Kean

The sole intention of this thread is to provide a list of compiled links to popular/reputable resources on the subject of detailing in an easy to reference format. I am not a professional and I am certainly no expert, but I am a long time detailing enthusiast who has picked up a few things along the way (through reading/contributing on forums and personal experience). I am also a strong advocate of people conducting their own research when seeking answers on the subject. With the bias, misinformation and varying views I have seen over the years (even among the “experts”) I think it’s important that folks have a wide range of input to better determine what tools, products and techniques will work in their situation. No two applications are necessarily alike and what works for one person may not be the best solution for the next.

Please feel free to forward links that you believe may be useful (from trustworthy sources) and report any that are broken. If this thread remains active, I will do my best to review each request and update the main list as needed. I hope this makeshift “Library” of links can be a useful resource that others can draw from. ....as well as contribute to.

INDEX
Complete/General Guides & Tips on Detailing

The Science Behind Detailing
Paint
Chemicals

Detailing Articles, Videos & Discussions by Category

EXTERIOR
Washing
Paint Preparation / Decontamination (Pre-Polish; Pre-LSP)
Paint Polishing/Correction/Repair
Waxing/Sealing
Quick Detailing
Wheel & Tire
Engine
Glass
Headlamp/Taillamp Restoration
Trim

INTERIOR
Interior Detailing
Carpet, Upholstery & Leather

Taking Pictures
Detailing Tools/Products
Car Covers / Vehicle Storage / Protection
Detailing Forums

Complete/General Guides & Tips on Detailing
(These are links to complete guides/articles and general tips/info on the subject.)

Articles by Mike Phillips by Mike Phillips added 03/05/10
VIDEOSAutogeek’s Show Car Garageby Autogeek added 03/22/10
Autopia Guide to Detailing by David Bynon
Auto Detailing Facts, Tips & Tricks by Autogeek
The Mindset of a Professional Detailer by Mike Phillips
A Lesson From White Paint by Mike Phillips
VIDEO:Meguiar's USA YouTube Channel by Meguiars
Detailing Flow Chart by Autogeek
VIDEO:Videos on Meguiar's.com and the MeguiarsAsia YouTube Channel by Meguiars
Ask The Detail Doctor by Properautocare.com
Detailing Tips by Properautocare.com
VIDEO:Adam's Polishes FREE Detailing "How To" Videos by Dylan @ Adams


The Science Behind Detailing
These are links to articles (by category) discussing the science behind certain aspects related to detailing

Paint
OEM Auto Paint Finishes added 02/18/10
Paint Systemsby Jon Miller added 02/18/10
The practical differences between single stage paints and a clear coat paints by Mike Phillips

Chemicals
Detailing Chemicals by David Bynon
The Role Silicone Plays in Car Care Products by Mike Phillips
Polymer - Polymerization Update 01.01.10by Jon Miller added 02/18/10

Detailing Articles, Videos & Discussions by Category
(These are links to articles, videos/tutorials and informative forum discussions by category.)

EXTERIOR

Washing

General
How To Measure Car Wash to Water Ratio? by Mike Phillips
How to mix your car wash solution by Mike Phillips
"How I Wash Cars" by Scottwax
How to Properly Wash Your Car by Car Care Specialties
How To Properly Wash Your Car by Properautocare.com
How To Remove Existing Wax by Properautocare.com
VIDEO:How To Wash Your Car- Two Bucket Method by Mike Phillips
Non-Marring Wash Technique by Accumulator
Proper Car Washing & Car Drying Techniques by Autogeek
Road Salt & Undercarriage Careby Jon Miller added 02/18/10
”Touchless” Washing by SuperBee364
Washing & Drying Your Car by David Bynon

Product Guides
How to properly dilute Meguiar's Detailer Line products by Mike Phillips
ONR (Optimum No Rinse): The Definitive Thread
VIDEO: Washing with Optimum No Rinseby Scottwax added 01/20/10
VIDEO: Wheel cleaning with Optimum No Rinse Wash by Scottwax added 01/20/10

Paint Preparation / Decontamination (Pre-Polish; Pre-LSP)

