Category Archives: Guides & Tips

How to clean open pore wood
12
Aug
Behind the Detail, Guides & Tips, How To, Interior Detailing

How to Clean Open Pore Wood Veneer Trim in Cars

Posted on by Victor Espeland

Open pore wood veneer has exploded in popularity this past decade as an interior trim material for luxury automobiles. High end auto manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, Audi, Tesla and Rivian all now feature open pore wood trim veneer of varying timbers: The problem with open pore wood? The pores are totally unprotected — hence […]

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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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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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Mike Phillips gives his tips on random orbital polishers
30
Jul
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Garage & Equipment, Guides & Tips, Live Detailing Classes, Paint Correction, Tips, Videos & Media

Random Orbital Polisher Tips from Mike Phillips

Posted on by Mike Phillips

Random orbital, free-spinning polishers are the easiest type of polisher to use and are safer for beginners than more advanced tools like rotary polishers. But don’t let their user-friendly reputation fool you — random orbital polishers are complex tools with many ins and outs to know. In this condensed reel from a recent live detailing […]

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How to Polish Plexiglass
03
May
Behind the Detail, Guides & Tips, How To, Videos & Media

How to Polish Plexiglass

Posted on by Mike Phillips

Plexiglas is a branded term for a type of transparent acrylic plastic often used as a lightweight alternative to glass. Known for its clarity, durability, and versatility, Plexiglas is often seen on boat windshields and convertible top windows.  The problem with Plexiglas? Despite its durability, it scratches pretty easily. It’s also susceptible to oxidation from […]

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11
Jul
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Guides & Tips, Paint Correction, Professional Detailing, Videos & Media

How to Detail a Car for a Concours d’Elegance

Posted on by Mike Phillips

Detailing a car bound for a Concours d’Elegance like Pebble Beach or Amelia Island is no easy task. How do you best preserve the original appearance? How do you handle washing? How should you approach paintwork correction on old school, single stage paint? I answer all these questions and MORE in this condensed reel from […]

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Ceramic coating the wheel of a Land Rover.
22
Sep
Behind the Detail, Ceramic Coatings, Exterior Detailing, Guides & Tips, How To, Videos & Media

How to Apply a Ceramic Coating for Wheels

Posted on by Kevin Podas

Wheel protection is one of the most important, yet overlooked, aspects of detailing your vehicle. When it comes to protecting your wheel, it’s best to use a solution that’s durable and doesn’t need to be reapplied frequently. Ceramic coating offers the best of both these approaches. Many people associate ceramic with paints, but it’s also […]

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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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24
Jun
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Garage & Equipment, Guides & Tips, Live Detailing Classes, Paint Correction, Professional Detailing, Videos & Media

Which Cordless Rotary Polisher Is Best? Flex vs. Harbor Freight vs. Milwaukee

Posted on by Mike Phillips

There are so many cordless (battery-powered) rotary polishers on the market today versus 10, even 5 years ago. With all these new options comes analysis paralysis, and I’m here to help YOU make an informed decision before investing in a new tool. It’s all here in this clip from one of my recent LIVE monthly […]

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28
May
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Garage & Equipment, Guides & Tips, Paint Correction, Videos & Media

Which Polisher Should You Use On A Car’s Paint?

Posted on by Mike Phillips

Choosing the right machine to polish a car’s paint is essential to getting the best results. Yet there are so many different machines on the market — random orbital, forced rotation, rotary — it can be hard to know what to use and when. Our Chief Education Officer Mike Phillips recently covered this topic in […]

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