Here are some Commonly Asked Questions about automotive detailing:

What is Detailing?

Detailing is a process by which all different parts of a vehicle are restored and protected through proper washing, cleaning and paintwork correction.

What is paintwork correction?

In the detailing world, as opposed to body shops that repair and re-paint vehicles, paintwork correction is the process through which the contaminants, swirl marks, and scratches are removed from the paint surface, making the paint less dull and more glossy and vibrant.  It consists mainly of polishing, but also includes claying and sealing of the paint for optimal gloss and protection.

Are automatic car washes bad for my paint?

Yes.  I suggest hand washes with proper, clean tools and materials every week or two, depending on driving patterns.  Touchless carwashes are best during winter months to simply rinse off all the salt and grime in the colder climates, such as Chicago.  Otherwise, carwashes are very dirty areas that see lots of traffic during the day and the dirt that they remove from the first car, is causing swirls on the second, and so on.  Avoid all carwashes except a touchless rinse when necessary.  Quality hand washes are the only way to keep paint in good condition, free of swirl marks and other defects.

What are swirl marks?

Swirl marks, or swirls, are either “spider-web” scratches, which can be seen HERE or buffer holograms, which are shown HERE.  The spider-web scratches are mainly caused by improper maintenance techniques such as washing, drying, polishing, etc.  Buffer holograms are trails left behind after improper use of a rotary buffer, whether it be improper technique or incorrect polish/pad combinations used during the polishing process.

What is the difference between swirl marks and scratches?

Swirl marks, as mentioned above, are usually introduced into the paint through improper maintenance techniques, while scratches are accidental defects, such as dragging a key across a surface, which happen during normal car operation.

Why should I get my car detailed?

The simple answer lies within my Gallery pages, in the before and after photos of previous work.  The difference after even the simplest quality detail is amazing, especially to someone doing it for the first time.  A proper detail can usually save the cost of an expensive re-painting, and almost always allow a higher selling value for a vehicle.  Not to mention the pride of the owner after seeing their vehicle and thinking it looks brand new.

If buying a new car, is it necessary to get it detailed immediately?

A thorough detail on a brand new car is the best way to start off its paint maintenance.  Not only is there the usual residue, left from protective tape,  and contamination accumulated during transportation, there is also the almost definite chance the car was improperly detailed by the dealership, usually causing swirl marks discussed above.  Due to the dealers’ negligence in this case, it’s extremely rare for a new car to look as expected, which is free of swirl marks and contamination.

Are there any cars you refuse to detail?

No.  No matter what shape a car is in, there is always something you can do to make it better or preserve it.  Whether it’s an old Astro Van or a brand new Porsche, all cars deserve to look their best, and the difference owners see in their vehicles after a detail is what drives me to do my best each and every time, on each and every car.

Why should I hire you for a detail when the local carwash can do it cheaper and quicker?

The simple answer is "quality versus quantity".  Local carwashes focus on quantity rather than quality by having numerous employees working long hours, and with low compensation, little to no training, and re-use of detailing tools and materials, these employees will almost always do more damage than good to your vehicle.  Many of my clients contact me to try and fix a bad detail done by a local carwash place due to more damage being done and the protection or correction being temporary at best.  I’m always more than happy to try and get potential clients in touch with previous clients who dealt with the trouble and headache of going for a quick, cheap detail.