Car detailing can enhance your car's appearance and protect body paint from damaging external factors. The car detailing process can be simple or complicated depending on the state of your vehicle's paint and exterior and your car detailing target.
A simple body wash removes your car's exterior dirt and mud. On the contrary, if your goal is to restore and protect your car's paint or surface, the car detail checklist will include a car wash, paint correction, interior detailing, and paint protection while not forgetting to clean the windows and tires. The detailing you choose ultimately depends on your budget and time.
The Car Detailing Process
For the perfect finish, it's advisable to take your car to a professional car detailer. They will examine your car and advise on how to attain your car detailing goals. There will also be a stark difference between a car detailed by a professional detailer and a DIY detail.
The time frame within which a car detailing process is likely to complete varies. The reason it varies depends on several factors and the level of work required to achieve your desired results.
Maintenance Wash
When you take your car for detailing, most detailers will start washing it to remove any visible dust or mud. A simple maintenance wash should take between 30 to 90 minutes. This maintenance is best suited for new or frequently detailed cars with minimal paint correction.
Maintenance Wash With Interior Detailing
For a detailed maintenance wash, expect the detailer to spend some time giving your car's interior thorough cleaning. He will remove all the dirt and unnecessary items like gym bags from the car and remove the floor mats for cleaning.
Once cleaned, the detailer will air out the floor mats to dry or store them away safely. The detailer will then vacuum the floor and use a soft brush or damp microfiber cloth to wipe the center console and cup holders. The detailer will then clean the seats, and for leather upholstery, the detailer will vacuum the seats to remove all the dust and then use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe the seats. This process can last between 1 and 2 hours, leaving your car clean inside and outside.
Full Auto Detailing
For older cars or if you are interested in full detail, the detailer will inspect your vehicle for and correct any dents, surface damage, and paint as part of the detailing process. Expect the exterior detailing process to last many hours longer than the regular maintenance wash. It may take a few hours to a day or two depending on the work needed to correct your paint and bodywork. After the usual car wash, the detailer will use a clay bar to decontaminate your car by removing any embedded impurities that regular car washing cannot remove.
After the decontamination, the car detailer dries your car thoroughly in preparation for polishing. The polish will enhance the look of your vehicle and eliminate any swirl marks that may occur after washing your car. At this stage, the car detailer will also discuss your options to protect your car paint. These options depend on your budget and how long you wish the protection to last.
Waxing
Waxing is one of the options to consider. There are two options to choose from while waxing; carnauba wax or paint sealant. The main difference between the two is that carnauba is extracted from the Brazillian palm tree, while paint sealant is a polymer that allows it to bond with the paint surface and hence lasts longer.
Aside from their composition differences, their applications are similar. The detailer will start by parking your car under a shade and then choosing an area on the car surface to begin waxing. A professional detailer will use a microfibre cloth or pad to apply the wax on the selected surface in a circular motion until the whole car is covered. The microfiber cloth or pad will be gentle on your vehicle's surface and protect it against any scratches. After covering the entire car, use a clean cloth to smoothen out any excess wax on the car surface, then buff the car surface for a glossy finish. The whole process may take approximately four to five hours, depending on the level of experience and equipment used by the detailer.
Ceramic Coating
Once all the necessary prep work is complete, the detailer will use a microfibre cloth to apply the ceramic coating on your car's surface. Ceramic coating is usually applied in side-to-side motion for the best results. It binds your car's paint and forms a hard protective layer that protects your vehicle from external elements, including UV rays.
After applying the ceramic coating, it will become easier for you to clean and maintain your car because ceramic coating enhances the hydrophobic nature of your car's surface. This nature makes it easy for water droplets to bead and roll off the car's surface, thus preventing the unsightly spot marks from appearing on your car's exterior.
The process from washing and paint correction to ceramic coating can take two to three days. This allows for proper curing of the layer to ensure that the ceramic coating lasts longer.
Looking For Professional Car Detailing Services
Your car's exterior is the most recognizable, yet it's the most vulnerable. It is constantly exposed to and attacked by harsh environmental elements like acid rain, UV rays, bug splatter, and bird droppings that make it look unsightly. Constant care and maintenance are vital to ensuring that your car's exterior retains its pristine condition.
At Detail Solutions, we guarantee superior interior and exterior car detailing services unrivaled in Baltimore and its environs. Our staff are well trained and equipped to meet your car detailing needs. Contact us at (410)238-3000 to get a free quote on your next car detailing needs.
