Monthly Archives: October 2024

TM Coat on Matte Metal Limited Edition Toyota Crown Sport Crossover
11
Oct
Behind the Detail, Ceramic Coatings, Exterior Detailing, Matte Car Care, Matte Ceramic Coating

What is TM Coat, Toyota’s New Factory Coating for Matte Cars?

Posted on by Victor Espeland

Toyota announced recently a new factory-applied protective coating specifically designed for matte finishes. Dubbed “TM Coat”, it was announced as a feature of the limited “Matte Metal” paint sported by Japan-only special edition of the 2024 Toyota Crown Sport Crossover.  It would seem the new “TM Coat” aims to address one of the biggest challenges […]

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How to polish curved surfaces
04
Oct
Auto Detailing Training Classes, Behind the Detail, Ceramic Coatings, Exterior Detailing, Live Detailing Classes, Paint Correction, Videos & Media

How to Polish Curved Surfaces on Cars

Posted on by Mike Phillips

Here’s where we’re at so far with this car. I’ve actually washed it. I did a prep wash with Dr. Beasley’s Prep Wash, clayed it, and then I’ve machine polished all of the paint except for this side of the hood. And so that’s what I’m going to do next. I’m just going to polish […]

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How to Remove Holograms from Car Paint
16
Oct
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Guides & Tips, Live Detailing Classes, Paint Correction, Videos & Media

How to Remove Holograms from Car Paint

Posted on by Mike Phillips

We’re going to talk about holograms and swirls. And some people think they’re the same, but they’re kind of different. And I always tell people it’s important that we understand what the words mean so when we talk to one another, whether it’s online or in the real world, we really have a clear idea […]

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How to Polish Aluminum Diamond Plate
29
Oct
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Guides & Tips, How To

How to Polish Aluminum Diamond Plate

Posted on by Mike Phillips

Aluminum diamond plate (also called tread plate or checker plate) is used on a variety of surfaces where durability, slip resistance, and corrosion resistance are needed such as stairs, walkways, or in this case, the top of the trailer hitch portion of an AeroVault car hauling trailer. Like regular aluminum, aluminum diamond plate is typically […]

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Close-up of hand polishing aluminum diamond plate with pad, illustrating how to polish aluminum by hand with “hand polishing aluminum” header text
28
Oct
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Guides & Tips

How to Polish Aluminum by Hand

Posted on by Mike Phillips

Aluminum is found on a variety of different vehicles and vessels from trucks and cars to trailers and boats. When aluminum is properly polished, it shines like chrome: Over time, however, the surface of aluminum will oxidize and turn dull. Accumulating oxidation, contamination and scratches erase the brilliant shine and leave behind a dirty haze: […]

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Can you polish ceramic coatings
24
Oct
Behind the Detail, Ceramic Coatings, Exterior Detailing, Guides & Tips, Paint Correction

Can You Polish Ceramic Coatings?

Posted on by Victor Espeland

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can polish a ceramic coating after application, you’re not alone.  Over time, a ceramic coating can develop unsightly swirl marks from improper washing and stains or etch marks from acid rain, bird droppings and bug guts.  On top of that, improper application of the ceramic coating can cause uneven […]

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Before and after aluminum polishing
24
Oct
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, How To

How to Polish Aluminum | Complete Guide

Posted on by Mike Phillips

Polished aluminum looks like chrome with a brilliant shine. Whether it’s on a boat, trailer or wheels, polished aluminum positively glows.  The only downside of polished aluminum is over time, the surface will oxidize and turn dull. Like any metal surface, it will lose shine with time as it accumulates oxidation, contamination and scratches.  The […]

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BMW with Frozen finish paint
17
Oct
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Matte Car Care, Matte Car Detailing Basics, Matte Car Washing, Matte Ceramic Coating

The Beginner’s Guide to BMW Frozen Paint Care

Posted on by Victor Espeland

BMW’s Frozen paint finishes are some of the most popular factory matte finishes in the car world. Part of BMW’s “Individual” customization program, BMW’s Frozen paints deliver a distinctive matte look that stands out in a sea of gloss.  The only catch? You can’t polish a matte finish or use any product that adds gloss. […]

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Detailer polishing aluminum car wheel using drill-mounted polishing ball for best wheel restoration results
10
Oct
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Paint Correction, Videos & Media

The Best Polishing Balls for Aluminum Wheels (2024)

Posted on by Mike Phillips

I’ve owned a lot of aluminum wheels in my life — specifically aluminum slotted mag wheels. From the trailer on my Sanger Drag Boat to the various classic trucks I’ve owned, they’ve all had aluminum wheels.  Simply put, I am a FAN of aluminum wheels. So I know how dirty, oxidized and scratched up they […]

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Comparing the original aniline leather of the King Ranch Ford F-150 with the new semi-aniline leather.
17
Oct
Behind the Detail, Guides & Tips, How To, Interior Detailing

King Ranch Ford F-150: Our Ultimate Leather Interior Care Guide

Posted on by Victor Espeland

The King Ranch interior option in the Ford F-150 offers a blend of rugged luxury and craftsmanship, making it one of the most distinctive trim options for the truck.  Made in partnership with the legendary King Ranch of southeast Texas, this trim embodies the rugged romance of ranch life, with premium leather seats embossed with […]

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