What is Auto Detailing?
What is auto detailing? I don't really get that question a lot but I do get the feeling that people think all I have is a bucket of water and a can of wax. While I do have those things, it goes way deeper than that.
Detailing is the performance of thorough cleaning, restoration, and finishing of an automobile, both inside and out, to produce a show-quality level of detail. (Wikipedia) Most people have seen people spraying down cars on car lots and have gone to the car wash and assume that is what detailing is. This is true to a point, but not quite there. Detailing consists of eliminating all the dirt, debris, and soiling from the exterior and interior. Then bringing the paint to a brilliant shine with the use of a polisher, compounds and polishes. In some cases, wet sanding is needed to produce the highest reflective surface possible. Next, a wax, sealant or coating is applied to protect the paint finish from the elements. On the inside of the car, stains and smells are removed, as well as protecting surfaces from harmful UV rays. Sometimes there are other services available like headlight reconditioning, paint chip repair, trim restoration and odor removal and many more that go beyond detailing.
Detailing goes back as far as there has been automobiles. Today to some it is a hobby. Weekend warriors taking up arms against their dirty cars and turning them into works of shiny art. What separates the enthusiast from the professional is a range of factors. First a professional usually has a range of professional tools and chemicals to address different situations. Also a professional has hopefully invested in some sort of education and not just a self proclaimed detailer. Also the professional detailer knows the correct processes of prepping and decontaminating the paint before he polishes it, so as not to cause further damage.
As you can see there is a lot more to detailing than dipping a rag in to a bucket of soapy water. There has to be a knowledge of chemicals, best practices, paint thickness, different surfaces and soiling. Detailing is a craft and when performed right can impress the most dubious of customers.
Thanks for reading. More to come.
Micah Miller, Owner of Classic Reflections LLC
