Frequently asked questions

How can I contact you?

You can fill out the form on my website, send me a text message, email me, message my Instagram account, or message me on Facebook.

Why is your wash and wax package much more than a 20$ drive through car wash?

A drive through car wash is very problematic for cars for multiple reasons. A drive through car wash actually scratches your paint with the revolving machines by picking up dirt off the previous car and then using the same process on your car, without cleaning the flaps. It’s like cleaning your car with a bucket of mud. Also, since it’s not a person cleaning your car, they will miss a lot of the cracks and crevices, which is one of my main focuses. Lastly, the spinning machines could break something off your car. I have heard stories of people having their antennas broken off at drive through car washes. Overall, different cars need more or less attention in different areas, and each paint reacts differently to various cleaning methods.

What is the difference between waxing and polishing?

A wax does not remove scratches nor swirls. It mainly protects the paint from swirls, tree sap, bird droppings, UV damage (oxidization). It also makes the paint shine a bit more temporarily, until it wears away in about 3 months. A wax should also be maintained by cleaning the car with proper methods. A polish will remove swirls from drive through car washes, improper washing methods, things rubbing against the paint, and minor scratches. A polish will last until the paint is swirled up again, but the wax will protect the finish for about 3 months. I would recommend getting your paint waxed at least every 3 months, and polished each year.

What is polishing or paint correction?

Polishing is a stage of paint correction. A “one stage/step paint correction” means the detailer will go around the car one time and polish the paint. With polishing, you work in about 2ft by 2ft sections, doing a cross hatch pattern, 3 times, then you move to the next section. There is also a “two stage/step paint correction” that means the first stage of paint correction uses a heavier cutting pad and compound to remove deeper scratches, then the second stage is refining the haze left from such aggressive products. This is on a microscopic scale, so there is still plenty of clear coat after this process. Other detailers may also include waxing as a stage and it would add another stage to the name of the process. To simplify this a bit, with my packages I use the terms “minor paint correction” and “major paint correction.”

does a paint correction take away a lot of my clear coat?

No, according to Chicago Auto Pros, one of the top detail shops in the US, you can polish a car about 60 times before the clear coat is no longer there. This is with proper techniques and the correct machines though that some newer detailers may not understand.

what is the difference between a wax and a ceramic coating?

A wax will only last about 3-6 months, and can be applied just after washing the car. This can take about a day for exterior/interior. A ceramic coating can last 3-5 years depending on paint preparation before the coating and how well the paint is maintained after applying the coating. There is a lengthy process to prepare the paint for ceramic coating, which can take 2-3 days (heavy decontamination, polish or full paint correction, surface prep). The coating may take a few hours to apply afterwards.

why does it take so long?

Detailing is a very timely process. When it comes to the first package, it takes up to a day because I double check things to make sure I don’t miss anything. I do not rush my work which guarantees you are receiving quality work. As far as paint correction, the process also includes decontamination (iron removal and clay barring, then isopropyl alcohol wipe to remove any residue) which could add 30 to 45 minutes to the washing process. Then before paint correction on some cars, I will tape off the plastic and trim pieces to make sure I don’t stain them with compound residue. Paint correction especially varies depending on the size and curvatures of a car. Cars with more angles and curves will take longer, as I am using a 3 inch polisher on some sections rather than a 5 inch. Also, you typically work in 2ft by 2ft sections when polishing, and according to Washington Times, the average square footage of a car is 60 sq. feet. Each section can take 10-15 minutes to remove as many paint imperfections possible.

DO you offer any services other than detailing?

Yes, I also install star light headliners.

do you offer engine bay cleaning?

Yes, only at the customer’s request. I will typically remove any leaves and debris in the cowling.

why should i bring my car to you rather than ___________?

I am a car enthusiast myself. I have meticulously maintained my own personal vehicle, and I treat every car I work on like my own. I have built up a lot of information about detailing over the past year and a half at a professional detail shop and in my own free time. I have detailed majority of the common and luxury car brands. Lastly, this isn’t just for income, I have a great passion for detailing. I believe trustworthiness is one of the biggest things with detailing or working on any person’s car, and I manifest that through my quality.