Guest Author - Marie A.Stroman

Most of us are reading this because we want to know the basics of detailing. Too often, I see in my own town/area late model vehicles with dull finishes. When we first buy our vehicles we are proud and hope it will always look the way it did when we drove it off the lot. Unfortunately, too often I have people tell me that they've washed their vehicles maybe a few times a year--some even less. Then I have those who DO wash their vehicles often have a dull film on thier vehicles. While this is sad, it's true. After some time spent testing products and doing research, I have found that of all of my customers and associates, most of them now know the basics of what to do to restore their vehicles to a shine they are proud of--much like the day when they purchased their vehicles--in a reasonable amount of time might I add.

First of all, the darker the car, the better--the depth of color and shine make a very nice impression. Lighter cars will shine but because of the lighter color of the vehicle, the reflection or should I say others' reaction isn't the same--As we all know, dark cars look best when detailed and polished and it shows on the driver's faces!

To get started, you have to wash your car. Because we are keeping this basic, YOU MAY GO TO A TOUCH-FREE CAR WASH--you can even use the hot wax! Just make sure you BLOW DRY it IMMEDIATELY THERE AT THE CAR WASH or you will definitely have water spots! Already you are looking good. Park your vehicle in a shady spot. If you park under a tree, trust me--a BIRD WILL FIND YOUR CLEAN CAR. Nevertheless, keep your eye on the sky! Is it me or do birds instinctively spot a clean car?! But seriously, take a CLEAN white terry cloth and examine your vehicle for logged water--usually panels, trim, door handles etc. Wipe these areas for excess water.

Next, apply a liquid wax that has real cleaning AND waxing power--I prefer Meguiar's NXT Generation Tech Wax! They have managed to give even the busiest person the easy way out of waxing! SIMPLY apply a generous sqeeze to a clean terry towel or damp application sponge. Apply from top to bottom in firm left to right direction until you see a light haze. If you see dirt on the towel, just flip it to a cleaner side of the towel. There will be 8 facets to use if you fold it twice. This dirt IS COMING OFF YOUR CAR SO DON'T APPLY WITH THE DIRTY SIDE OF THE TOWEL OR YOU WILL BE PUTTING IT BACK ON AND SCRATCHING YOUR FINISH AT THE SAME TIME. Cover ALL paint or finish areas of your vehicle. Wait until completely dry. Wipe off gently with a clean terry towel.

I know you are going to be PROUD ONCE AGAIN of your vehicle--I've seen too many folks who have done this very method and they are glad they asked. It doesn't get any easier than this--unless you have someone do it for you. Keep shinin' and have a great day!