
calibrated, including: frequent pad cleaning (to control paint residue build-up); the targeted use of
a supplemental wetting agent (to extend the use of a single application of buffing liquid, to better
distribute buffing liquid across the pad face, to increase cut); the implementation of machine tilt or
the targeted addition of user-applied pressure (to equalize pressure across the pad face, to
minimize the percentage of pad face contacting the polishing area, to increase the width of the
pad's contact patch across a curved or crowned panel shape); the use of low polishing speed (for
smooth, controlled, and comfortable machine operation, for lower pad and panel temperatures,
and to allow more time for the pad to conform to the polishing surface, particularly when user-
applied pressure or machine tilt is increased).

Koch Chemie Brand

1. Koch Chemie was started in 1968 by Hans Koch. Hans was not happy with the products on the
market, so he developed his own formulas for polishes in his personal workshop. With years of
innovation and development under their belts, Koch Chemie works hard to provide detailing
products for every surface across your vehicle!

Kospec Designs Brand

1. Kospec Designs excels at making microfiber sleeves for every application. From sleeves for
vacuum hoses, power cords, to air hoses, Kospec Designs aids the detailer in peforming
detailing steps without the worry of implementing imperfections from rough hoses and cords!

Kranzle Brand
1. Kranzle is a German-based company dedicated to providing high-quality pressure washing
systems to users all over the world. Kranzle was launched in 1974 by Josef Kranzle. From the
very beginning, the utmost importance was to always provide superior quality on all of their units.
This amazing quality shines through even in their products today. Kranzle has established a high-
end image in the cleaning industry and continues to innovate and grow.

Kwazar Brand
1. The Kwazar Pro+ line has been available in over 100 Countries for years and they are well
known for their high quality spray bottle designs. From marine to residential, and even
commercial, Kwazar has a bottle for every situation. If you are looking for high quality, 360
spraying angle, chemical resistant spray bottles, check out the Kwazar Pro+ line!

Lacquer
1. A type of paint technology (typically single stage) which cures to form a thick, high gloss finish.
Often referred to more specifically as "cellulose lacquer" in automotive finishes.

Lake Country Brand

1. Lake Country Manufacturing is a privately owned manufacturer of buffing and polishing products.
LC is driven to helping consumers find profitable detailing solutions through the development of
high-end products and customized buffing systems. From microfiber pads to foam pads and even
applicators and polishers, Lake Country has a vast array of products for any professional detailer
or weekend warrior.

Layering
1. Multiple applications of a paint or coating over a substrate, intended to produce a thicker final
result or "film build."
2. Multiple applications of a sealant or wax protecting the paint or clear coat.

LC Power Tools Brand

1. LC Power Tools is a branch of the popular polishing pad brand, Lake Country Manufacturing.
Lake Country always prioritized real world testing and user feedback when developing new pads
and made sure they worked hand in hand with the popular polishers on the market. With LC
Power Tools, they are taking the "Innovation to Make Life Easier" mantra, but instead of focusing
on pads, they are creating innovative, user-defined tools to help you step up your polishing
game. The UDOS Polisher is first in line of many more great tools to come.

Leather
1. Material produced from natural or synthetic hydes that have undergone a finishing or "tanning"
process. Can be finished and dyed in multiple ways and may or may not have a urethane
protective top layer applied.

Leather Cleaner
1. A chemical designed to safely remove dirt and foreign oils from the surface and pores of a leather
surface. Often leather-specific cleaners are pH neutral in order to avoid damaging the material or
causing accelerated wear.

Leather Conditioner
1. A lotion-like product designed to feed a leather hyde with oils to keep it soft and supple, and
prevent cracks or rotting.

Leatherique Brand
1. Leatherique is a very special company that is run much different than most businesses you may
encounter. George Pavilsko Sr. founded the business in 1968 and its still owned and operated by
the Pavlisko family. However George did not start out looking to form a business, he simply
wanted a solution for restoring leather. He developed leather care solutions that were producing
exceptional results. His leather care products evolved into a business which is now currently
operated by George Pavlisko Jr. These products have gained a world wide following and are
used today by some exclusive organizations such as the Smithsonian Museum, Henry Ford
Museum and The Old Harrah Collection. They are also the leading leather care provider for many
car clubs like the Rolls Royce Owners Club, BMW Owners Club, Porsche Owners Club and
 many more. The Leatherique employees are far more than just employees. Leatherique has a
group of highly talented, enthusiastic employees that really embody leather care. The employees
are generally long tenured and use the products they work with. Many employees have
personally restored leather and work on their own automobiles and furniture. Therefore when you
call with a technical question you get a highly qualified response. We find this extremely rare in a
day and age when calls are often handled overseas by someone reading from a manual. The
Leatherique employees provide invaluable insight on leather care which continues to make their
leather products top notch. The Leatherique products are developed in secret so the familys
secret ingredients remain unknown. They have however shared that their products are made with
a complex blend of collagens, animal proteins and absolutely no fillers. Many other brands use
fillers that make the leather temporarily look and feel great but can have potentially harmful long
term affects. Leatherique prefers to use only the most effective ingredients that truly care for the
leather, not just make it look good for today. This has helped them develop some one of the best
cleaning and conditioning formulas on the market with the Rejuvenator Oil and Prestine Clean.
Leatherique also make a variety of leather dyes, crack fillers and other leather restoration
products.

