The Detailing Syndicate

If you have ever searched the internet seeking the answer to this question, you have likely come across both ‘yes’ and ‘no’, which can be incredibly frustrating as a car owner. There are a few factors that come into play to accurately resolve this conundrum, so it is wise to know what exactly you are doing.

What Kind Of Wash?

To be clear, you CAN wash your car after tinting your windows, within reason. This is because window tint is applied to the inside of the windows, not the exterior. So if this is the case, why the caveat? A simple car wash on the outside can be applied immediately after a window tint, only if the seal around each window is secure. Moisture is its enemy, and will undo an expensive job in minutes if exposed. If you want to be extremely careful not to negatively affect the tint, it is smart to have professionals manage all cleaning activities.

“After the tinting has been applied, do not even think about washing the interior of your vehicle. The grace period for which one should wait is at least a week, and even that can be conservative depending on the type of application you received”

Windows Up!

You can also wash your car after tinting if you do not plan to move your windows up and down. It cannot be stressed enough that this should be avoided. Not only will it damage the tint, it will be harder to fix as well.

How Is The Wash Applied?

You may have hand washing in mind, or be planning to go through a drive-thru wash, but of paramount importance is that whatever cleaner or detergent used is not ammonia based. Those that incorporate ammonia are the enemy of tinting, and even if you are clearing the outside only, can get through the seal and ruin your job.

Take Your Time

While coin washes are fine, you are playing with fire a bit if you are unsure of how well your vehicle shields soap and water. Washing by hand using a microfiber towel is the most beneficial way to clean the car, and this is also true of the interior when the grace period has passed.

Some people incorrectly assume that just using water to wash the inside is reasonable if it is absent of ammonia. Water alone will not destroy a tint, but will certainly compromise its application if it was freshly placed.

Pros Are Pros For A Reason

If you feel there is any gray area to applying a wash but are too proud of your tint to risk its longevity, it is recommended that you have an auto detailer complete the process for you. Not only do they have the right cleaners that do not affect the job (even through broken seals), they will also provide you more information on just how long you can wait with your particular type of tint before cleaning the interior as well.

Chrome wheels are often an extension of the driver’s personality, and as such, should be taken care of delicately and with detail. The incorporation of chrome unfortunately makes these types of wheels susceptible to wearing and chipping, or at the very least, losing their shine. Luckily, there are ways to soundly protect them and increase their longevity as well. So what is the best protection for chrome wheels?

Give Your Wheels A Bath

Before a solution can enclose the agents on chrome to protect the wheels, they always need to be rinsed first. Getting rid of brake dust and particles will allow the surface to easily obtain the chemicals and use them accordingly.

“Wheel clay shares a perfect marriage with chrome wheels because the substance lifts off embedded impurities that are naked to the eye swiftly…Clay works wonders at molding to any shape however awkward, and making the surface smooth and ready for polishing”

Chrome Wheel Cleaner

Not to be confused with water, chrome wheel cleaners are detergents specific to this type of material. These are found in the form of sprays and gels, and their purpose is to safely protect the finish without using any acid. All of these chemicals are non-acidic and safe.

Use A Wheel Brush

A wheel brush is different than a paint brush in that it is usually longer and almost looks like a duster. It finely executes thorough cleaning by getting into small cracks of the chrome wheels and disposing of foreign elements. Other brushes can be used, but a wheel brush is recommended because it can be used on big spots or small spaces just as easily.

Use Wheel Clay

Wheel clay shares a perfect marriage with chrome wheels because the substance lifts off embedded impurities that are naked to the eye swiftly. Clay works wonders at molding to any shape however awkward, and making the surface smooth and ready for polishing. Remember, wheel clay is not the same as detailing clay. The latter makes its name by going over the body of a vehicle. The former goes on the wheel. Do not confuse the two as cross contamination can undo positive effects on the chrome.

Polish Efficiently

Using a chrome and metal polish, either apply it to an applicator pad, or use an electric polishing tool to cover the wheel. It is important to note that plastic chrome will not react to this detergent the same as metal. The big dogs in the chrome department offer chemicals designed for REAL chrome, so do not use them on substitutes. After the polish has engulfed the whole wheel, a wiping of a microfiber cloth will smooth out the finish you created.

