| Most reputable auto detailers follow a five-step | | | | it well maintained. |
| process to properly car for the cars and trucks | | | | First off, don't use just one bucket when washing |
| they are entrusted to care for. These steps | | | | your car. The reason for this is that you want to |
| consist of the following: | | | | be rinsing the mitt or cloth you are using in a |
| Washing - This is a very important step of | | | | separate bucket of water so that you are not |
| course, to remove the loose contaminates that | | | | transferring dirty water which may contain |
| exist on your paint finish. | | | | substances that may damage your finish. |
| Cleaning - Prepare the finish of the automobile by | | | | Secondly, most professional detailers use a wash |
| the removal of oxidation, stains, and any other | | | | mitt instead of a sponge. These are available in |
| blemishes. | | | | wool or terry cloth. The advantage of using a |
| Polishing - To create a high luster reflection | | | | mitt is that it carries much more of the cleaning |
| Protecting - This step creates a barrier or shield | | | | product you are using and also carries away much |
| on top of the finish for protection of the | | | | more dirt thus reducing the damage to the |
| automobile's finish from the elements. | | | | vehicle. Sponges have their uses, but are best |
| Maintenance - This is the final step, to keep the | | | | used on chrome, wheels, etc. |
| finish looking like it was just detailed constantly. | | | | The next tool is the chamois, a tool that most |
| Now, dependent upon how old your vehicle is and | | | | car enthusiasts are very familiar with. There are |
| its condition you may not have to take every | | | | two different types, natural and man-made. The |
| one of these steps every time you detail your | | | | benefit of using a chamois is to soak up water, |
| car. Certainly, you will keep your automobile | | | | leave the finish streak free, and not leave behind |
| looking great for a long time by regularly | | | | lint the way other things like towels may do. |
| maintaining the finish in particular. | | | | When using towels, you want at least two |
| One caveat I must advise you of is this, always | | | | different groups. One will be for use with silicone |
| test a hidden spot before you begin applying a | | | | based products which must never be used with |
| product to be sure that it doesn't harm the finish | | | | anything else. Silicone can damage your finish and |
| of your vehicle. You must be particularly be | | | | also leaves a smeared surface if it gets on your |
| careful when working with solvents, polyurethane | | | | windshield. |
| enamel solvents can dissolve almost anything, so | | | | It is best to use a variety of brushes to |
| be careful! | | | | accomplish your detailing needs, especially when |
| Another thing that I must advise is that you | | | | working on tires and wheels. You will want some |
| always use proper safety equipment to prevent | | | | smaller brushes to get into the smaller crevices in |
| injury, especially when using equipment such as | | | | some wheels. |
| buffers. | | | | These are the main items needed to care for |
| Let's take a moment to go over the basic | | | | your own car, truck, or SUV. |
| supplies you will need to detail your car and keep | | | | |