Category Archives: Exterior Detailing

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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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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BMW with Frozen finish paint
17
Oct
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Matte Car Care, Matte Car Detailing Basics, Matte Car Washing, Matte Ceramic Coating

The Beginner’s Guide to BMW Frozen Paint Care

Posted on by Victor Espeland

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. […]

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Detailer polishing aluminum car wheel using drill-mounted polishing ball for best wheel restoration results
10
Oct
Behind the Detail, Exterior Detailing, Paint Correction, Videos & Media

The Best Polishing Balls for Aluminum Wheels (2024)

Posted on by Mike Phillips

I’ve owned a lot of aluminum wheels in my life — specifically aluminum slotted mag wheels. From the trailer on my Sanger Drag Boat to the various classic trucks I’ve owned, they’ve all had aluminum wheels.  Simply put, I am a FAN of aluminum wheels. So I know how dirty, oxidized and scratched up they […]

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