1-Day Auto Detailing Class with Mike Phillips (2025)

This course certifies students in the advanced exterior auto detailing processes necessary to produce high quality results when detailing cars professionally or as a hobby. The objective of this course is to restore real neglected automotive paint finishes using different levels of aggression to produce results ranging from production to show car quality.  Skill level: Beginner to Enthusiast/Professional

Day 1: Multi-Step & 1-Step Paintwork Correction

Decontamination & Inspection

Students will begin the day learning how to properly prepare a real vehicle (not test hoods) for paintwork correction by decontaminating and inspecting the paint. Topics covered include:

• Visual Paint Inspection using inspection lights
• Tactical Paint Inspection using baggie test
• Mechanical Decontamination with Clay Bars, Mitts & Towels
• Chemical Decontamination with Dr. Beasley’s Total Decon
• Paint Thickness Gauges

Multi-Step or Show Car Paintwork Correction

After prepping the vehicle, students will learn the proper processes necessary to complete a multi-step or show car paintwork correction. A multi-step paintwork correction is commonly done on vehicles that require heavy defect removal and don’t require fast results. Students will use Nano Surface Primers with rotary polishers and wool pads followed by orbital polishers with foam pads to complete a multi-step paintwork correction on the vehicle, restoring a show car finish. Topics covered include:

• Rotary & Orbital Polishers
• Wool & Foam Pads
• Test Spot Procedure
• Nano Surface Primers
• Section Passes
• Polisher Technique

Ceramic Coating Application

Following completion of the multi-step paintwork correction, students will apply a professional ceramic coating to protect the paint and enhance gloss. 

One-Step or Production Paintwork Correction

For the afternoon session, students will learn the proper processes necessary to complete a one-step or production paintwork correction. A one-step paintwork correction is commonly done on vehicles that either require fast results or don’t require a great deal of defect removal. Students will use Nano Surface Primers with orbital polishers and foam pads to complete the one-step paint work correction. 

Topical & Sub-Surface Glass Polishing

To end the first day, students will learn how to polish glass using the two vehicles from the previous paintwork correction classes. Students will start by using topical glass polishing to remove water spots and traffic film. If inspection reveals deeper defects like wiper scratches, sub-surface glass polishing will be used as well.

Graduation Ceremony

Following completion of the vehicles, students will participate in a graduation ceremony with an opportunity for a photo with Mike as well as a group photo in front of the cars. Individual framed certificates will be mailed out from our headquarters in Chicago following the class.