Automotive Detailing

The origin of detailing was Concours d'Elégance, often the competitiveness forced restoration of a vehicle to surpass 'mint' condition. Mint condition would be the state of the vehicle when it originally left the factory. Concours-quality cars often are given upholstery, paint, plating, and mechanical restoration to a standard far exceeding that of the car when it was new.

Auto detailing is the practice of performing an extremely thorough cleaning of an automobile, both inside and out. Paint renovation is the removal of surface scratches and blemishes by 'levelling' the paint with a rotary machine, and the application of a wax or paint sealant to produce a show-quality level of detail. 

It can be practiced for personal satisfaction, and it is also performed to prepare a car for a Concours d'Elegance (often shortened to just Concours), a car show that features the appearance of cars. Elements of exterior detailing include claying, polishing, and waxing. Interior detailing involves the cleaning of the interior of a vehicle using vacuums, liquid cleaners, and brushes. Engine detailing involves cleaning the engine bay area of dirt and grease by using degreasers and all-purpose cleaners.

A detailer combines chemicals, equipment as well as knowledge of the materials used in automotive manufacturing (vehicle surfaces). ‘Chemicals’, refers to the cleaning and protection products used, ‘equipment,’ refers to the tools used, for example, random orbital polishers, high-speed rotary polishers, extractors and power washers, to name but a few. Vehicle surfaces require a basic understanding of chemistry and how to rejuvenate and protect each of the many and varied material surfaces, regardless of its specific surface composition making objective observations based upon experience, the results obtained, and adjusting the techniques and products used as necessary. 

Detailing also takes a willingness to experiment, which usually means deviating from the product manufacturers directions, making objectives observations based upon experience and adjusting the techniques used as necessary, always keeping an open mind on manufacturer’s claims for their products.

Cleaning

Is an essential part in the maintaining the appearance of a vehicle; the objective when detailing a vehicle is to make a vehicle look as good as it can. In many cases make it look better than it was when new. Detailing can take a lot of time, but the results are always worth the effort. Proper detailing will also protect a vehicle from environmental hazards that can rob life away from your vehicle. In order to attain and maintain an optically perfect shine, you must protect it from natural deterioration and dullness that occurs over time as well as introducing new defects by techniques like the 2 Bucket Wash Method.

Detailing can be very simple and fun if you use the correct methodologies and products that work. Research other options and products, test them and then make an objective decision based upon factual information not hype or brand loyalty. After all, how can you fully understand and properly use any product unless you have all the facts? It is also recommended that you should also verify any information that anyone shares with you. The only way to do this is a consistent three-step routine; Clean, Polish, Protect

Proper Technique

There is no wrong or right answer, particularly when you are first starting out. Once you gain sufficient experience the only right answer is ‘what works for me and meets my detailing goals’. Travelling on a learning curve is not about arriving, it all about finding out about a product or tool and how it works in different situations and on different finishes; the main requirement is often patience and experimentation

Detailing isn't rocket science, but any aspects that aren't intuitively obvious need to be researched and thoroughly thought out. There is no `one correct way' to apply a product; the way detailing products are customized, are what each individual finds give them their desired results, which may or may not be in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

If after watching video or reading detailing articles, buying all the tools and products suggested and you cannot obtain similar results. Don’t be discouraged, sure it looks easy, that’s the mark of a true professional who has had many years of experience and practice honing his technique

Using the same application methods and products of one individual may or may not give you the similar results; but it’s always best to adopt your own methodologies by experimentation with different products, after all that half the fun of detailing

Attention to Details

Dependent upon your detailing goals and the areas of concern you would like to work on. You do need to understand some of the basic chemistry behind the materials and finishes used for automobiles to understand how to care for it.

Diagnosis is the key, not guess work; the most important thing to find out before you attempt to clean or care for something is to ascertain what the material finish is made from. Much the same is true if you’re trying to remove a stain, what caused the stain (Organic stains, Inorganic stains or Petroleum soils) and what is the material ( Finished or  Synthetic Leather, Fabrics, Wool or Synthetic fibres) you are trying to remove the stain from.

