Chances are you'll learn something about detailing if you read this
 

Our latest auto detailing article was put together was designed to take you through an entire detail from start to finish while trying to explain the mindset of one of the top detailers in the industry.

The detail was performed on a 2006 Acura TL in Nighthawk Black Pearl, some of the softest black paint out there. The washing and drying section is an excellent read to understand getting the most out of every wash to minimize adding any imperfections to your finish.

With nearly 150 photos and 8 pages of explanation, we broke this article up into multiple sections so it would load faster and be better organized to find the information you are looking for quickly and easily.

Here's an overview of what is covered:

Page 1: Overview, Pre-Detail Prep, Washing and Drying
- An overview of the detail to be performed
- Assessing the easily damaged Acura paint
- Starting the detail
- Wash the wheels, tires, and wheel wells first!
- Properly washing soft black paint
- Cleaning and washing your exhaust tips
- Engine bay detailing
- Drying black paint without adding swirls

Page 2: Clay Bar, Polishing, Protecting
- Using a clay bar to properly prep the surface
- Polishing your paint to a swirl free finish
Measuring the paint's thickness
Properly taping your vehicle prior to polishing
Choosing the right polish
Using the proper amount of polish
Results after one pass of Menzerna Power Finish on an orange pad
Polishing lower panels with problem areas
Removing deep etchings from the paint
Safely polishing the trunk lid
Removing scrapes, scratches and other deep imperfections
Safely polishing pillars
Alcohol wipe down after polishing
Post-polish clean up with ONR
- Protecting your paint with a sealant

Page 3: Finishing Touches and Interior
- Dressing your wheel wells and tires
- Detailing the interior
Start your interior by dusting
Dressing and protecting the interior
Comparing Optimum Protectant Plus to 303 Aerospace Protectant
Caring for your leather
Streak free glass
Don't forget the sunroof

Page 4: After shots of the Acura TL detail

We hope this article improves your knowledge in detailing and translates into a better finish for your vehicles.

If you have any questions on anything, please do not hesitate to ask.

Let us know what you think!

Enjoy,

George

AWESOME, thanks for posting this up man.

You were right. I did learn something. Great job and thanks for posting.

wow.... that TL is one of the cleanest cars out there. great job man, i'll be using your technique on my G.

Thanks! Great article. Really appreciate you sharing this info. :D

What's the best way to clean the trim on the sunroof of the G? It has that felty kind of stuff and is hard to get clean. Mine as a little bit of wax residue on it as well from the wind blowing the dust into the seams :(

Great write up! Thanks for posting :biggthumpup:

very good read

Thanks for the kind words everyone, glad you enjoyed the article.

I'd try using an APC, like P21S Total Auto Wash, and a soft/medium bristled tooth brush. Soak the bristles in the degreaser and gently agitate the felt.

Hope this helps,

George

thats awesome. thanks for the post!

Oh Boy, looks like i'll be making some new purchases. That was a great write up.

Wow, great article here. Im actually motivated to go wash/detail my car right now. Too bad Im at work. :mad:

Anyways, thanks for the tips and hints here. I definetly learned some new techniques I will be trying out soon.

I just bought a black 2005 Infiniti G35 Coupe from a woman who clearly never cleaned the car, unless it was through an old school automatic car wash. There are TONS of swirls in the paint and scratches, and I've ready your articles and am so impressed you have no idea.

I cannot get over how this guys paint ACTUALLY looks like mine, and you got rid of all of that. I'm not really sure what I need to get started. I have a 10" buffer and some crappy pads, but I really want to get these swirls and scratches out big time. Any tips for products I could get at a local car shop like Autozone?

great article, i did learn something! made me go out and buy products today plus ordered some things off your site, should be getting everything by next week i hope because my car needs a cleaning! Was also wondering the same thing as above poster any items u recommend at a local car shop like autozone, pepboys, kragen, etc?

Unfortunately, to get those types of results you'll probably need to invest in a higher quality buffer. Most 10" orbitals simply don't have enough power to properly break down polish abrasives. They are ok to apply a sealant or wax, but that's about the extent of use for them.

I'd start by reading over our polishing guide and start to learn about the differences each type of buffer offers and how to properly operate them. It's going to take quite a bit of practice and experience to achieve professional like results.

Once you get the polishing process down, then the key is to protect and properly maintain your vehicle.

There are some maintenance type products you can pick up, towels, brushes, quick detailers, shampoo, etc. If I were buying locally, I'd look for Duragloss products or the Meg's Detailer line.

Let me know if there's anything else I can help with.

Thanks for the kind words everyone, glad to see it was helpful!

George