A Step-by-Step Guide to Effectively Performing an Exterior Detail
Why Exterior Detailing Matters
Basic car washes don't fully clean and protect your vehicle’s exterior over time. Brake dust builds up on rims, and paint traps unseen contaminants, creating a gritty feel even when clean. Engine bay cleaning, while optional, is a favorite among enthusiasts for vintage and sports cars.
Exterior detailing not only preserves but also enhances your vehicle’s appearance. Beginners can achieve excellent results with the right tools, though tasks like aggressive paint correction are best left to professionals. Use this guide as a flexible framework, adjusting it to your needs and skill level.
Let’s Get Started
Pre-Inspection & Photos
Begin with a thorough inspection to spot any damages, such as scratches or dents. For client vehicles, document pre-existing defects. Although optional for personal cars, this step is still useful. Take before photos to capture the transformation.
2. Rims, Tires, and Wheel Wells
These areas are prone to accumulating the most dirt, mud, brake dust, and grime.
Step 1: Begin by pre-soaking the wheels with a mix of pH-balanced wash foam and a non-acidic wheel cleaner or APC to break down debris. Rinse with water to remove the first layer of dirt.
Step 2: Use a dedicated wheel cleaner and tire brushes to scrub the tires and wheel wells, ensuring all dirt is removed. For the rims, opt for softer brushes to gently clean the spokes, barrels, and calipers without causing scratches.
Step 3: Rinse the wheels thoroughly to remove all cleaning agents and dirt, then repeat the process for each wheel to ensure a deep clean.
3. Engine Bay Cleaning (Optional)
If included in your detailing process, clean the engine bay after the wheels to optimize your time and workflow.
Cover sensitive components, such as the alternator, MAF sensor, ECU, or any exposed computer modules, with plastic wrap or waterproof covers to protect them from potential water damage during the cleaning process. Ensure the wrap is securely sealed to keep moisture out.
Avoid using high-pressure water, as it can damage delicate components and increase the risk of water seeping into connections.
Light Dirt: For light cleaning, apply an all-purpose cleaner (APC), let it dwell for a few minutes, and then wipe down surfaces with a microfiber towel.
Heavy Grime: For more stubborn grime, use a degreaser along with a foam cannon and brushes to agitate the dirt. After cleaning, rinse with low-pressure water and dry the engine bay thoroughly using an air dryer to prevent water spots and moisture buildup.
4. Exterior Hand Wash & Door Jambs/Gas Compartment
Begin by pre-spraying the lower panels, bumpers, door jambs, and gas compartment with a diluted all-purpose cleaner (APC) to break down dirt and grime.
Step 1: Use a foam cannon to apply a pH-balanced soap to the entire vehicle, allowing it to dwell for a few moments to lift dirt, then rinse thoroughly.
Step 2: Perform a contact wash using the two- or three-bucket method to ensure dirt is removed without scratching the paint.
Step 3: Pay special attention to intricate areas like emblems, handles, and tight spots, cleaning them gently with soft detail brushes.
Step 4: Rinse the vehicle with spot-free water (if available) to prevent water spots from forming on the paint and other surfaces, leaving a clean, streak-free finish.
5. Claying the Vehicle (Optional)
Claying should be done only if the paint feels rough or has embedded contaminants. For newer or well-maintained vehicles, it’s best to skip this step to preserve the paint's integrity.
Use fine-grade clay for light contaminants, and medium or heavy-grade for more stubborn debris.
Lubricate the surface generously with a clay lubricant or soapy water from a foam cannon to reduce friction.
Gently glide the clay bar across the surface, kneading it regularly to ensure even cleaning. If the clay bar falls, discard it to avoid introducing dirt or contaminants back onto the paint.
6. Polishing the Vehicle (Optional)
Polishing helps remove micro-marring left by claying and enhances the vehicle’s gloss and depth of shine.
Use a dual-action (DA) polisher with a light polish and a soft pad to gently work the paint.
Work in small sections, moving panel by panel in a cross-hatch pattern to ensure even coverage and avoid swirl marks.
Regularly clean the polishing pad to prevent product buildup, ensuring a smooth and consistent finish.
7. Paint Protection (Waxes & Sealants), Tire, and Trim Dressing
For vehicles that have been polished, start by applying a panel prep solution to remove any oils or residues before applying the protection products.
Apply Protection:
Use spray sealants for short-term protection (3–6 weeks).
Use paste waxes or sealants for longer-lasting protection (2–6 months).
After applying paint protection, finish the process by treating the tires and trim with a separate dressing applicator for each area, ensuring a clean and polished look.
8. Windows and Mirrors
Use low-lint, waffle-weave towels to clean windows and mirrors, as they help reduce the risk of streaks and scratches.
Apply only a small amount of glass cleaner to avoid leaving residue behind.
Use the two-towel method: one damp towel for cleaning and one dry towel for buffing, to ensure a streak-free, shiny finish.
9. Final Inspection
Once you've completed all detailing steps, conduct a thorough inspection of the entire vehicle to ensure no areas were missed. Look for any remaining spots, streaks, or imperfections. If necessary, use an appropriate cleaner or detail spray to correct them. Finally, take "after" photos to capture the stunning transformation and showcase the results of your hard work.
By following these steps, you can achieve a professional-level exterior detail that enhances the vehicle's appearance and protects it for the long term.
Additional Cases and Future Tips
Challenges like tar spots, bird droppings, water spots, or faded trim may need specialized products and techniques. These will be covered in future posts.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to detailing—just avoid damaging your vehicle. Experiment, enjoy the process, and take pride in restoring your car's sleek, glossy finish!