Lilly Brush Brand

1. Lilly Brush tackles a life long problem, removing pesky pet air from various surfaces. With
patented technology and high-quality construction and designs, Lilly Brush stormed the market
with brushes for large surfaces, tight areas, and everything in between. These durable designs
are just the start and Lilly Brush is working hard to always innovate to make pet hair removal
easier for everyone, detailer or not!

LSP
1. Last Step Protection; the final step you take to protect the paint.

Lubricant
1. A barrier between two surfaces that add slickness to prevent marring or scratching.

Makita Brand
1. With nearly 90 years of experience in advanced motor design, Makita applies the latest
innovation to engineer and manufacture the best power tools in the world. Makita Power Tools
have more power and less weight, and are more compact and more efficient than any other. At
jobsites around the world, professional users are dumping the old, getting the new and gearing-
up with Makita. Makita offers more solutions for the professional trade.

Marine 31 Brand
1. Some car detailing products can work great on boats, but yet they are not specifically formulated
for marine use. With Marine 31, you get products designed for Marine usage and tested out in
the toughest conditions. You'll be able to clean and protect your fiberglass, gelcoat, vinyl seats
and so much more! Marine 31 formulated each of these products to work incredibly well while still
being environmentally friendly. If you are looking for a detailing line of products for any of your
 marine toys give Marine 31 a try today!

Marolex Brand
1. For over 30 years, Marolex has been producing sprayers that fit their slogan, "sprayers for
years". Utilizing innovation, reliability, and ergonomics, their high quality sprayers can tackle
almost any detailing job and these sprayers are truly designed to last many years. Whether it is
applying a heavy degreaser, an instant detailer, or even applying a thick layer of foam from your
favorite shampoo, Marolex has you covered.

McLaren Car Care Brand

1. McLaren prides itself on consistently leading the way within the car industry and they spared no
expense with their car care products. This lineup complements the McLaren team's ethos
dedication to excellence.

Medium Grade
1. Refers to the aggressiveness of a clay bar or polish, which is greater than that of a fine grade,
They are more likely to mar the paint or clear coat but are stronger options than their fine grade
counterparts.

Meguiar's Brand
1. Meguiar's celebrated 100 years of business in 2001 and they continue to impress the world with
their top quality products. It is still a family run business that is in it's 4th generation inside the
Meguiar's family. They started with humble beginnings as a furniture polish laboratory and
progressed into automobiles when horse carriages used the same wood as furniture. From there
they expanded in to more car care products as the automobiles popularity rose. The Meguiar's
family was committed to designing the best products on the market and they were rewarded with
an ever growing customer base. The family worked hard and began selling to manufacturers,
body shops, professional car detailers, consumers and more. As the Meguiar's name became
synonymous with car care the customer base grew outside the US and they are now a globally
recognized name in car care. The Meguiar's products have won countless awards and been used
by many winners of the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Company headquarters are in
Irvine, CA but they have a 200,000 square foot state of the art production facility in Nashville, TN.
This new facility helps them manufacture over 300 unique products to help you care for virtually
every square inch of your car. Meguiar's is car care crazy and they definitely have the products to
meet and exceed your needs.

Menzerna Brand
1. Menzerna is one of the highest regarded brands in the automotive detailing industry. The German
company was founded in 1888 and their current headquarters are still in Germany more than 130
years later. The continuous growth of this business has forced them to expand their operations in
to France and Morocco. Menzerna has clearly established themselves as one of the worlds
leading suppliers of polishes for automotive surfaces and more. These polishes help make many
different surfaces smooth, clean and aesthetically pleasing. Many leading automotive
 manufacturers work closely with Menzerna to develop the most effective and efficient polishes.
Recently Menzerna created a new type of polish that delivers amazing results. Previous polishes
used larger particles for more cutting power but they left the surface much rougher, which
requires additional work. The new polishes use some of the smallest and smoothest abrasive
particles ever put in to a polish. This helped deliver great cutting power with a remarkably smooth
finish that looks outstanding. This type of innovation has kept Menzerna one step ahead of their
competitors. Over the last five years they have developed so many new products that they
already account for 35% of their yearly revenue. While they quickly develop and produce
products, quality is always the top concern. Menzerna is ISO 9001 certified which means their
products meet some of the highest quality controls in the world. Part of being certified includes:
documentation of all processes, standardized procedures for supplier qualification, strict control
of incoming goods, in-process quality control, traceability of all manufactured batches and regular
management reviews. This extensive list of qualifications is independently verified to ensure
Menzerna only delivers the absolute highest quality products. Menzerna continues to raise the
bar for detailing brands and we can't wait to see what they will come up with next.