The level of detailing is dependent upon your goals for the vehicle in question and your experience and skill level.

Most neophyte detailers with daily drivers just want a clean shiny car, detailing can go from this to concours level, where the car is judged with white gloves, or a paint renovation were a paint surface is subjected to a 90%+ correction by a professional.

Formulate a detailing plan that is in line with the goals you have for the vehicle, and then utilize proper techniques, combined with quality products will make for a successful outcome.

“God is the details” and it’s often the small things that make the difference between a good detailer and an outstanding one. Once your paint is polished and protected look to the finer details; wheel wells, brake callipers, wheel lug nuts, glass surfaces, tyres and the exhaust tips and the interior: brake pedals, control knobs, instrument cluster, door kick-plates, seatbelts, buckles and retractors.

Detailing equates to- combining detailing knowledge, experience, and applicable chemistry; balanced to provide aesthetics. A detailer combines chemicals, equipment as well as knowledge of the materials used in automotive manufacturing (vehicle surfaces).

 Chemicals-  refers to the cleaning and protection products used, ‘equipment,’ refers to the tools used, for example, random orbital polishers, high-speed rotary polishers, extractors and power washers, to name but a few.

Vehicle surfaces - require a basic understanding of chemistry and how to rejuvenate and protect each of the many and varied material surfaces, regardless of its specific surface composition making objective observations based upon experience, the results obtained, and adjusting the techniques and products used as necessary.

Detailing also takes a willingness to experiment, which usually means deviating from the product manufacturers directions, making objectives observations based upon experience and adjusting the techniques used as necessary, always keeping an open mind on manufacturer’s claims for their products.

·         Do you understand how differing Ph values can affect various materials?

·         Can you identify the various types of automotive leather/fabric/other materials and know how to treat each one?

·         Can you identify the various types of automotive paint; single stage or clear coat, do you understand their differing treatments

·         Do you know what you should protect in an engine bay from moisture?

·         What about all the different finishes used for wheels, and their cleaning / care?

The Cardinal Rules of Detailing

  

1.       Use and understand Protection from Potential Health Hazards, work safe. As in all things, allow common sense to prevail and proceed with due caution

2.       Surface preparation is the most important step to achieving e a flawless finish The final result can only be as good as the surface it’s applied to; so surface preparation is of paramount importance. Any car care product to work the way its intended must be applied to a properly prepared, clean surface.

3.       Be patient when travelling through the learning curves; as some are steeper than others

4.       It cannot be emphasized enough ‘Apply products very sparingly’ Ease of product removal is inversely proportional to the amount used

5.       Providing the cleaning product selected is suitable, apply product to an applicator not the area to be cleaned (the only exception to this is glass surface cleaning) apply several drops of the selected cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area and rub gently with a clean, white micro fibre towel.

6.       Always choose the least intrusive product first, it is preferable to polish 2-3 times to restore the paint film surface than to use an unnecessarily abrasive machine polish / foam pad combination.

7.       Diagnosis is the key, not guess work. Before using a cleaning product a detailer needs to know the material they are working on, what they are trying to remove and wither the product chosen is compatible with the material and will not damage it. With all cleaning products, always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won't discolour or stain the surface, and ensure that the pH of the product is suitable for the material. As can be seen stain removal requires some knowledge of basic chemistry.

8.       It is important to read and understand the MSDS, process specification, and technical data sheet before working with strong acids or high alkaline products.

9.       Build up as much detailing knowledge as possible, learn the correct application methods and pick your products wisely.

10.   Proper washing and paint surface drying, these techniques are the best way to avoid the need for polishing.

11.   Become educated on what different materials are used in vehicles and how to tell the differences between them

12.   Before using a cleaning product, a detailer needs to know the material they are working on, what they are trying to remove and wither the product chosen is compatible with the material and will not damage it.

