appearance reconditioning
Appearance reconditioning is the cosmetic restoration of vehicles to like-new condition. This can include cleaning, waxing, scratch repair, imperfection and damage repair and other steps customized to each vehicle’s needs.Also known as: resurfacing, car body reconditioning, car paint reconditioning
body shop safe chemicals
Body shop save chemicals are cleansers, protectants, dressings, and other materials and substances that will not harm the interior or exterior surfaces of vehicles, including paint, chrome, trim, headlights, and more.
Also known as: car-safe products, car-safe chemicals, car body safe cleansers
decontamination
Processes used to remove contaminants from the paint exterior of vehicles are known as decontamination. Decontamination methods can remove sap, tar, industrial fallout and metal particles, pollution, paint spray, bird droppings, dust, grime and more.
Also known as: auto decontamination, car decontamination, exterior car decontamination, interior car sanitizing
detailing
Auto detailing is the process of cleaning a vehicle inside and out. Detailing includes exterior washing, exterior trim cleaning, cleaning the tires and rims, paint cleaning and waxing, interior cleaning, auto upholstery cleaning, auto carpet cleaning, dashboard and interior surface cleaning and more.
Also known as: auto detailing, car detailing, vehicle detailing, interior detailing, exterior detailing, truck detailing, van detailing
fabric protector
Fabric protectant can be applied to cloth or fabric upholstery, carpeting, door panels and other cloth or fabric surfaces in vehicles. Fabric protector repels liquid, moisture, dirt, food particles, soil and other damaging materials so fabrics can be more easily cleaned and stay cleaner longer in between auto detailing services.
Also known as: fabric protectant, Scotchguard
last stage product
The final stage in auto detailing services is known as “last stage product”. Last stage product includes sealing, waxing and protectant on interior and exterior surfaces.
Also known as: LSP, last stage protection, wax, sealant
one-step cleaner-wax
Cleaner-wax is a product that completes three steps in one easy process: cleaning, polishing, and waxing. Good cleaner-wax, when professionally applied, will restore a clear and shiny finish to vehicles. Cleaner-wax can minimize swirls, scratches and imperfections, but it won’t completely remove them.
Also known as: AIO, all-in-one cleaner and wax, one-step cleaning wax, auto cleaning wax, single-step cleaning wax, one-step cleaner wax
pre-wash
The initial step in readying vehicles for detailing is known as a pre-wash. This is often a soaking coat of water and degreaser applied to the exterior and undercarriage of the vehicle. It can also include spot treating carpeting and other soaking and pretreatment to aid stain removal.
Also known as: pretreating, prewashing, degreasing, first-step detailing
protective paint coatings
Protective paint coatings are the last step in an auto detail. These coatings are known to last longer and protect better than car waxes and paint sealants. Some protective paint coatings can increase scratch and chemical resistance, repel water and dust, and keep environmental contaminants from bonding to the car paint clear coat.
Also known as: protective coating, protective clear coat
swirl marks
Swirl marks are faint, spider web-like microabrasions in the top layer of clear coat on vehicles. Swirl marks are usually caused by using dirty rags or sponges, or the accidental abrasion of the vehicle’s top coat or clear coat. Swirl marks accumulate over time, which can wear away the clear coat and make the car’s finish look dull. Car polishes can even out the clear coat layer, and wax can prevent damage and hide small swirl marks.
Also known as: etching, auto swirl marks, micro-abrasion, car paint etching
three-step process
Three-step process for auto detailing includes the use of a compound, polish and wax. This removes most paint defects, even those below the surface.
Also known as: deep paint defect removal, auto waxing, three-step processing, three-step auto detailing, three-step exterior detailing
two-step process
A two-step process consisting of polish and wax removes most minor paint defects like swirls, swirl marks, scratches, water spots and slight oxidation. Two-step process polishing and waxing usually includes using a professional buffer, and it can often restore auto paint and create a smoother finish.
Also known as: 2-step process, two-step polish and wax, car polishing, car waxing, 2-step car waxing
washing
Car washing is usually performed early on in the auto detailing process, before waxing. Washing can include a normal car wash, rinse-less wash, water-less wash, spray detailer, handwashing and more.
Also known as: car wash, hand washing, hand drying, car washing services
waxing
Auto wax comes in liquid, paste and even solid form. Most is applied by hand or an automatic polisher. Auto waxing enhances the shine of a vehicle and protects the clear coat from damage. Waxing is the final step in detail process.
Also known as: wax, auto waxing
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