r/Detailing

So I use 303 protectant mostly for the UV protection on all the plastics (i keep my car outdoors) and also because I was told it would bring back a matte finish and darken blacks. However Im not a big fan of how shiny / slick everything else: it makes things look wet I find?

Also due to its slickness i cant use it for weather mats either.

What is a good equivalent that provides UV / dust protection while also not being so glossy?

Currently driving a 2010 Nissan Pixo and was wondering the most cost effective way to give a cleaner look on my wheels underneath the trims? Not the best picture but all 4 wheels look relatively the same. This is an old car and will only keep for another year or two therefore trying to keep costs low. Also planning to clean up and purchase some tyre shine as well as clearing up my headlights.

Also don’t worry, tyres have been inflated today

Best way and technique to repair or improve this leather creasing?

I was thinking a steamer or hair dryer?

I don’t understand. I’m working on a 98’ f-150, oxidized. First time polishing a car. Thanks for any advice

hi guys, im going to be detailing (more like attempting to detail) multiple cars frequently so im interested in a vacuum that wont break down and doesn’t suck lol😭🙏 i was looking at this one on amazon but im concerned it wont be durable. what vacuums have worked for you that wont break the bank lol ty

Hi all - I have three cars that have xpel products on them. All professionally applied over a year ago by the top local xpel installer. No issues there at all! On 2 of the cars, I have 10-year PPF covered with 8-year fusion plus premium ceramic on top. The 3rd car does not have PPF, but does have the 8-year ceramic fusion plus premium.

In short, the three cars have only ever been washed by the original installer (they do washes for previous PPF/ceramic customers) along with 2 different mobile detailing companies. Both of which I thought have done solid jobs … until … see photos. Holy cow. Different shots where you can see spider web looking swirls. HEAT does NOT take these out (thought maybe the self healing PPF would help on at least those 2 cars that have that).

Long and short, the cars are one by one going back to the original installer. They tried heat, they tried to very lightly polish… neither worked. They’re going to have to strip the ceramic and reapply. With obvious careful consideration on the two that have PPF.

I suppose this post is as much of a question to the community of if you have ever seen this before… And is the stripping of the ceramic and reapplying truly the best answer? Along with a cautionary tale to those out there… Be careful. From here on out, I will only ever be cleaning them myself (typically Rinseless wash - ONR) and/or bringing back to the original installer for washes … just not as convenient as having the mobile detailers come out :(

Thank you

Just got it used so I don't know what they did to it.

The journey to becoming a restoration artisan. Keep going!

Ive been washing my cars for a couple months with these, but I want to work on the interior now like get a steamer, extractor, and I want to start learning how to polish so I might need one as well I’ve seen this dude on ig by Pete details he got everything inside à civic I’d like a similar setup.

Salut,

Voici en photo la peinture Raptor appliqué sur mon véhicule il y a un an, par un professionnel . Dès que je passe l’ongle dessus, ça laisse une trace blanche bien visible. Après un passage au Karcher les marques s’atténuent mais restent un peu.

Est ce normal?

Merci par avance pour vos retour

My Bronco had a decal covering the entire back window when I bought it and I removed the adhesive with Goo Gone, and now I’m left with this. The only thing that seems to help is VRP but it’s only a temporary fix.
ETA: this portion of the hard top is fiberglass not plastic

So I just got my first set off matte black wheels. Wanted to try something different, something that's not gloss black. Everyone says matte is harder to keep clean. Is there a coating or ceramic like coating to put on matte wheels? If so, what's the best, cost is no matter. Thanks?

I got this windshield for my woods toy a couple days ago and there quite a few stains and scratches. is there any recommendations for products that might solve this problem? I’ve tried glass cleaner it seem to help slightly but I’m still not satisfied with it.

Just had my new truck ceramic coated and love the way it looks. My hope is to keep it this way as long as I can. I couldn’t afford the ppf unfortunately. Is there any good info/videos out there on how to properly wash and dry a car to avoid getting swirls? Is there any more to it than using freshly washed microfiber towels each time? Thanks