13.   After checking the pH value of the cleaner, always carry out a pre-test spot procedure before using a cleaning product

14.   Always select a chemical / cleaner that are biodegradable, environmentally friendly and safe to use by observing any precautions recommended so that they won’t harm you, your vehicle or the environment

A few thoughts

·         Invest in a proper machine polisher to get the most out of your time and effort.

·         Be very mindful of your washing/drying techniques and media.

·         Be ready to allocate a lot of time to keep your vehicle in top shape.

What should a neophyte do to become a good detailer?

Neophyte [: a novice; a beginner in anything]

A good way to start is by doing your own research and reading for more in-depth answers to get a fundamental understanding of WHAT works and WHY it works and a products correct method of application. You’ll be surprised and the amount of useful information that can be gained by just doing simple research

Understanding what products are, what they're designed to do, how they're designed to be used, and the best ways to use them will not only give you better results, it'll save you money as will be purchasing products that have been proven to do what they say they will

Detailing is both "Art and Science." The science includes such elements as chemicals, equipment, and knowledge of vehicle surfaces, industry standards, and customer requirements. The art of detailing is the activity of combining these elements into products and their proper application methodologies that produce an aesthetically pleasing outcome for each specific situation.

Become educated on what different materials are used in vehicles and how to tell the differences between them. Learn about different car care products and how to apply them.

There are major differences in the proper care of different finishes, i.e. single stage paint as opposed a paint system with a clear coat, clear coated wheels as opposed to unfinished, polished wheel surfaces, leather upholstery that has a polyurethane covering as opposed to an unfinished, natural leather

Become active on a Facebook detailing page as they discuss detailing products and their proper application methodology Read and seek opinions of experienced detailers, there is no ‘dumb question’ forum contributors are usually more than glad to help answering questions.

Always remembering to research others opinions and products, test them and then make an objective decision based upon factual information not marketing hype or brand loyalty. I have always thought that the more facts and information you have at hand the easier it is to judge what information you are being given. After all, how can you fully understand and properly use any product unless you have all the facts? In the final analysis; it’s your vehicle, your hard earned money and your choice.

Detailing relies on the correct preparation procedures and the correct methodology to obtain pristine results. Methodology and technique constitute 95%; the reasoning behind the choice of quality products is to eliminate any limiting factors, thus enabling you to place emphasis on technique used.

Focusing on one person’s methodologies or the products they use will seriously limit your detailing experience and knowledge. Most importantly - choose carefully whose advice you listen to, and more importantly what advice you act upon. The misinformation and myths that are so prevalent in the detail industry is the reason that detailers need to do research on their own. I would strongly suggest that you verify any information anyone else shares with you.

Car care chemicals are the most misunderstood component auto detailing, they should work on their real merits, not ‘smoke and mirrors'. Proceed with this in mind; the products you use constitute a very small factor in the equation.

Learn how to find and read material data sheets (MSDS) the information included aids in the selection of safe products, helping you understand the potential health and physical hazards of a chemical and describes how to respond effectively to exposure situations. Learn how to identify and what is needed to protect you from health hazards and how to work safely

A detailer should be able to answer these questions; what are your procedures for the removal of the following-

1.       ‘Water spot’ damage

2.       Sintered rail or brake dust

3.       Carpet cleaning and what equipment, tools and chemicals do you use?

4.       Can you name the various types of leather, the properties of each and what leather is most commonly used in automobiles?

5.       Glass surfaces (how can you determine the location of any streaking)

6.       Removal of bird excrement and tar spots

I would like to think that these articles become an asset to anyone who is new to detailing and to professional’s alike, as well as industry experts who seek to advance their knowledge.

I hope the above article was informative. By having some understanding of the ‘What’ and ‘Why’ as well as the ‘How’ along with a little science to help you understand how the chemicals we use react, you can achieve the results you desire.

I would appreciate it if you would share this article as it helps other detailers further their knowledge.

Questions and/ or constructive comments are always appreciated.

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