This article is designed to educate the novice on auto detailing and provide concourse quality detailing tips.

Auto detailing is the process of making an automobile look its best without major dismantling or repainting. But, detailing is much more than a quick wash and vacuuming. Detailing requires careful planning and methods. Today's car detailing is an art.

The following is an overview of proven professional tips and some little secrets learned over the years.

1. Washing
2. Wheels & Tires
3. Polishing
4. Waxing
5. Glass, Trim and Moldings
6. Engine Compartment
7. Other Show Details and Tips

• Polish merely cleans the surface in preparation for wax. After a polish, always follow with a "quality" wax. At shows, a polish, just before judging can be applied.
• Glazes and polishes are in essence the same products. Professional's do not recommend those products on a weekly basis. These products feature a very high rate of distillates in their formulas to cut dirt and oxidation. They offer no added protection, depth or shine to the paint surface
• When polishing, let it do the work by applying it in a straight line rather than a circular motion or you run the risk of putting swirl marks in the paint.
• Use of Buffers - Unless you are a professional, buffers is a sure way to destroy paint. With today's exotic clear coat metallic paint jobs, a buffer can be absolutely deadly. Clear coat paint jobs are very susceptible.
• There are two types of compounds:
  1. Rubbing - very strong and gritty. The purpose is to remove dead paint and wipes out stubborn stains and tough paint blemishes. Use this product as a last resort.
  2. Polishing - Mild abrasive. Removes more paint than a sealer and will renew the paint while doing the least damage. Polish also works on scratch removal. · Polishing will not fill small cracks in newly exposed paint. Glazes and sealers fill cracks and scratches, which help to make the surface feel smooth.
• Plastic polish is best for removal of fine scratches and swirl marks and is safe for clear coat finishes.
• Polish, glazes and sealers will not protect the paint against sun and weather. A protecting wax must be applied which also will enhance the shine and depth.

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