There is nothing quite like a freshly detailed car exterior. Having a well-maintained vehicle is crucial, regardless of how long you have been driving or how recently you bought your car.
Detailing a car's exterior is the process of cleaning and waxing its outside. The goal is to return the appearance of the vehicle as closely as possible to its initial state. That said, to give your old automobile the shine of a newly bought car, professional detailers rely on a variety of specialised equipment and chemicals.
Luckily, today, the same products are available to the average car owner. So, as long as you have the time and willingness to put in the effort, price and availability aren't going to stop you from getting your hands on some of the best car exterior detailing products on the market. However, this availability also means that there are a plethora of products to choose from. To help you focus your search, here's a list of the essential cleaning and polishing supplies you're going to need.
Products for Cleaning
Keeping your car's exterior clean is the foundation of any detailing routine. Without proper cleaning, any efforts to polish and protect the paintwork will be less effective. Here are the essential supplies you'll need:
Safe Prewash
Before applying any shampoo, you'll want to remove any loose dirt and debris from the surface of your car. A safe prewash solution typically applied using a pressure washer or foam cannon, helps to loosen and lift dirt without causing scratches. Look for pH-balanced formulas that are gentle on paintwork yet effective at breaking down grime.
Car Shampoo
Once the surface is prewashed, it's time to thoroughly clean the paintwork with a high-quality car shampoo. Shampoo is one of the most essential items used in auto detailing. Dirt and grime can be removed from a car without harming the paint, ceramic coating, or vinyl wrap with a high-quality car shampoo.
Choose a product specifically formulated for automotive use, as household detergents can strip away wax and damage the clear coat. Opt for a pH-neutral shampoo that provides lubrication to prevent scratching and leaves behind a streak-free finish.
Tyre Cleaner
This product aids in cleaning the rims and wheels of your tyres of any accumulated dirt or grime. This prolongs their life and gives them a cleaner appearance.
Contamination Removers
Despite regular washing, some contaminants may remain bonded to the paintwork, such as bugs, tar, or tree sap. Specialised contamination removers are designed to dissolve and lift these stubborn substances without harming the paint. Bug cleaners, tar removers, and iron fallout removers are among the most commonly used products for this purpose.
Products for Preparing the Paintwork and Other Car Surfaces
Once the car is clean, it's time to prepare the paintwork and other surfaces for polishing and protection. This step involves removing any embedded contaminants and restoring smoothness to the paint surface. Here's what you're going to need for this stage:
Clay Bars
Despite thorough cleaning, microscopic contaminants may still be embedded in the paintwork, causing roughness and dullness. Clay bars are designed to safely remove these contaminants, such as industrial fallout, rail dust, and overspray, leaving the surface smooth and ready for polishing. Clay bars are typically used in conjunction with a lubricant to prevent scratching.
Polishing Compounds
After decontaminating the paintwork, you can start restoring the gloss and clarity to the finish with the help of polishing compounds. These abrasive compounds come in various levels of aggressiveness, ranging from mild to heavy-cut, depending on the extent of imperfections in the paint.
Swirl marks, minor scratches, and oxidation will be a thing of the past with the right polish. By using the polish as instructed by the manufacturer, your car will get a deep, glossy shine.
Residue Removing Cleaner
Before applying protective coatings, it's essential to remove any polish residue or oils from the surface. Residue-removing cleaners, often labelled as prep solvents or panel wipes, can dissolve polish residues and ensure maximum bonding of protective coatings. These cleaners also remove any remaining traces of contaminants, ensuring a clean, uniform surface.
Products for Protection and Shine
After cleaning and preparing the paintwork, it's time to protect all the hard work you have done with a durable sealant or wax. These exterior car care products provide a sacrificial layer that shields the paint from environmental damage and enhances its gloss and depth.
Car Wax
There are several wax varieties to take into account while making your choice, including synthetic waxes, and natural waxes. Natural waxes, like carnauba wax, are plant-based and give your paint a rich, warm sheen. Traditional carnauba wax has long been a favourite among enthusiasts for its warm glow and natural water-beading properties. Conversely, synthetic waxes are composed of artificial materials and have a longer shelf life than natural waxes.
Car wax, whether applied manually or mechanically, serves as a barrier against UV rays, bird droppings, and road grime. Regular application of wax not only enhances the appearance of the paint but also makes it easier to maintain between washes.
Ceramic Sealant
For longer-lasting protection and durability, ceramic sealants have become increasingly popular in recent years. These advanced coatings form a molecular bond with the paint surface, creating a hard, glass-like barrier that repels water, dirt, and contaminants. Ceramic sealants offer superior longevity compared to traditional waxes, with some products boasting protection for up to two years or more.
To Sum Up
Achieving a showroom-quality finish for your car's exterior requires the right combination of cleaning, polishing, and protective products. By investing in the best car exterior detailing products you can find and following a systematic approach, you can maintain the beauty and integrity of your vehicle's paintwork for years to come.
Whether you prefer the classic shine of car wax or the cutting-edge protection of ceramic sealants, there's a product available to suit your needs and preferences. So roll up your sleeves, gather your supplies, and give your car the attention it deserves.