Metal Polish
1. A polish containing chemicals and abrasives specifically made for metal.

Metal Wax
1. A protectant for metal surfaces designed to hold up to higher temps such as exhaust tips and
wheels.

Metallic
1. Small metal flakes (micas) in paint, used for an aesthetic purpose.

Metering System
1. A device used to precisely mix or dilute chemicals.

Metro Vacuums Brand

1. Metro Vacuums was started with a $50 gift from Israel Sterns father-in-law in 1939. He turned
that small investment into a large manufacturer of high quality vacuums and other related
products. Metro produces a variety of machines that are all almost directly related to the forced
circulation of air. Most commonly they sell vacuums that are amongst some of the most well
balanced tools on the market for suction power, features, durability, capabilities and more. Metro
has been expanding their product line since the 1980s into more specialized areas. The vacuums
they have developed for cleaning computers and other electronic equipment is a great example
of this. Metro is one of the worlds leading suppliers of electronic care vacuums. They also now
produce inflators, deflators, pumps, fans, pet drying blowers, motor cycle dryers, Data Vacuums
and more. All of these tools meet exceedingly high standards so you can be assured of a quality
long term investment with all Metro products.

Micro-suede
 1. A type of synthetic fabric made with tightly woven fine fibers, which appear similar to natural
suede.

Microfiber
1. Fabric produced from a blend of fine synthetic fibers (typically polyester/polyamide), designed to
provide superior moisture wicking and surface cleaning.

Microfiber Detergent
1. A cleaner used for washing microfiber products that does not leave behind any detergents to help
maximize the lifespan of microfiber products.

Microfiber Pad
1. A type of cutting and/or polishing pad made up of microfibers on the face.

Milwaukee Brand
1. Since the company began in 1924, Milwaukee Tool has developed innovative solutions that
deliver increased productivity and durability for professional and weekend warrior users. Their
Fuel battery technology has provided incredible power and work times to their cordless polishers
and cordless systems, allowing you to power anything from a home drill to your polisher.
Milwaukee is dedicated to delivering high quality systems of work now and in the future!

Mobile Detailer
1. Detailer without a fixed location. Someone who will come to your location.

MSDS
1. Material Safety Data Sheet; Information on the product you purchased. It may include information
on proper use or potential hazards for the product.

Multi-Step Process
1. A series of different tasks carried out to produce a final result.

Mytee Brand
1. Mytee is one of oldest carpet cleaning machine company in the industry today. The company has
roots dating back to 1977 but the Mytee brand itself started in 1994, with John LaBarbera and the
portable water heater product at the time, the Mytee Hot. With high quality, awesome technology
and customer service, Mytee quickly rose to the top of the hot water extractor industry. Today
Mytee manufacturers some of the industrys finest hot water extractors for auto detailing. Their
high performance carpet cleaners range from compact and portable to large, commercial units.
They have multiple machines that will be sure to meet any of your detailing needs!

NanoSkin Brand
1. With new state of the art technology NanoSkin has been manufacturing a complete line of
 detailing supplies that include protective shields, waxes, polishes, compounds, cleaners, glazes,
and other specialty cleaning products. This started in 2003 when NanoSkin first started its
research and development with the latest nanotechnology advances. The AutoScrub pads are
their prized jewel which shows the exact innovation NanoSkin has become known for. This pad
has saved people time, money, and energy when removing contamination from the paint.
NanoSkin vows to improve surface quality, reducing polishing time, enhancing surface durability,
and surface brightness with future advancements. According to NanoSkin this innovation will
"make life easier while saving time for the more important things in life".

Nextzett Brand
1. Nextzett was formed after Einszett closed in 2015 and it is comprised largely of the team that
worked at Einszett and developed many of the Einszett aka 1Z products we all love. Many of the
products are exactly the same and some have already been enhanced for improved
performance! This team is dedicated to keeping up the proud Einszett traditions while moving the
brand forward with new innovations.

The history of Einszett is a German line of high-quality auto detailing supplies. Founded in 1936,
Einszett has based their company on one simple philosophy that remains until this day: produce
a premium quality formula without compromises and offer excellent customer service. By staying
small and privately owned, they were able to take advantage of being innovative and focused on
their original mission. Einszett became certified ISO 9001, one of only a handful of product
manufacturers that can make this claim. Their passion for perfection and quality helped them
develop much industry leading products and gain a strong following amongst enthusiasts and
professionals worldwide.

Oberk Brand
1. Oberk lives by three founding principles, Defeat the Swirls, Remove the Guesswork, and Made
for All Skill Levels. Simply put, Oberk manufacturers pads and polishes that easily remove
imperfections in your paint with an easy to understand and use polishing system. Oberk, a
unique play on the german translation of Oberste, or "supreme", says it all. High-quality products
that stand out above the rest!

One Step Polish

1. A single polishing step to correct defects in the paint or clear coat.

OPMs
1. Orbits Per Minute The amount of times per minute the center of the backing plate will rotate
around the center of the machine.

