The detailing glossary
The products, techniques and terms, explained.
Here's what each step does and why it matters for your car.
Techniques & products
Detailing terms
Clay bar
A putty-like bar that, with a little lubricant, is rubbed by hand across every painted surface. It lifts the stubborn grime that's still there after a thorough wash and dry. Afterward, run a knuckle across the paint and feel how smooth it is.
Iron decon
A spray-on chemical (it has a strong smell) that dissolves metal particles stuck to your paint. They don't come off in a wash, and over time they can turn into small rust spots and damage your clear coat.
Clear coat
The protective layer on top of your paint, applied when the car is painted. It keeps the paint from chipping easily, shields it from the sun, and brings out its shine and color.
Cutting compound
Removes small scratches by leveling and lightly cutting down the clear coat (hence the term “cut”), also called the buffing stage. On single-stage paint (some older cars have no clear coat), it cuts the old paint to expose fresh paint. It's delicate work, because paint is only so thick.
Polish
A gentler form of paint correction, with a softer pad and a finer, higher-gloss product than a cut. It's less about leveling the paint and more about bringing out its shine, depth and brightness.
Sealant
Gives the same water beading as a wax, but repels new dirt and contaminants better and holds up longer through repeated washes.
pH-neutral soap
Soap balanced close to the pH of water. That sounds too mild to work, but its other cleaning agents give a soft, safe, deep clean. Soap that's too acidic or too alkaline can dull your shine and break down sealants or waxes.
Depth
How clearly your paint reflects. Paint with great depth reflects crisply instead of looking foggy or distorted.
Questions about detailing
Good questions, straight answers.
Tap a question to open it.
Why should I get my car detailed in the first place?
Brice isn't here to tell you that you need your car detailed. Your car will still get you from point A to point B with bad paint and crumbs everywhere.
But when it's time to sell, all of that counts. Dealers look at both the mechanical condition and the appearance. Bad paint can cost a lot to repair, and cracked leather seats can lower an offer. Keeping your paint, carpets and plastics in good shape is an investment in the future.
And some people just want the cleanest car in the neighborhood. A good detail and a monthly wash can help with that.
How does an exterior detail protect my vehicle?
It protects your car from road debris, grime, tree sap, bird droppings, salt and more, which eat away at your clear coat and paint.
The first major part of the detail is cleaning all of that off using the steps on the Exterior page. That gets the paint as clean as possible before it's protected, just like you'd clean a wound before covering it.
Are drive-through car washes bad for my paint?
They're rough on a vehicle's exterior and cause minor scratches and swirl marks. You may save some time and money in the short term, but you could lose much more later when you sell the car or repair the damage. Hand washes are the better choice.
How often should I wash and detail my car?
Wash your vehicle at least once a month, and get the exterior detailed at least twice a year.
What do I need to have ready?
Most services need a water spigot and a power outlet. The Interior Wipe Down and Interior Special only need power.
Payment is cash, check or Venmo, and please give 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule.
Not sure what your car needs?
Send a few details and Brice will recommend the right service. He replies within 24 hours, Mon–Sat.