Wheel Glaze

Also referred to as wheel waxes, they are the final task to protecting your chrome wheels. This should only be included once the polish has fully dried. Using a buffing motion, the applicator pad full of the solution will prevent the surface from dust and promote shininess for an extended period.

Conclusion

If you are smart enough to have a professional auto detailer take care of your chrome wheel needs, they will ensure that all you will need to restore them in the future is a regular and hassle free detailing regiment, as opposed to buying new ones altogether or swapping them out.

It is best to think of a car’s exterior as its base shell, and to protect it fully, numerous layers are needed to guarantee the highest probability of effectiveness. Since these layers cannot all be applied at once, going through them one at a time will not only add value to your vehicle, but help show you how each serves their own purpose in making your automobile nearly impenetrable to foreign elements. Before undergoing the process of these layers, seeking advice on pricing and components involved from professionals is recommended.

“Waxing and sealing are also integral to extending the life of the paint used to cover your car. The synthetic polymers added make certain that it will take extraordinary force to ruin your paint job”

Protecting the paintwork is a 3 step ordeal, starting with a clear film. Scotchguard and VentureShield are two brand examples that, when applied, resist stains and chipping from rocks. It is sometimes referred to as a ‘healing’ film, because occasionally some problem areas on the car like minor scratches can fade eventually due to the chemicals involved. Paint protection film is placed by expert auto detailers, and it wards off contaminants found in the air that can react negatively to your finish. Since the film is at the base of your car’s structure, it is vital that defects on the exterior are slim to (hopefully) none. Most of these films come with a warranty, so if you choose to invest in one, do your homework.

Next is placing a coating down similar to Opti-Gloss coat. They differ from protection films by typically being made from ceramics and providing a more tough exterior. The right coating can last 5 years, or even longer, to give consumers an idea of how strong they are. Coating also has the advantage of rejecting deterioration due to chemicals. If you have ever been to a junkyard, you have probably seen vehicles that look as if they have been entirely corroded over. Coatings like CQuartz UK make automobiles appear as if they have been dipped in candy, as their luster is very noticeable. Coatings are not the same as waxing, for they bond with the surface of the car. Waxes are a simple, but very important layer.

Protecting your paintwork is most successful when films and coatings are topped off with sealants. Brazilian carnauba in waxing agents serve to hold in finishes and have the color explode. Whenever you see a car’s aesthetic look wet or glowing, it has undoubtedly been waxed. Waxing and sealing are also integral to extending the life of the paint used to cover your car. The synthetic polymers added make certain that it will take extraordinary force to ruin your paint job.

Proper protection to painted vehicles is one of the hardest undertakings consumers can make on their own. The reason for this is the price range is incredibly wide for coatings and films. Waxing and sealants vary in cost, but are typically in the same ballpark, whereas film can jump from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Consulting with a detailing expert and partaking in a regular auto detailing regiment can literally save you a pile of cash, in addition to having the assurance that the layer application will be applied to your paintwork successfully, and by experts.

Restoring wheel rims is a huge problem that few people have the time and energy to actually partake in. It can be a bit time consuming to perform in the beginning, but once you are well versed in it, becomes more painless in the future. Auto detailers are able to provide certain types of restoration to make wheel rims look like they were just pressed in a factory. Regardless of who is behind the wheel (pun intended) of fixing them, there are some tips to keep in mind:

“Smoothing the wheel rims is one of the most rushed tasks people typically take, however it is one of the most important components, as if not done to perfection, from this point on primer and paint will pick up and highlight every mistake you overlook”

Setup And Sanitize

It is wise to wash your hands between each step of the process, as chemicals and debris from the rims themselves can irritate your skin. Additionally, having more than one microfiber towel handy is prudent. The reason having multiple as opposed to one is if a towel is covered in dirt, you obviously do not want to place it back on the same area you are trying to restore.

