Category Archives: Guides & Tips

How to Restore Headlights by Hand Sanding
21
Feb
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Guides & Tips, How To

How to Restore Headlights by Hand Sanding

Posted on by Mike Phillips

Gone are the days of the simple General Electric or Wagner brand round sealed beam headlamps. These old headlights were made from glass which meant they would never fade, oxidize or turn yellow. You could purchase a replacement back in the day for around $5.00 and install it in the parking lot of the auto […]

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How to wax a black car
30
Aug
Behind the Detail, Ceramic Coatings, Exterior Detailing, Featured, Guides & Tips, How To, Paint Correction, Professional Detailing

The Best Wax for Black Cars (2024) | What to Look For & How to Wax Black Paint

Posted on by Mike Phillips

The biggest reason black cars is different than waxing any other color of car is because black shows everything! I have a saying, it goes like this, Black is not a color… it’s a full time job! And that’s a true statement, at least if you’re someone who cares about how your car looks.  But […]

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Detailer hand polishing black car hood with sponge in guide about how many coats of wax to apply on a car
11
Sep
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Guides & Tips, Tips

How Many Coats of Wax Should I Put on My Car?

Posted on by Victor Espeland

Maintaining a car’s paint keeps it looking good and helps protect it against the outdoor elements. One of the most popular ways to protect and maintain a car’s paint is by waxing it.  Usually people apply one coat of wax to their car’s paint for protection. However, you may have heard of people applying two, […]

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Silver car after waxing
11
Sep
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Guides & Tips

The Best Waxes for Silver Cars: What To Look For

Posted on by Victor Espeland

Silver cars have a unique charm, sticking out from the crowd with their sleek, modern appearance.  But maintaining that elegant, reflective shine requires regular care and attention. One of the best ways to protect and enhance the look of your silver car is by applying a high-quality wax. But with so many options available, how […]

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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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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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10 Tips for Keeping a Black Car Clean
31
Jan
Behind the Detail, Ceramic Coatings, Exterior Detailing, Guides & Tips, How To

10 Tips for Keeping a Black Car Clean

Posted on by Victor Espeland

Keeping a black car clean can seem like a fool’s errand. Deep black paints contrast with light-colored water spots, bird droppings, dust and dirt, making stains and grime impossible to hide.  How do you maintain pristine black paint when they look so much dirtier than other paints? Ultimately it comes down to protecting the paint […]

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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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