Author Archives: Mike Phillips

Harbor Freight Bauer DA polisher review for car detailing
09
Jul
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Garage & Equipment, Guides & Tips, Paint Correction, Professional Detailing

Harbor Freight DA Polisher Review & Guide | Bauer 5.7 Amp 6 in. Short-Throw Random Orbit DA Polisher/Sander

Posted on by Mike Phillips

When it comes to entry level dual action (“DA”) random orbital polishers, Harbor Freight’s Bauer Short-Throw Random Orbit DA Polisher/Sander is one of the most popular thanks to its wide availability and low price point. But is this polisher actually worth the money? What should you know about this polisher before you buy? I’ll answer […]

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How to Use a Foam Cannon: Step-by-Step Guide
28
Apr
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Garage & Equipment, Guides & Tips, How To

How to Use a Foam Cannon (Step-by-Step Guide)

Posted on by Mike Phillips

Foam cannons are unique soap-delivery systems for washing cars. They spray layers of thick, sudsy soap foam that help loosen and break down dirt, grime and other types of contamination.  Professional detailers love them because they speed up the washing process and provide extra lubrication between your wash mitt and the paint to prevent scratches.  […]

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Mike Phillips and Dr. Beasley's guide to polishing compounds
04
Jun
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Guides & Tips, Paint Correction

The Ultimate Guide to Polishing Compounds for Car Paint (2025)

Posted on by Mike Phillips

Doing a major paintwork correction on a car with deep swirls, scratches, water spots and/or oxidation often requires something called a “compound” or “rubbing compound” that cuts paint faster and more aggressively than a polish.  There are a lot of different compounds on the market today using a lot of different technologies. In this article, […]

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EGO Power+ Pressure Washer Full Guide and Review
20
May
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Garage & Equipment, Guides & Tips, Professional Detailing, Videos & Media

EGO Power+ 3200 PSI Pressure Washer | Complete Review & Guide

Posted on by Mike Phillips

If you like to wash your car regularly, one of the handiest tools you can own is a pressure washer.  Pressure washers excel at cleaning just about anything with minimal effort. The high pressure water jet blasts the contaminants away while you simply hold the wand and aim.  There are a lot of consumer-friendly options […]

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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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The best way to remove water spots
22
Jul
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Guides & Tips, How To, Paint Correction, Professional Detailing

The Best Way to Remove Water Spots

Posted on by Mike Phillips

One of the most annoying paint defects to see on your car’s paint and then have to somehow remove are water spots! And while you may think removing water spots is a simple process, it can actually be quite complicated because there are more than one type of water spot.  In fact, I’m the guy […]

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The best car polishers for beginners
24
Jun
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Garage & Equipment, Guides & Tips, Paint Correction, Videos & Media

Best Car Polishers for Beginners (2024)

Posted on by Mike Phillips

The good news about polishing car paint in 2024 is there are a LOT of options when it comes to machine polishers for beginners starting out doing paint correction. The bad news? There are SO MANY options now when it comes to polishers and buffers that it can be VERY confusing. As a teacher of […]

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Mike Phillips detailing class
12
Dec
Auto Detailing Training Classes, Behind the Detail

587 Photos From Mike Phillips September 3-Day Auto & Marine Detailing Class (2024)

Posted on by Mike Phillips

Full Garage!I took the pictures below the night before the class. You’ll see 7 cars in the garage, and there’s 2 more cars parked outside for a total of 9 training cars for the first 2-days of this 3-day class. You’ll also see the 24′ Sea Hunt Center Console detailed on the 3rd day. If […]

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Guide to Rupes Polishing Pads
12
Dec
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Garage & Equipment, Guides & Tips, Paint Correction, Videos & Media

What are the Different RUPES Polishing Pads?

Posted on by Mike Phillips

Transcript When you hear the word Rupes—and by the way, that is the correct way to pronounce the name—the first thing that comes to mind is normally their amazing tools, like the long-stroke polishers, the Scorpio sanders, and also the Rupes Nanos. But something that a lot of people might not know is they also […]

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2024 Mike Phillips Detailing Class Recap
12
Dec
Auto Detailing Training Classes, Behind the Detail

All 33 Cars & 3 Boats Detailed in our 2024 Car & Boat Detailing Classes (Photos)

Posted on by Mike Phillips

Saturday, January 20th, 1-Day Paint Correction and Ceramic Coating Class 4 cars for this class, 2000 Honda CVR SUV Wet Wash Engine Detail Machine Scrubbing Exterior Plastic Bumper and Body Cladding Topical Glass Polishing to Remover Water Spots and Traffic Film 1970 Plymouth Cuda 440 After the Extreme Prep Wash for the 2000 Honda CRV, […]

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