Optimum Brand
1. Optimum car care products is an independently owned and operated detailing brand that
produces high quality detailing supplies for those interested in high quality results. To create the
most effective products possible Optimum works with paint manufacturers and other OEM
 suppliers to understand all the products, materials and new technology used in the industry. This
helps Optimum research and design products that meet and exceeds the needs of professional
detailers and weekend detailers alike. Optimum then sends their products out to top detailers
around the country for feedback, which helps them continuously refine their products. Their
products are easy to use in the sun or shade and they are very easy to use. Optimum puts a
tremendous emphasis on creating environmentally friendly products as well. Each product is
designed to have minimal environmental impact where ever possible. The Optimum line of
products is extremely well balanced and it really makes this an outstanding all around brand!
Detailed Image has all of Optimum's newest products including some of their most recently
improved products. We highly recommend you try the Optimum line of products today!

Orange Peel
1. A slightly bumpy painted surface that resembles the texture of an orange's exterior skin.

Orbital Buffer
1. Uses a fixed oscillating pattern without rotation to work a product on the surface.

Original Finish
1. A finish that was applied at the factory, not done by a body shop.

ORM-D
1. A postal service designation for products which are considered "Other Regulated Materials for
Domestic Transport Only." This means it could be dangerous to transport due to pressure from
an aerosol container or their potentially harmful/caustic nature.

OSHA
1. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an office of the US Department of Labor
responsible for the oversight of workplace safety guidelines for the use of best practices and
personal protection equipment.

Overlapping passes
1. A technique utilized while applying a polish or protection where each pass overlaps the previous
pass by 50% to ensure thorough application.

Overspray
1. Airborne particulates generated during the application of a sprayed paint or coating which bond
to unintended surfaces.

Oxidation
1. The result of a porous material becoming dry and/or brittle due to prolonged exposure to sun and
air. Often manifests itself as a dull, chalky appearance on the surface of clear coat, paint, rubber,
etc.
P&S Brand
1. With over 50 years of experience in the detail products industry, P&S provides high quality
detailing products for almost any detailing step. Many of these products are even hand-picked by
Renny Doyle after extensive testing and used by Renny in his day to day details. P&S and Renny
will continue to evolve and improve the Double Black Renny Doyle Collection, along with all P&S
products, so that you can use the same products as a world-class detailer.

Pads
1. See Applicator Pad

Paint Cleaner
1. A chemical which uses solvents and/or very mild abrasives to remove contaminants from painted
surfaces, preparing them for further polishing or the application of a protective product.

Paint Gauges
1. Precision instruments which use either mechanical or electronic means to measure the thickness
of paint film applied over a substrate.

Paint Prep Pads

1. Pads with a urethane rubber face, used as an alternative to a clay bar, to decontaminate painted
surfaces.

Paint Preparation
1. The process of readying paint for a wax, sealant, or coating. This can include washing,
decontamination, compounding, and polishing.

Paintwork Cleansers
1. See Paint Cleaner

Petroleum Distillates
1. Organic compounds derived from crude oil through a refining process.

pH Scale
1. A numeric scale ranging from 0-14 which describes the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. A pH
of 7 is considered neutral.

Pig Tail
1. A pattern of deep scratches, resembling a pigs curly tail, most often caused by trapped
particulates during the process of sanding or polishing with a Dual Action Polisher.

Plastic
 1. Material made of synthetic or organic compounds with a moderate to low melting point which is
easily molded into a variety of forms. Often used both inside and outside automobiles due to it's
relatively good durability, lightweight and low cost.

Pneumatic
1. Describes a type of power tool which is powered by a high volume of compressed air.

Polish
1. A liquid or paste with suspended abrasive particles intended to remove mild to moderate defects
from a surface and refining its finish.

Polisher
1. A power tool used to correct surface defects or apply protection on paint, glass, or plastic
surfaces.

Polishing Pad
1. A medium grade pad designed to work with a polish to remove moderate surface defects.

Poorboy's World Brand

1. Poorboy's World Inc. was founded in 2002 and is family owned and operated. The founder Steve,
has been detailing for over 35 years, 20+ of them professionally. He has detailed National Show
winners as well as everyday vehicles. Poorboy's World Inc. is headquartered in Florida, with
distributors around the world and growing. All the products are proudly made in the USA. Steve
works with his chemist to develop, produce and distribute products efficiently & quickly. Their
product list is very extensive and covers virtually every area of detailing. With Poorboy's World
products you will be able to fully detail the interior, exterior and engine bay with ease. The
products create a show car shine every time but are easy enough for anyone to use. Poorboy's
World has a very simplistic view towards the creation of their products. They must be highly
effective, easy to use and affordable. Elaborate packaging and other "fluff" is not their style.
These products get right down to business with impressive results at a great value. All of their
products can be used in the sun or shade and apply and remove with ease. The overall value of
these products is exceptional, which has led to their world wide following.

