The Art of Detailing: More Than Just a Car Wash

Larry Kosilla
October 21, 2023
A person carefully polishing a luxury car.

To the uninitiated, detailing might seem like a glorified car wash. But to those who know, it's an art form. It's a meticulous process of cleaning, correcting, and protecting every surface of a vehicle to restore it to, and often exceed, showroom condition.

The Process

A true detail goes far beyond a simple wash and wax. It begins with a multi-stage decontamination wash to remove embedded contaminants. This is followed by clay barring the paint to create a perfectly smooth surface. Then comes paint correction, where a skilled detailer uses various polishers, compounds, and pads to remove swirls, scratches, and other imperfections from the clear coat.

Protection is Key

After correction, the paint is protected. This can range from a high-quality carnauba wax to a long-lasting synthetic sealant, or the ultimate in protection: a ceramic coating. These coatings create a hard, sacrificial layer that provides incredible gloss, hydrophobicity (water-beading), and resistance to chemicals and UV rays for years.

The interior receives just as much attention, with every surface from the leather seats to the dashboard and carpets being cleaned, conditioned, and protected. The result is a car that doesn't just look clean, but feels and smells new. It's a labor of love that pays dividends every time you look at, and get into, your car.