Author Archives: Victor Espeland

Can you polish ceramic coatings

Can You Polish Ceramic Coatings?

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 […]

Comparing the original aniline leather of the King Ranch Ford F-150 with the new semi-aniline leather.

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

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 […]

BMW with Frozen finish paint

The Beginner’s Guide to BMW Frozen Paint Care

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. […]

Mercedes-AMG G 63 in MANUFAKTUR Night Black Magno paint.

Our Top 5 Best Matte Black Cars for 2024

Matte black cars are some of the coolest vehicles out there. Like something out of the Bat Cave or Darth Vader’s garage, matte black cars give off a stealthy “badass” swagger, turning heads wherever they go.  Back in the day, you’d have to go aftermarket for a matte black paint job on your Mercedes or […]

TM Coat on Matte Metal Limited Edition Toyota Crown Sport Crossover

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

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 […]

IPA wipedown being done on a red Porsche 911.

IPA vs. Panel Wipes: Which Is Better at Removing Polish Residue?

In the world of car detailing, IPA stands for “Isopropyl Alcohol”. Detailers will typically talk about IPA in the context of an “IPA wipedown” or “IPA panel wipe”, a process for cleaning polishing oils and residue from paint before applying protection like a ceramic coating.  Despite being a common topic in detailing, there’s a lot […]