Porter Cable Brand

1. Porter Cable is one of the most well established names in the power tool industry and throughout
the world. They have been in business for over 100 years designing and manufacturing tools to
help people and businesses accomplish their goals. Porter Cable is an ISO 9001 certified
company which requires the company to have extensive documentation and knowledge about
their supplies, suppliers, production process, quality control and more. Porter Cable tools are
meant to withstand countless hours in the harshest conditions. They include a warranty with
almost every tool they make and have service centers around the US and beyond to ensure you
have a great experience with them. Porter Cable has won many major awards for design
innovation and engineering. In 1996 the Smithsonian Museum created a new section for archived
 materials and honored Porter Cable by placing many original tools and company memorabilia in
the exhibit. Porter Cable's ability to engineer products at the highest level has helped them
become a fixture atop the US power tool industry.

Pre-Wash
1. The use of chemicals such as tar removers, degreasers, iron dissolvers, or soap to help clean
prior to starting the normal wash process.

Professional Detailer
1. A person who is capable of cleaning, polishing and protecting an automobile at a high level while
acting in a professional manner in all aspects of their business.

Protection
1. Any product which provides a sacrificial barrier between the environment and a vehicle's material
surfaces, slowing natural deterioration.

PSI
1. Pounds per Square Inch, a measure of pressure which can apply to gases or liquids.

Quick Detailer
1. A liquid product designed to add lubricity between a towel and surface, allowing the safe removal
of dust or oils on a surface. These products may also contain gloss enhancers or some
protection.

Raggtopp Brand
1. Raggtopp Convertible Care products are exclusively tested and endorsed by The Haartz
Corporation, original equipment manufacturer of convertible topping for virtually every American
and European convertible automobile manufactured throughout the world. This goes to show
how credible the Raggtopp products are for convertible top care. Raggtopp Convertible Care
Products are exclusively designed for the auto-care professional and convertible top enthusiast
who demands the very best manufacturer approved convertible top cleaner and protectant.
Raggtopp Convertible Care products do not contain silicone and will not harm paint, chrome,
glass or plastic windows. If you are a convertible owner, Raggtopp products are a must have!

Rail Dust
1. Red or rust color spots on the finish that can penetrate deep into the clear. Caused from transport
or embedded brake dust.

Random Orbital Buffer

1. A power tool which attaches to a backing plate and buffing pad that uses random oscillation to
spread a product onto a surface and/or utilize an abrasive to remove surface defects from a
surface.
Reliable Brand
1. Reliable was founded in 1955 by the father of the current CEO, making it a very successful family
business! They have always focused on customer service and product innovation. This focus has
helped Reliable grow from a small provider of simple sewing machines, to a much larger
company specializing in creating machines in several different markets. From sewing, fabric care,
irons, to steam cleaners, Reliable has a variety of quality products to choose from. Their
professional steam cleaning products are used in detail shops, dentist offices, jewelry stores,
hospitals, restaurants, and various other commercial applications. Reliable products use steam to
help clean which can sterilize without the use of any harmful chemicals. Steam cleaners have
become popular in detailing for cleaning carpets, crevices, exterior trim, center consoles, seats
and so much more. You can find a variety of these steam cleaners, which are great for detailing
anything from your car to your home, here at Detailed Image!

Resin
1. Thick liquid which is most often used to harden composite materials such as fiberglass or carbon
fiber.
2. A liquid ingredient in some protective coatings and sealants.

Restore
1. To bring back to a previous or original condition.

RIDS
1. Random Isolated Deep Scratches; random in the fact that there is no "pattern" to the scratches.

Rinseless Shampoo
1. A type of shampoo that is typically low sudsing and high in polymers to provide lubricity without
the need to flush away excess residue with water.

Rotary
1. A buffer that has no secondary action to its rotation.
"ZOFRO Polishing Machine (Zero Offset Forced Rotation Orbital)"

RPMs
1. Revolutions Per Minute; How many times in a minute the backing plate on a rotary machine
rotates.

Rupes Brand
1. Rupes has been following the key principles of being intuitive, quick, creative, and innovative
since 1947. This has allowed them to become one of the leaders of the international tool market
today. You can find many of their products world wide, from Europe to Japan, to South Africa and
Australia. Their LHR15ES and LHR21ES polishers are well known to the detailing community
and they show the exact type of quality and innovation that Rupes has been known for.
RZ Mask Brand
1. RZ founder Steve Torbenson was a big extreme sports fan and enjoyed riding dirt bikes, 4
wheelers, etc. The dirt, dust, and pollen, however, tried to put a damper on the fun. So in 2010,
Steve invented a filtration mask sleek enough to fit under a helmet, comfortable for all-day use, a
particulate rating of 99.9%, with replaceable filters and long-term durability. The masks feature
lots of innovative technology so they are very comfortable while functional.
Detailers can be protected from polishing dust, odors, vapors, pollen and more while looking
professional.

Sanding
1. The use of various grits of sandpaper to remove material from a surface.