Wheel Removal

If you are serious about getting wheel rims to once again look in pristine condition, they need to be removed from the vehicle so they can get the attention they deserve. This will help with more reasons than just cleaning them better, as you will find out. Placing them each on a flat cardboard box will suffice.

Smooth Is Ideal

Sanding with ‘rough’ rubs is for a multitude of reasons: to clean the surface of unwanted debris that has accumulated along the way, and to rid it of unwanted paint. Smoothing the wheel rims is one of the most rushed tasks people typically take, however it is one of the most important components, as if not done to perfection, from this point on primer and paint will pick up and highlight every mistake you overlook.

Prime For Paint

It is now that BOTH sides of the rim should be primed by spraying it evenly. Sway the mist liberally on one side, and after it has dried, flip it to take care of the other. Using more than one coat of primer is acceptable if you are dealing with a stubborn rim that will not ‘take’ so easily.

Paint With A System

Once your primer is ready, the paint you want on your rim can be put on, being mindful of the fact you may need painter’s tape to close off areas you do not want the paint to spread. When the paint has dried as well, a clear coat should be used to hold the properties of the chemicals in and guarantee it will shine with a polish.

Finishing Up

If you have done everything meticulously, a thorough wipe with a microfiber towel should render your restoration complete. To truly make your ride appear brand new, use a tire cleaner to accentuate the work you have just done to your rims. Restoration of wheel rims is not easy, and especially in the paint steps, it would behoove you to inquire about auto detailing experts to see what level of restoration they can provide for your wheel rims.

Your car having the appearance of looking as if it just came out of a professional detail is coveted by so many because it instantly skyrockets its curb appeal, not to mention makes its aesthetic all the more pleasing. There is actually a process to accomplish this, usually done in a few simple steps. Of course if you want the clearest and brightest shine, using an auto detailer should be your top choice.

“After an initial glass coating is placed, you will start to see ‘glossy’ results in about 24 hours. With the application of more than one coat, each curing session will add to this shine”

Likely a given, but before giving your vehicle a permanent glossy exterior, the car must be scrubbed thoroughly. This is for various reasons, but the most important of which is because the newly applied coatings will not hold as successfully if there are impurities on the outside. These impurities come in many forms, from airborne contaminants to brake dust and dirt. A drive thru car wash can accomplish this initial rinsing, but a hand wash from an expert is even better because more time can be spent on areas that are problematic. When you go through a coin operated wash, since it is a machine you do not have the freedom to force it to go over spaces that are especially dirty. A hand wash should include the use of a microfiber towel and detergents recommended by your automobile manufacturer.

An alcohol IPA solution should then be worked into your car’s shell to eliminate the previous waxes and polishes that have taken place. Why is this vital? Because we want to place coating down at the core of the exterior, without lubricant or substance in between. If this step is skipped over, your coating will not bond properly, so it is worth the extra time.

As you know, after a car wash, that ‘wet’ look disappears, and it is something we want to stay. After the IPA ‘bath’ has taken place, you will want to place a ceramic coating down, also known as ‘glass coating.’ Multiple layers should be applied after each layer has been given ample time to dry. This takes an hour or two apiece in most cases. Layering on vehicles is very important because each time a fresh coat is incorporated, it cures to make your vehicle appear more and more wet. After an initial glass coating is placed, you will start to see ‘glossy’ results in about 24 hours. With the application of more than one coat, each curing session will add to this shine.

Using a brick and applicator pad, apply the final layer, known as ‘booster coating.’ This should not be rubbed on in between your standard ceramic coatings. When this is done, your vehicle should not be exposed to the elements, so covering it in an enclosed space is wise.

Conclusion

Even though the ‘wet paint’ look can be done at home, auto detailers are experts at making your vehicle look its best, because they can evenly distribute the coating; something most cannot do without practice. If you choose to tackle the project on your own, a good way to know you are ‘done,’ besides seeing its shine of course, is to take a towel and rub it along the side of the vehicle. If you hear no sound at all, it means the coating has cured and you have been successful in having it bond to the car.

The Car wash vs wash and wax question is an interesting topic to dive in to because both actions take place on a daily basis all over the world. Ultimately your needs will determine which is the more prudent path for you, but until then, what are the differences and advantages to both?

