How to get started in Detailing
Detailing: cleaning at another level.
The detailing goes far beyond a simple wash.
This is a meticulous process of cleaning, restoring, and protecting every area of the car, both inside and out, with the aim of keeping it in the best possible condition.
If you like to take care of your vehicle, are concerned about its appearance, or simply want to learn how to keep it looking new for longer, this article is for you.
Here we explain step by step how to get started in the world of detailing, what products and tools you need, and how to avoid the most common mistakes when starting out.
You don't need to be an expert: with a little practice and the right advice, anyone can achieve professional results from day one.
1.- What is detailing and how is it different from a traditional wash?
The detailing is a cleaning, restoration, and protection technique for the vehicle that goes far beyond simple washing. Unlike a conventional wash, which usually focuses on quickly removing surface dirt, detailing takes care of every detail of the car using specific products and professional techniques tailored to each surface.
This not only allows for cleaning but also for protecting and restoring materials such as paint, leather, or plastics, preventing damage, deterioration, or premature wear.
The main benefits of detailing are:
- Preserve the value of the car in the long term.
- Improve the overall aesthetics and original brightness.
- Extend the lifespan of materials.
- Provides a more pleasant, clean, and safe driving experience.
2.- How many products do I need?
Although quantity is not the same as quality, the truth is that having the right products is a very important aspect of detailing. Precisely the variety in designs, parts, materials, and finishes in cars makes it necessary to have the right tools to face any situation that may arise. That said, the important thing is to have a good base of products without going crazy, and to introduce new ones as needed or to the extent that it facilitates or makes the work more effective.
Here are 5 basic recommendations:
- A good APC:
The APC (all purpose cleaner) is a super versatile multi-purpose cleaner, especially as a concentrated product. With an APC, you have several products in one, as depending on the dilution you use, you can employ it for all kinds of tasks: wheels, upholstery, interiors, bodywork, engine…etc.
- Neutral pH shampoo:
Although it may not seem like it from what is seen on social media, the truth is that it is not necessary to fill the car with pink foam. With a neutral pH shampoo, you have everything you need for a body wash, whether with a foam lance, an electric foamer, or with buckets and a mitt.
- Degreaser:
The degreaser is not just another shampoo, but the way to leave the car as clean and pure as possible. In addition to dirt, it removes waxes and coatings that we may have applied, making it an essential product to reset the condition of the paint, and fundamental for polishing tasks.
- Liquid wax:
The wax is necessary for the car to shine. Although there are many types of waxes with different applications and characteristics, it is good to start with a Quick Detailer or a liquid Carnauba Wax to finish all the jobs.
- Window cleaner:
The part that many forget but makes the difference. A good glass cleaner saves time and prevents those noticeable stains on windows and windshields, which can distort the work done.
3.- Common mistakes when starting out and how to avoid them
When starting in detailing, it is common to make mistakes during the application of specific products that can affect the final result or even damage the bodywork. Many of these failures are due to not following the instructions correctly or being unaware of the particularities of each product.
Here are some of the most common mistakes when starting in detailing:
- Using dirty or inappropriate cloths:
Each cloth is designed for a specific use, and if the usage instructions are not followed, it is very likely that they will leave unwanted residues, and these imperfections can be accentuated even more if the cloth is dirty or contaminated.
- Do not properly remove the excess product:
Although visually it seems that we have removed the remnants of the product, such as shampoo, we must ensure to thoroughly rinse off all the product with plenty of pressurized water to avoid the appearance of possible marks from dry residue. The same applies to other products like liquid wax, plastic renovator, or leather moisturizer: excess product can ruin all the work.
- Not drying the surface well:
One of the most important steps, if not the most important, is to dry the bodywork very well after washing with any of the drying towels from FullCarX. If this step is not done correctly, it is very easy for water droplets to dry on the bodywork and create difficult-to-remove stains. If this happens, you can try to remove them with Liquid Carnauba Wax or High Gloss Polish.
- Leave the products under adverse weather conditions:
Having a large number of chemical elements, in many cases, if they are exposed to extreme conditions such as cold, heat, sunlight, etc., the formulation may be altered and the product's effectiveness may be lost. For this reason, we always recommend storing the products in a closed, clean, and dry place whenever possible.
- Do not conduct a preliminary test in small areas:
Some products may react differently depending on the material or paint. In this way, if you are thinking of applying a product that you are not sure will work perfectly on the affected surface, we recommend always testing it in a small and inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface, or you can also contact customer service to resolve your doubts.
- Applying waxes or sealants on damp surfaces:
Unless they are specific products formulated for application on wet surfaces like FastX wax or Hydrocoat, the rest of the sealants or waxes should always be applied on a well-dried bodywork.
4.- What do you need to get started? Basic Detailing Kit
Now that you know the steps to perform a complete detailing of the vehicle, you may be wondering: what products do I need to get started? To make the process easier for you, we have prepared several kits with everything you need according to your level of experience or the degree of detail you want to achieve. All kits come with two options: with accessories and without accessories, and also distinguishing between textile interiors and leather.
They are organized progressively, from the most basic to the most comprehensive:
- Basic Kit:
Ideal for those who are starting in detailing. It includes the essential products to clean and protect both the exterior and interior of the vehicle.
- Advanced Kit:
A more comprehensive option, with additional products to enhance the finish and expand car care.
- Premium Kit:
Designed for those who want to make a leap in quality. Includes more specific and effective products, with extra tools to facilitate the work.
- Mega Kit:
Contains all the products mentioned in this blog, allowing for a complete and professional detailed walkthrough, step by step.
- Hyper Kit:
The most complete option. In addition to including everything necessary for detailing, it also incorporates all the products for polishing.
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