Scangrip Brand
1. For more than 100 years Scangrip has been manufacturing high quality, innovative hand tools for
the industrial and automotive sectors. They have achieved tremendous success with their range
of durable and functional work lights for various professionals, especially car detailers. The
Colourmatch line of lights will help you spot any imperfection in your paint with an unparalleled
amount of perfection and ease of use. With the focus on design, functionality, and leading LED
technology, Scangrip is cemented as a top company in the automotive/detailing industry.

Scratches
1. Below surface defects which typically appear linear in nature.

Sealant
1. A type of synthetic protectant, usually polymer or resin based, with durability that is usually longer
than that of a wax, but less than that of a coating. It also enhances the appearance of paint.

Semi-Permanent Coating
1. A strong, cross-linked film that is typically based on strong base elements (e.g. silica, ceramic)
which is more resistant to degradation than a sealant or wax.

Shampoo
1. A liquid or gel which contains a surfactant and a co-surfactant designed to help loosen dirt and
contaminants and create a slick surface so the paint is not easily marred while washing.

Sheeting Method
1. A drying technique using water to dry the car. Using an open ended hose, at a low pressure, you
flow water from the higher surfaces down. This cascade effect of water can remove 80+% of
water from the surface of your car.

Shine
1. A subjective term typically used to describe a surface with high gloss and reflective properties.
Shine Supply Brand
1. Shine Supply has been built off of customer service, education, and quality detailing products
that work. They work closely with top chemists to not only make high end products, but to
continue to innovate for the future.

Short Cycle
1. To not fully work the polish. Fast arm movement, and not allowing the polish to fully do its
intended job to correct or finish paint.

Single Stage Paint

1. Paint that does not require clear coat.

SM Arnold Brand
1. Since 1928 SM Arnold's goal was to enable their customers to sell quality products at a
competitive price. With this goal in mind they have grown to offer one of the most extensive lines
of cleaning maintenance accessories in the United States today. They manufacture and import
high quality products such as chamois, wash mitts, buffing and polishing pads, applicators,
sponges, microfibers, brushes, brooms, and much more! Many of these products are even made
right here in the USA. Their slogan says it all, "When it comes to cleaning care products... We
shine!".

Smooth / Soft Start

1. The function of a machine to not immediately go to the full selected speed or RPMs/OPMs.

Snappy Cleaner
1. A powdered detergent used to gently and thoroughly clean and refresh microfiber towels or foam
pads.

Solution Finish Brand

1. Solution Finish originated in Huntington Beach, California and maintains manufacturing facilities
in Long Beach, California so the products are proudly made in the USA. They are committed to
providing the most effective and highest quality trim restoration products for professional detailers
and detailing enthusiasts. Their award winning Black Trim Restorer removes oxidation, it doesn't
just cover it up like many other "quick fix" products. Solution Finish combines ancient ingredients
and advanced polymer technology to create a unique product. It truly restores and protects any
originally black plastic or vinyl trim, leaving a deep, rich black finish without the "wet look" and
greasy residue. A consumer driven company, Solution Finish continually researches and seeks
feedback from customers to ensure their product surpasses expectations and is absolutely the
best in the business. We highly recommend you try Solution Finish if you're looking to restore
your faded, oxidized black trim to a like new finish!

Solvent
1. A chemical substance which dissolves other dissimilar chemicals.

Sonax Brand
1. SONAX products are made to provide outstanding results while being environmentally friendly.
They pride themselves on being innovators of high quality detailing supplies that both
professional detailers and weekend detailers will love. They constantly research ways to improve
their products so they can offer the best in the business. The SONAX Wheel Cleaner Full Effect
is a great example of their innovation and determination to be an industry leader. This cleaner
has provided a deeper and faster cleaning than anything they have developed before. They stay
focused on making the products environmentally friendly as well so you know you are using safe
and effective products.

Spindle Threads
1. The threaded connection between a polisher's spindle/arbor and a backing plate, measured in
size and pitch.

Spray on Protection
1. Any sealant, wax, or coating which can be atomized for easy application.

Spray on Sealant
1. A form of spray on protection with properties similar to a traditional polymer sealant.

SprayMaster Brand
1. SprayMaster works hard to provide customers with high-quality spray bottles and triggers, ready
to tackle any cleaning job you can even think of throwing at them. If you have a heavy degreaser
or a light cleaning quick detailer, SprayMaster has a bottle for you.

Steam Cleaner / Steamer

1. A tool that uses a boiler to generate pressurized, high temperature water vapor which can be
used to clean or emulsify soluble substances with minimal saturation. Also useful to destroy mold
spores and bacteria.

Stoner Brand
1. Stoner was founded over 60 years ago and is located in Lancaster County, PA. This company is
really top notch with both their products and the way they conduct business. Stoner has over 300
different products that primarily come in aerosol containers. They supply products to over 6,000
different manufacturers, businesses, organizations, governmental agencies, etc. Stoner strives to
provide outstanding products and work environment. Stoner was the proud recipient of the 2003
of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. This award recognizes excellence in operations
and manufacturing that is extremely difficult to win. Stoner is only one of fourteen small
businesses to ever win this award. Top quality products have never been created with a sacrifice
in the quality of the work culture. Employees have high morale and really appreciate working for
 an honest and reputable company. Our personal experiences with Stoner employees have been
outstanding. Each employee is very knowledgeable, polite and helpful. All orders are packed
safely and shipped in a very timely manner. Try some of the outstanding products from Stoner
today and experience their high quality products.

