Our Car Detailing Process

A good detail is not a long wash. It is a sequence, and the order matters more than the effort. Here is what actually happens when we arrive.

1. Inspection

We walk around the car with you and look at paint, trim, glass and interior. This is where we agree what is achievable, and where we tell you if we find something that changes the job, such as failing lacquer or a previous repair.

2. Wheels and arches first

Wheels are the dirtiest part of any car, so they get cleaned before anything touches the paint. Doing it the other way round means splashing contaminated water over freshly cleaned panels.

3. Pre wash and snow foam

A snow foam lifts the bulk of the dirt before anything is wiped across the paint. This single step is the difference between a car that looks clean and a car that is actually clean without adding swirl marks.

4. Two bucket hand wash

One bucket for shampoo, one for rinsing the mitt. It sounds fussy. It is the cheapest way to avoid grinding grit into your paint.

5. Decontamination

Iron fallout and tar are bonded to the paint and a wash will not remove them. A chemical decontaminant dissolves the iron, a tar remover lifts the residue, and a clay bar then pulls out whatever is left. Run your hand over the paint afterwards and it should feel like glass.

6. Machine polish or paint correction

Only where it is needed. This is the stage that actually removes swirl marks and scratches, rather than hiding them.

7. Protection

A wax, sealant or ceramic coating depending on the car and the budget. This is what makes the next wash easier and keeps the finish.

8. Interior

Vacuum, then shampoo or steam for fabric, a dedicated cleaner and conditioner for leather. Roof linings, vents, seat rails and the boot get attention too, because that is where people notice a job has been rushed.

9. Final inspection and handover

We look at the car under proper light, and we show you what we found and what we did. We also tell you how to look after it, because the wrong wash will undo a detail in a fortnight.