What Is The Purpose Of A Simple Car Wash?

Obviously, as the name implies, the act itself is desiring to get a clean vehicle. More specific than that though, a car wash is designed for one purpose: speed. If you have ever run your garden hose over your vehicle you know it takes more than a little water to thoroughly reduce the grime on its exterior. Car washes utilize directed water at high speeds to eliminate surface debris to the best of their ability. Soapy suds are added to give some semblance of a shine, but to say this is applied meticulously is a stretch.

“The biggest pro of blending a wash and a wax is that the two compliment each other in their benefits. Once the exterior has been cleared of debris, a thorough waxing will dramatically improve the integrity of the paint and make the finish appear as if it is brand new”

Besides how quick the process is, the biggest upside to a bare bones car wash is its price. With a couple of bucks or even a few coins your vehicle can at worst look better than it did ten minutes before. The downside to a routine wash is that it is not going to protect your paint for the long haul. It is a temporary solution that will require more maintenance in the future, depending on the environment your car resides in.

Wash And A Wax

Mixing a waxing with a wash, especially when done by professional auto detailers, is more of a ‘seeing the forest through the trees’ solution in that it is protecting your car for longer periods of time. Washing makes our automobiles sparkle and bring out its luster, and waxing holds the body’s paint and smoothness so that impurities do not accrue on the exterior.

The biggest pro of blending a wash and a wax is that the two compliment each other in their benefits. Once the exterior has been cleared of debris, a thorough waxing will dramatically improve the integrity of the paint and make the finish appear as if it is brand new. Utilizing wax also cuts down the likelihood of your car displaying nicks and scratches. It serves as a buffer between the paint and the elements, and also acts like a temporary ‘sunscreen’ for your car’s body.

Conclusion

A regular car wash serves its purpose, but pumping a few dollars into a machine and having an imperfect cleaning will not last long. Washing and waxing is an artful exercise blending skill and attention to detail to improve the aesthetic of your vehicle. Beyond that however, it serves as a means to make sure the upkeep of your car is in pristine condition, especially when included as a part of a more comprehensive auto detailing regime. When comparing price wise, while waxing and washing is more, its benefits go beyond the cash coming out of your pocket. Each time wax is applied to a clean surface, the life of the paint gains weeks, months, and even years of positive results.

Though maintaining the appearance and structure of your automobile’s exterior is of paramount importance, it is equally vital to protect the interior of your vehicle as well, as this is where you spend most of your time. This can be done in a variety of ways, all of which can be successful, but something often overlooked is the order at which you accomplish them. So what are ways you can maintain the integrity of your vehicles cabin?

“Water based solutions are becoming more readily available, and are also better for UV protection… this is beneficial because exposure is the number one cause of cracking and vinyl fatigue”

The first thing that needs to be done is extensive vacuuming to every area that can be reached. This includes the ceiling and dashboard. One would be amazed at how often people scrub their interior first, not realizing that vacuuming after the fact stirs up dust and dander and has it bond with the detergents used to clean. After you are satisfied that the seats are cleared completely, use a fabric guard on applicable areas. Fabric guards are fantastic because they ward off potential stains in the future. They trap the positive effects of shampooing and make areas easier to clean later on. Fabric guard can also be used on the mats of the vehicle.

Next you will want to spray dashboard cleaner over the vinyl and rub it in with a microfiber pad generously. These types of cleaners are clearly marked at automobile outlets. This can be done with a towel, but the agents will stick to the surface more easily with a pad because it can embed the chemicals. Even though oil based interior detailer cleaners can be used, they can leave a greasy film on your dashboard and center console. Water based solutions are becoming more readily available, and are also better for UV protection. This is beneficial because exposure is the number one cause of cracking and vinyl ‘fatigue.’ The most inexpensive way to prevent this if you do not have a dashboard spray is to invest in a sunscreen. They are only a few dollars and work wonders in fighting off the sun’s rays.