Streaks
1. Remaining residue left behind after you have attempted to wipe away excess product.

Stubby Nozzle Co. Brand

1. Stubby Nozzle Co. helps you transform your Leaf Blowers into tools you can use to safely and
effectively dry your vehicle. All units are designed by owner Derek McCurry in Atlanta, GA. They
work great with the Blowerband and Derek hopes this nozzle helps you save time and money
when detailing!

Surfactant
1. A compound often used in shampoos, soaps, all purpose cleaners, and degreasers to emulsify
and carry dirt and contaminants away from a surface.

Swirls
1. Random, circular below-surface defects, which cumulatively often resemble a spider web when
viewed under direct lighting.

Synthetic Leather / Leatherette

1. Artificial leather. A man-made product to resemble real leather.

Taillights
1. Lighting to provide illumination to the rear of a vehicle, often also used as a visual indicator of
braking, reversing, or to indicate turns.

Tape
1. Usually low tack masking style tape used to protect trim from being hit with a pad during
correction or polishing.

Teflon
1. A registered trademark of DuPont Co., a chemical compound with non-stick properties known as
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene).

The Last Detail Brand

1. TLD Products is known for their product called The Last Cut. The owner of the company is an
active detailer that works directly with their chemist for product development and testing. Their
main focus is to provide products that you can depend on and customer service that you can rely
on. Versatility, ease of use and consistent results were the main factors that were kept in mind
 during product development and final testing. These factors will also remain valid during future
product development. It is known that all detailers do not have the ability to be in perfect
conditions during every job, therefore having products that will be able to adapt to various
environmental/work conditions will provide detailers with a better overall work experience. TLD
Products has a goal to develop products that are strong enough for the professional detailer yet
easy enough for the weekend detailing enthusiasts.

The Rag Company Brand

1. The Rag Company works hard to not only provide the finest microfiber products at a great value,
they also are looking to educate readers about what to look for in microfiber. They source towels
from around the world with a variety of polyester/polyamide ratios to provide you with all the
options and information so you can make an informed decision on what works best for you. They
carry some shop towels at a great value but they are more known for taking tremendous pride in
their wide selection of extremely high quality towels that last a long time. Even though that may
mean some customers purchase fewer towels, since these high-quality towels last so long, the
Rag Company is very okay with that. They want to only provide their customers with the best
towels at the best price!

Three Step
1. A paint correction process comprised of three distinct stages of defect removal; can describe any
combination of sanding, compounding, or polishing procedures to produce a refined finish.

Throw
1. The distance the center of the backing plate travels in reference to the center point of the head of
the machine.

Tolco Brand
1. Tolco Corporation was founded by William E. Spengler in March 1961. They started off selling the
D-22 drum pump, which helps you easily dispense products from larger drums. This item quickly
became one of the best in class items for this use and sparked innovation across the board. Now
Tolco sells everything from high quality trigger sprayers, dispenser bottles, pumps, etc. within the
detailing, office supply, foodservice, animal health, and many more industries across the globe.

Tornador Brand
1. Tornador inventor, Dennis Dehn, was working with Japanese associates to help develop various
detailing products. Some stuck, some did not, but they kept working. From a lunch and a simple
dust can cleaning idea, the Tornador was born. Featuring patented tornado like air movement
Tornador has come up with some real detailing game changers. From cleaning guns that take
any cleaning solution and make them a foam, to a foam gun to use on the exterior of your car, to
a simple blower, Tornador has the tool for you. All work with your air compressor and are perfect
for the detailer who does not have access to a lot of water. High quality and innovation are huge
features of Tornador tools and they are determined to keep producing new tools to make your car
detailing easier than before!
Trim
1. Metal, vinyl, leather or plastic components on a vehicle's interior or exterior which are attached to
the main body, intended for protection or ornamentation.

Tuf Shine Brand

1. TUF SHINE is an innovative company best known for their amazing permanent tire shine.
Detailers who try the TUF SHINE Tire Clearcoat are blown away by the remarkably dark finish
that is not oily or greasy at all. The tires look amazing for years to come and really impress. TUF
SHINE prides themselves on creating top quality products that exceed the expectations of the
most demanding detailers. Creating products that solve issues detailers have faced for decades
is an amazing achievement for this company. Please take a minute to review all the products they
have to offer and learn more about them.

Two Bucket Method

1. An approach to traditionally washing a car which employs separate buckets for soaping and
rinsing a wash mitt, sponge, or brush.

Two Step
1. A paint correction process comprised of two distinct stages of defect removal; typically one step
of compounding and one step of polishing, but can describe any combination of either.

