Your car’s exterior is constantly exposed to harsh outdoor elements that wear down its paint and clear coat. Regular cleaning and protecting with a wax or sealant will keep your car looking beautiful for years to come.
Detailing is best done indoors or in shady areas because heat speeds up the drying of soap and water. Start with a thorough wash using specialized products. For professional help, contact Exterior Car Detailing Perth.
Exterior detailing isn’t just a brief wash of the car’s surface; it involves several other steps. These include clay bar cleaning to remove bonded contamination, and waxing for protection against the elements. It also includes cleaning the windows and other trim, as well as the tires and wheels. It’s important to use the right products for each step of the process, as they can damage or scratch surfaces if used incorrectly.
The first step in exterior detailing is thoroughly rinsing the vehicle to loosen up dirt, bugs, road salt, and other contaminants. You should use a specialized car shampoo with a mitt or sponge, and rinse the soap off periodically to avoid scratching. Many detailing professionals recommend washing the entire vehicle from top to bottom, and hosing off the body of the vehicle after each section. Some may even take this opportunity to clean the wheels and tires.
If the paint on your vehicle is marred by swirl marks or scratches, you can get these fixed with methods like polishing and compounding. These techniques can improve your vehicle’s appearance and help it retain resale value.
When it comes to waxing, the type of product you choose can make a difference in the look and longevity of the finish. Paste waxes tend to fill in minor paint defects better, but they require more effort to apply than liquid waxes.
It’s also important to take care of your plastics, and a good way to do this is by using a vinyl and rubber protectant. Apply a dab of the product to a rag and wipe it over all your vehicle’s vinyl, rubber, or plastic parts, including the door and window moldings, trim, rearview mirrors, and tires. Wait a few minutes for the protectant to dry before wiping it again with a new clean rag.
Clay Bar Cleaning
When claying cars, it’s important to take the time to thoroughly wash the vehicle and dry it as well before attempting to decontaminate the paint surface. This will remove the majority of loose dirt and contaminants that would otherwise be trapped beneath the clear coat. If these aren’t removed prior to claying, the contaminants could block fresh wax from bonding with the paint and result in a dull appearance or even paint peeling.
Using an automotive clay bar is one of the most effective ways to remove embedded contaminants and prep the car for paint correction or the application of a protective coating such as a ceramic or quartz coat. Many professional detailers recommend a clay bar treatment as the first step before any polishing, buffing, or spray work is done on the body of the car.
Traditional detailing clay bars can be found in a wide range of grades, from less aggressive consumer grade (like the Pinnacle Ultra Poly Clay Bar) to aggressive professional grade that will quickly and easily remove contamination from a badly contaminated car. It’s important to note that the more aggressive a clay bar is, the greater the risk of marring the paint.
When using a traditional clay bar, it’s recommended to use a dedicated clay lubricant, which can be purchased in combination with the bar or separately from most auto supply stores. The lubricant will prevent the clay from inadvertently damaging the paint while gliding across the clear coat. Begin with a small area of the vehicle, no larger than 2’ x 2’, and apply a light coat of lubricant over the surface. After that, lightly glide the clay over the lubricated surface in a back-and-forth motion. When the clay starts to feel slippery, re-lubricate and continue until the area feels clean.
Waxing
A car’s painted surfaces come into direct contact with dirt, dust, UV rays, and other environmental contaminants on a regular basis. These elements can cause paint and clear coat deterioration, which is why proper car detailing is so important. It’s a process that involves meticulously cleaning, polishing, and protecting the exterior surfaces of a vehicle, including the wheels, tires, windows, and trim.
The first step of a detailing session is to thoroughly wash the car using specialized car shampoo and a microfiber wash mitt or sponge. Next, the paint is inspected for any blemishes or imperfections, which can be corrected by using various abrasive compounds and polishing pads. After the paint is free of oxidation and imperfections, it’s ready for waxing or sealant application.
Waxing is a protective coating that’s applied to the car’s paint surface to help prevent future oxidation and contamination build-up. There are a wide variety of waxes and sealants available, from tried-and-true carnauba to high-tech ceramics. The choice of which product to use depends on the owner’s preference and budget.
To apply wax, the applicator should be dampened with clean water and a small amount of product is rubbed into the paint in an overlapping circular motion. The area should then be buffed off with a clean, soft cloth to remove any haze and leave the paint looking shiny and protected. The process can be done by hand or with a machine, depending on the size of the car and its condition. It’s best to work on one panel at a time and to use a clean section of the applicator pad with each stroke. This helps to avoid cross-contamination and ensures a smooth finish.
Tire and Wheel Cleaning
The wheels and tires of a vehicle are one of the main focal points for many automotive enthusiasts. Keeping them looking their best is an important part of the detailing process.
The first step is to ensure that the wheels and tires are clean of any loose dirt and grime. Begin by moving the vehicle into the shade if possible, then spray the wheels and tires with a powerful blast of water from a hose or pressure washer. Scrub the tire surface with a wheel brush, paying special attention to the creases and outer edges of the wheel wells, where dirt and grime often hide. Rinse and scrub again, then rinse thoroughly.
It is important to use chemical cleaners that are compatible with your wheel and tire type, as some can cause damage if sprayed on brake or suspension components or paint. It is also helpful to use a bucket for soapy water and a separate bucket for rinsing to avoid cross-contamination.
Dedicated wheel and tire cleaning chemicals are the best option for most situations, as they provide the best results with the least amount of work. These cleaners typically feature an iron removal chemical agent, allowing you to spray, agitate, and then spray off the wheels and tires without harming them or other automotive parts.
In addition, we carry a variety of spray nozzles that allow our tire and wheel cleaners to be sprayed as a foam to penetrate deeper into the pores of the rubber and metal for superior cleaning performance. We also recommend using a spray applicator pad for better distribution of the product on your wheel or tire and to help minimize overuse, which can lead to chemical build-up.
Paint Sealant
Unlike waxes which provide a natural look, paint sealants have a glossy finish that can make your car more visually appealing. These fully synthetic products serve to protect the paint and exterior of your vehicle from UV rays, high heat, acid rain, bird droppings, road grime, and other environmental elements.
Paint sealants can be applied in a paste, liquid, or spray form and can be applied by hand or machine. Once applied, they are wiped off and then buffed into the paint surface to ensure complete penetration. Depending on the product, some are solvent-based and will require you to wear a mask and work in a well-ventilated area. Water-based products are a newer development that are less volatile and safer to use.
Some sealants also offer a hydrophobic coating that repels water, mud, sleet, and snow. This helps to keep your vehicle cleaner by making it easier for you to rinse off your vehicle after driving or washing it.
The longevity of a paint sealant is another important factor to consider. Some can last up to a year before you will need to reapply them. This will depend on your local climate and weather conditions.
When it comes to applying your paint sealant, you should always read the instructions and recommendations for the product that you have chosen. Follow these closely to get the best results.
Once the paint sealant has had time to dry, you should test it by rubbing your thumb over an inconspicuous area. If it hazes, you should reapply the product and buff again. This will help to avoid any unsightly swirl marks on your car’s clear coat. If you do not have a buffer, you can use a clean microfiber towel to buff the surface.