As a professional auto detailer, you must develop a system that allows you to be as effective and thorough as possible. Finding a balance between speed and quality is important in the detailing business because the more cars you detail, the more revenue you make.
Different detailers have different approaches when they detail a car. But there are some things that most detailers will agree on when it comes to the order in which a car should be cleaned! Ultimately, it comes down to making sure that you offer professional service and results.
Check out the steps that you can follow when detailing a car.
The Step-by-Step Guide You’ll Need During Your Auto Detailing Career
1) Wash. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the body of the car using a microfiber mitt. We recommend the two-bucket technique. Fill one bucket with your favorite car-wash solution, and another with clean water. Wash the car, and then clean the mitt to remove dirt, grime, and residue that could damage or get attached to the paint.
2) Dry. If you have a blower during your auto detailing career, use it to help avoid scratches and swirls. If you do not, you can use microfiber towels. Make sure that the towels are clean and have no residue on them. Dirty towels might cause scratches and swirls.
3) Clay. A detailing clay bar will remove contaminants that are sticking out from the car’s surface. Spray the car with a clay lubricant and complete only small sections at a time. A clay bar can be reused several times. After use, keep it in a Ziploc bag or plastic box so it doesn’t dry out.
4) Prep. Remove the clay residue. You can use different post-clay solutions for this. Again, when you’re using a microfiber towel, make sure that it’s clean and doesn’t have any residue on it. Having several towels and verifying them before use is a good idea.
5) Inspect. Auto detailing training will teach you that it is important to verify that the paint is clean and that there are no swirls or scratches on the car. Darker cars are more likely to have swirl marks after you work on them. If you notice that there are swirl marks, the next step will help you take care of them.
6) Polish. If you want to get a nice shine, polish the car using compounds that are appropriate for the vehicle. For this step you may use an orbital buffer or a polishing pad. If you use the pad, wet it first then apply the polishing compound and polish only small sections at a time.
7) Protect. Allow the car to dry completely and apply a good quality automotive wax to protect the polished paint and give the car that bright, shiny finish. Use a microfiber towel to remove the residue.
8) Inside. Now that you’ve completed the exterior, move inside and begin vacuuming. Clean the dashboard with a quality protectant to avoid cracking caused by UV rays. For leather seats, you can use a two-step cleaner and conditioner.
9) Fabric. Apply fabric treatment on the upholstery, mats, and carpets to ensure cleanliness and protection. Different materials usually require different products—be sure you have something that is compatible with what you are cleaning.
10) Glass. Use a non-abrasive sealant to treat the glass. This includes windows, headlamps, and taillights.
11) Details. Finish with the little things that can easily be overlooked. This includes door jambs, the lining of the hood and trunk, cup holders, door handles, etc. Remember the detail in detailing!
Are you looking for an auto detailing course?
Contact the Automotive Training Centres today!