The inside of your windows will need prepping as well to ensure maximum protection. If you are concerned glass cleaners like Windex or various alternatives will streak too much, it is acceptable to use foam from products like Turtle Wax. Whichever direction you choose to wipe, depending on your dominant hand, make sure you keep that same direction consistent. In other words, do not go left to right, then right to left, and so on. This will minimize substance lines.

Finally, to protect the smell of your car, initially you want to absorb previous odors that were present. Placing a simple baking soda solution, similar to what you would put in a smelly fridge, overnight will eliminate most pungent odors. After this has been done, strategically place an air freshener in the cabin, or on the air conditioner vents to enable pleasant airflow.

The detergents and cleaners offered at department stores can be incredibly overwhelming, so if you do not want to skimp on the protection your car’s interior deserves, have a detailing expert go over it with a fine toothed comb and use the right agents the will bond and cure properly to make sure wear and tear in the future will be at a minimum.

Detailing clay is an underused and extremely valuable item to apply to your vehicle to rid it of contaminants. The idea of using it scares away most consumers, but if you know what you are doing, it is better than a lot of alternatives on the market.

At first glance, ‘clean’ cars that have gone through a wash appear as if no further action is required. So where does detailing clay come in? By running your hand over the body of your vehicle, to the touch you will feel imperfections in the paint, typically in the form of bumps. These are foreign particles and unwanted debris you need to get rid of. Wearing thin gloves such as surgical or something similar makes this process very easy to complete. Gloves are recommended during clay detailing anyway, so it is two birds, one stone.

“Detailing clay ‘shaves’ down the bumps on your vehicle, doing so carefully and with the help of the pre-applied lubricant to ensure scratching does not occur”

Spray the lubricant advised by the brand of clay you own over the most problematic surfaces. The lubricant acts as a buffer before the clay is spread. Once applied, take your bar of clay and form it into a flat shape to better adhere to the car’s exterior. Generously rub, not press, the clay over the area repeatedly. Upon doing so you should feel the uneven sections of the paneling. Clay almost acts like shaving cream in that cream is used to make your face smooth for a razor. Detailing clay ‘shaves’ down the bumps on your vehicle, doing so carefully and with the help of the pre-applied lubricant to ensure scratching does not occur. If the task is done in a quiet enough area, often times you will be able to hear the imperfections coming off with a faint ‘click’ noise.

It should be noted that if your clay is dropped or placed on a surface that isn’t smooth, you should discard it and grab a new bar. Clay that has dirt or even a spec of sand in it can completely undo the process you are trying to carry out. Additionally, when an area of the clay is dusty, fold it over to a fresh patch to complete the detailing.

If done correctly, your car is primed to look the best it has ever been, as now it is ready for a thorough wash, waxing, polishing, or a full detail. Detailing with the addition of clay brings out the performance of these other treatments exponentially.

While car detailing with clay can be done yourself, having professionals do it before your cleaned, waxed or detailed can add thousands of dollars to the vehicle’s resale value. Moreover, if it is an automobile you plan to keep, routine clay usage will have the upkeep of your paint paneling look phenomenal. The difference between clay detailing yourself and letting the experts handle it is that professionals use more pertinent clays depending on the make, model and condition of the car. Furthermore, their inspection routine is much more in depth and calculated. Detailing with clay is far more than just running it over the paint finish as there is an art to its application, and those with expertise in this field can even eliminate scratches with the proper technique.

Car detailing clay is one of the quickest, most efficient ways to remove imperfections on your car, but don’t let its success fool you into thinking that one bar will suffice for months. But is there ever a time where it is suitable to reuse it?

The short answer to this query is no, for contaminated clay will not perform the task you need done. The ‘eye’ test is not a prudent one to use for clay detailing because occasionally it appears as if the surface of the bar is ‘clean’ when in reality impurities are embedded into the substance. You should always err on the side of caution when it comes to clay, because since it is a substance that is rubbed it could be causing deep scratches below the surface if the bar has been previously used.

