Category Archives: Exterior Detailing

tire dressing being applied
17
Apr
Dr. Beasley's News, Exterior Detailing

The End of Tire Dressings and Trim Restorers

Posted on by Jim Lafeber

This article breaks down the science behind what’s happening at the surface level. It explains why traditional approaches fall short and what actually drives lasting results. If you’ve detailed more than a handful of cars, you’ve seen the same pattern play out. Tires come out deep and dark. Trim looks revived. The vehicle feels finished. […]

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How to Clean and Restore Black Plastic Trim
17
Jun
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, How To

How to Clean & Restore Black Plastic Trim on Cars

Posted on by Mike Phillips

Most modern cars have some amount of black plastic trim as function of the body design or for beauty accents.  Over time, with exposure to the sun and inclement weather, these black plastic trim components will fade, oxidize, and lose their original factory appearance.  Besides aging from exposure to the sun and the elements, the […]

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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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The Ultimate Guide to Polishing Pads
04
Dec
Auto Detailing Training Classes, Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Paint Correction, Professional Detailing

The Ultimate Guide to Polishing Pads

Posted on by Mike Phillips

In the world of detailing, few topics are as confusing as polishing pads for buffing paint. With so many different kinds of materials, designs, sizes and shapes, it’s hard to know what to use and when. In this condensed version of a recent livestreamed detailing class, I explain ALL the different kinds of pads from […]

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5 Ways to Hide Scratches in Matte Finish Cars
12
Dec
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Matte Car Care, Matte Car Detailing Basics

5 Ways to Hide Scratches on Matte Finish Cars

Posted on by Victor Espeland

The hazy sheen of a matte or satin finish on a car looks amazing. That is, until you have to deal with a scratch in the paint.  A scratch on a matte finish is a major annoyance for two reasons: So wait… if you can’t polish a matte finish, how are you supposed to hide […]

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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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19
Nov
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Matte Car Care, Matte Wheels

Matte Black vs. Gloss Black Wheels — Which Should I Get?

Posted on by Victor Espeland

Picking out wheels for a new car or buying aftermarket rims for one you already own? There’s a good chance you’re asking this question: “Should I get gloss black wheels or matte black wheels?” There’s a lot to consider when making this choice, such as aesthetics, ease of maintenance, durability, even resale value. How do […]

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