Detailing A Car: 7 Steps To Perfection Without a Detail Kit!

What Are The Complete Steps For Detailing A Car?

Avoid using the wrong approach when removing stubborn road contaminants from your car’s metal or fiberglass panels. Follow the steps below for the best solution when detailing a car! We guarantee you’ll be happy with the end result.

1. Remove Dust – Start by filling a bucket with water and some quality liquid soap. Then use a wash mitt to scrub the exterior to eliminate debris. This step should help eliminate dirt, grime, bugs, mud, or anything else that might have been splattered on the vehicle.
2. Rinse – Now that the surface is washed and a lot cleaner, it’s ready for the next step or procedure, which involves a little clay.
3. Clay Bar – There are two types of clay bars to use: a “light” bar and a “heavy duty” bar. The light one is used on lighter paint jobs, as it won’t pull off too much material from the surface. The heavy-duty version is best for dirty cars or neglected paint surfaces. The clay bar will help remove paint overspray, tar, tree sap, and most other harmful substances that cause a faded appearance. Spray water on the panels and rub them until all the contaminants are gone and it feels super smooth. This process removes any protective wax on your car, so you’ll need to complete the polish and sealant steps below.
4. Heavy Duty Rubbing Compound – Rubbing compounds will visually reduce scratches and “swirl marks” from light-colored cars but should be used with care on dark or black cars since overuse or misuse can damage the finish. Apply a coat using a high-speed buffer, then rub it off manually. Note: Never leave the buffer in one spot on the car’s paint for more than a few seconds, or you could burn the coating and discolor the appearance. If that happens, you’ll need a paint job to restore the paint.
5. Polish – Polish removes fine scratches in clear coats and restores the gloss. Use an applicator pad to apply in small sections, then wipe the polish off after it’s dry. Don’t make the mistake of covering the entire car with polish and then attempting to remove it after it has dried. This is not easy and will only frustrate you. I usually section off the panels when applying polish. For example, I’ll polish one door, then each half of the hood separately, and continue moving around until the entire car has been polished. This will ensure nothing dries too much, which would make it hard to remove with towels alone. Be sure to follow up with a sealant product after polishing for additional protection and longevity of your car’s paint.
6. Sealants – Once you’ve cleaned, polished, and re-polished your car’s finish, it’s time to apply a layer of protection that will resist moisture and UV rays that cause damage to the factory clear coat finish. Sealants also provide a deep, “wet” shine that will last for months. Follow the steps listed in number 5 above unless you use a spray wax sealant. Then you would mist on the sealant and wipe it off after a few minutes.
7. Paint Protection Film – Paint protection film (Clear Bra) is the best way to protect the paint on your automobile’s front bumper and hood. The clear protectors are designed to deflect rocks, preventing chips and stopping bug juice from sitting on the paint too long and baking in. This barrier also keeps out dirt, salt water, and other contaminants that can cause significant damage over time. The paint film can also be removed and replaced when worn out.
   Please note: This is an optional step in the process and is usually only applied to the front bumper and a small edge of the hood. In the past, a car bra would be used for this type of protection, but having a clear version is much less noticeable and better looking, in my opinion.