How to detail paint exterior on any vehicle
Detailing the exterior paint of any vehicle is far more complex than most people might anticipate. It is not just running through a car wash, air drying and applying a wax. In auto detailing, you want to be as thorough as possible, and know exactly what products and equipment (buffers, rotary polisher etc.) are necessary for completing the detail.
Paint imperfections to examine before paint detailing:
- Contaminants
- Grime
- Tar/ Sap
- Paint fading caused by extreme weather conditions
- Paint swirls
- Scratches
- Oxidation
- Hard water marks
Steps for a successful Exterior Auto Detail:
- Hand wash thoroughly, include wheels, wheel wells and underbody. In some cases apply degreaser to underbody.
- Remove stubborn dirt, tar, bugs, grime or sap with proper chemicals/ products.
- Rinse thoroughly
- Hand dry with proper microfiber towels.
- Examine the paint closely and decide if you need to remove imperfections with a strong or light compound then polish or apply sealant. Some cars that don't have many imperfections won't require a compound, just a polish or paint sealant will do.
- Apply the necessary compound, polish or sealant with proper equipment.
- Apply appropriate dressing to tires, chrome, aluminum and other trim.
- Clean windows
- Apply a final touch.
- SEE YOUR CAR SHINE!
Below is an example of swirl marks that were removed using a strong compound and polish.
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| Before |
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| After |