UV Rays
1. Also referred to as Ultraviolet Radiation, UV has a shorter wavelength than visible light. UV
exposure can cause the degradation of many automotive materials such as paint, rubber, vinyl,
and leather unless adequate protection is present.

Vacuum
1. A tool which employs an electric motor to generate suction, used to collect either wet or dry dirt
and grime.

Vapamore Brand
1. Vapamore prides themselves on superior design, intelligent engineering, and high quality
customer service. Every Vapamore product is built and rigorously tested so that every machine
meets all of their high quality standards. Each one of the various size machines offers a 100%
natural, chemical-free cleaning method that purifies your car, boat, RV, home, etc. and protects
the health of your family by skipping harmful chemicals when cleaning. In the Italian language,
vapore means steam and amore means love hence, the love of steam. Pick up a Vapamore and
fall in love with steam cleaning today!

Vapor Systems Brand

1. In 1996 Steve Clingan established the company, Midwest EcoSteam located in Springfield, MO.
In 1998 the company name was changed to Vapor Systems LLC / Steam Cleaners Direct. Vapor
 Systems LLC imports the very best steam cleaners directly from Italy and distributes them to U.S.
businesses and residences throughout the country. With over 16 years in the industry you can be
assured that Steve Clingan has been able to sustain longevity by knowing the products inside
and out, being service oriented after the sale, and having one of the very best products and
warranties on the market.

Vinyl
1. A form of plastic polymer often used to produce dashboard, door panel, and seat coverings as
well as convertible tops.

Waffle
1. A type of towel or pad with a surface containing "pockets" or waves, similar in appearance to a
breakfast waffle.

Waffle Weave
1. A type of microfiber towel typically used for drying a vehicle after washing, or for streak-free glass
cleaning.

Wash Media
1. The tool used to wash the exterior of your vehicle.

Wash Mitt
1. A type of wash media consisting of natural or synthetic fibers as opposed to a foam sponge
material. There's typically a place to put you hand inside, hence the term "mitt".

Washing
1. The cleaning of the vehicle's exterior in order to prep it for the following steps, usually the
decontamination step.

Water Based
1. A product that has water as the main ingredient as opposed to an oil or silicone.

Water Marks
1. The minerals that are left over when hard water evaporates. These can lead to the physical
etching which can cause serious damage to a vehicle's exterior surfaces.

Water Purification
1. Removing minerals and elements from hard water through a filtering system.

Water Soluble
1. Something that is able to dissolve in water.
Water Spot Remover
1. Product that is used to remove minerals on the surface after water has dried.

Waterless Wash
1. A product with a high concentration of polymers designed to quickly emulsify and encapsulate dirt
and grime for safe removal with minimal water usage.

Watts
1. or Wattage is a measure of the amount of work electricity does. Volts x Amps = Watts.

Wax
1. A natural substance harvested from various organic sources which can be applied to paint and
other glossy surfaces to provide protection.

Weathering
1. Descriptive term for the effects of deterioration (patina) due to environmental exposure.

Wet Sanding
1. The use of water or other lubricants during the sanding process to carry abraded material away
from the work surface and prevent loading of the sandpaper.

Wheel Woolies Brand

1. Wheel Woolies are manufactured by Braun Automotive, which has been around since 1875.
Braun has been manufacturing various industrial brushes over the years, but really gained a
following when the Wheel Woolie Brushes won the award for the 2014 Detailing Accessory
Product of the Year. The high quality fibers, sturdy yet light handle, etc. really took wheel cleaning
to the next level. Braun has since built upon the success of the Wheel Woolie and expanded their
line of high quality detailing brushes to meet any of your automotive detailing needs.

Wolfgang Brand
1. Wolfgang was developed by Bob McKee and a large team of German chemists. He set out to
create a paint sealant that could bridge the gap between carnauba waxes and long-lasting paint
sealants, while combining their most desirable traits. After years of testing and help from a
German chemist, Wolfgang was born. Wolfgang is a German formula of super polymers, but it is
manufactured, bottled, and marketed all here in the US! From paint sealants, to shampoos,
waxes, polishes, etc. Wolfgang covers all of your bases.

Wool
1. Natural or synthetic material typically used to produce a polishing pad for aggressive defect
removal.

Woolly Wormit Brand

1. Woolly Wormit is driven to making innovative tools to help you clean up one of the dirtiest parts of
your vehicle, the wheels. The Woolly Wormit Wheel Brush features a sturdy yet flexible handle,
removable microfiber cover, and integrated lug nut cleaning brush. These are just some of the
features of their first cleaning brush and Wooly Wormit is always working on upgrading this brush
and coming out with new and exciting products for detailing professionals or weekend warriors
alike.

Work Stuff Brand

1. Work Stuff manufacturers high quality automotive detailing accessories. Their goal is to provide
every detailing enthusiast with high quality equipment to fulfill their passion and daily work. They
are constantly expanding and improving their product lineup, so that everyone can meet their
needs whenever work calls!