“Detailing clay should be thought of similar to something like a syringe, where every time it is needed, a fresh, sterile one is used”

Detailing clay should be thought of similar to something like a syringe, where every time it is needed, a fresh, sterile one is used. Because it is a relatively inexpensive purchase, this should not be an issue most of the time. Obviously we all want to stretch our dollar, but if the same clay is used routinely, it will damage your prime coat.

If you are in an absolute jam and need to use the same piece of clay you’ve used several times, fold it as many times as you can to get any area that looks free of debris. It is nearly impossible to get dirt and sand out of previously applied clay, so you are fighting an uphill battle unless it is smooth. If you find it is a necessity to reuse a bar, do a spot test, preferably around the bumper where accumulation of dirt is frequent. If you are able to perform a solid test without resistance while rubbing, you should be good to go. Remember, even though clay is shaving down bumps, the method of running it across the paneling should be fluid.

What Can You Do Until You Acquire More Clay?

Most people are not going to have clay on hand every time their automobile desperately needs it, but in lieu of using an old bar, spraying the paneling with lubricants and using a microfiber towel can serve as a ‘placeholder’ until you get more. What this does is remove as much contaminant as can be done with a rag and seals the remaining imperfections to the best of your ability with detergent. The reason why this is important is because if these bumps are allowed to be exposed directly to the elements they will scratch much faster and be harder to smooth out once you acquire clay.

Rely On Expertise

In truth, professional auto detailers should eliminate this problem for you entirely, as they never reuse a bar of clay. Experts on its application always use a new piece to maximize the positive effect on the car’s exterior. Particularly if this is done frequently, the shine and smoothness of your vehicle is unbelievable and looks as if it just came off the assembly line.

Utilizing a waterless car wash can be a very fruitful and worthwhile process to restore some shine to your vehicle, but more than one problem can arise if this is not done by a professional. Though a great in-between remedy before you get your car thoroughly detailed, there are some potential disadvantages consumers should know about.

The first drawback to a waterless wash is that it can be applied incorrectly in various ways. For starters, silicone is present in some of the pre-mixed spray brands, but this additive causes ‘drifting,’ meaning its particles embed in the outside of the vehicle making it a more likely candidate for rust.

“Waterless car washes are a needed niche in auto care and restoration, but it is not ideal for cars with mid to heavy dirt accumulation. Very few vehicles have a ‘light’ dusting, unless they are regular detailed, which is recommended”

Another way that a wash without water can cause issues is if a non-microfiber towel is used. The problem with cars is because they are meant to shine, soap lines and unwanted streaks are easy to spot and frustrating to get rid of, particularly if they have dried. Using any type of rough surface with high lubricity cleaners is begging for a harsh application on your automobile. Additionally, wiping the liquid in numerous directions is incorrect and can make it look worse than when you started. A soft, steady swipe in the same direction is necessary no matter what your make and model is.

Waterless car washes are a needed niche in restoration, but it is not ideal for cars with mid to heavy dirt accumulation. Very few vehicles have a ‘light’ dusting, unless they are regular detailed (which is recommended). Most of us need a car wash because it looks as if we have just been driving through the outback. Simply put, for what it is, it’s extremely helpful, but if you are expecting as beautiful a polish as going through a $20 automatic wash, you will be disappointed. Washes without water can lift dirt in moderation because the chemicals cling to the debris and it is wiped off with ease. Similar to using a cleaner on a window, the less dirty it is to start, the better the shine will be. If a window is completely covered in mud, wiping a damp towel of polymers over it will simply spread the filth. The same is true of heavily covered vehicle panels.

A con to these type of washes is that it is easier to miss a spot since the entire vehicle is usually not cleaned at once. The waterless process usually relies on ‘spot’ cleaning, meaning that only specific areas are wiped and treated instead of the entire exterior. While they have their drawbacks, machine washes at minimum use heavy amounts of water to make sure every part of the automobile is reached (even if unsuccessfully).

All things told, none of this should scare off consumers from committing to a waterless solution. In actuality, all it takes are experienced professional auto detailers who know what pre-mixed cleaners to use and how much should be applied to each potential problem area. Because they are well-versed in restoration, they are able to match the right chemicals to your paint finish and guarantee that your car is both clean and looking newer than ever.