Category Archives: Exterior Detailing

tire dressing being applied

The End of Tire Dressings and Trim Restorers

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. […]

Before and after aluminum polishing

How to Polish Aluminum | Complete Guide

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 […]

The Ultimate Guide to Polishing Pads

The Ultimate Guide to Polishing Pads

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 […]

5 Ways to Hide Scratches in Matte Finish Cars

5 Ways to Hide Scratches on Matte Finish Cars

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 […]

Harbor Freight Bauer DA polisher review for car detailing

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

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 […]

10 Tips for Keeping a Black Car Clean

10 Tips for Keeping a Black Car Clean

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 […]

How to Use a Foam Cannon: Step-by-Step Guide

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

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.  […]

Mike Phillips and Dr. Beasley's guide to polishing compounds

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

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, […]

EGO Power+ Pressure Washer Full Guide and Review

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

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 […]