General
Automotive Paint Repair Clinic by David Bynon
How To Create a Smooth Paint Surface by Properautocare.com
How to Properly Clean Your Cars Paintwork by Car Care Specialties
How To Remove Existing Wax by Properautocare.com
How To Remove Bird Droppings, Tree Sap & Insect Residue by Properautocare.com
How To Remove Water Spots by Mike Phillips
How To Remove Bugs and Tar by Autogeek
How to safely remove a dried bird dropping by Mike Phillips added 02/18/10
What's the difference between Meg's APC & APC+? (an Autogeek forum discussion)

Claying
Clay - the can do tool by Kevin Ferrell
Detailing Clay & Pre-wax Cleaning by David Bynon
Do I need to wash my car after I use detailing clay to clay the paint? by Mike Phillips added 03/22/10
Tips and Tricks for using detailing clay by Mike Phillips
Applying Auto Detail Clay by Anthony Oroso
How often do I need to clay my car? by Mike Phillips
How to Use Auto Detailing Clay by Autogeek
Overspray Clays Rub Me the Wrong Way by Car Care Specialties

 

Kean

Paint Polishing/Correction/Repair

General
Automotive Paint Repair Clinic by David Bynon
Cleaning Your Paint by Car Care Specialties
Cobweb Swirls vs Rotary Buffer Swirls by Mike Phillips
How much paint are you removing. by Superior Shine
How To Maximize Surface Gloss by Properautocare.com
How to Polish Metal by Autogeek
How to Properly Repair Paint Chips by Car Care Specialties
How to Remove Swirls (by Hand & Machine) by Properautocare.com
How To Remove Paint Scratches (by Hand & Machine)by Properautocare.com
How To Remove Water Spots, Compounding Haze and Paint Defects by Properautocare.com
How To Remove Salt Residues and Rust Spots After Harsh Winter by Properautocare.com
How to tape-off a car by Mike Phillips
How to test for a clear coat or single stage paint system by Mike Phillips
How To Restore Dull, Oxidized Paint by Properautocare.com
How to do a Test Spot by Mike Phillips
Man versus Machine by Mike Phillips
Over Polishing Your Car by David Bynon
Paint Satisfaction Insurance by Lynn Matthews
Polishing Your Car's Paint To Perfection by David Bynon
Removing swirls, scratches and water spots by Mike Phillips
Some conversation between Kevin Brown and Barry Theal by bufferbarry & Kevin Brown added 01/20/10
Swirl Marks: How they get there, how to remove them. by Kevin Ferrell
Swirl Marks - A Detailer`s and Customer`s Nightmare by Kevin Ferrell
The Clearcoat Failure Photo Archive by Mike Phillips
Tracers - RIDS - Pigtails - Cobweb Swirls - Rotary Buffer Swirls - Holograms - Water by Mike Phillips added 12/17/09
VIDEO:5 Video segments on wet-sanding and using a rotary buffer by Mike Phillips
VIDEO:Meguiar's Video Training Series - Surface Prep by Mike Phillips
What it means to remove a scratch out of anything... by Mike Phillips
What it means to remove swirls, scratches and water spots out of automotive clear coats by Mike Phillips

by Hand (specific)
How To Remove Swirls By Hand by Mike Phillips
How to Remove Swirls by Hand by Mike Phillips
How To Remove a Bird Dropping Etching by Hand using M105 Ultra Cut Compound by Mike Phillips
How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX by Mike Phillips
Test - Swirl Removal By Hand by Dave KG

by Machine (specific)
Best Practice - Avoid buffing on top of body lines and edges by Mike Phillips
Buffing Pads by Kevin Ferrell
Cleaning Your Pad On The Fly by Mike Phillips
Circular/ Rotary Polishing Guide by Autogeek
Dual Action Orbital Polishing Guide by Autogeek
Fight or Flight Method for Gaging Surface Temperature by Mike Phillips added 03/22/10
How to choose the right polisher for your detailing project by Mike Phillips added 12/15/09
Learning to use the Rotary Buffer by Mike Phillips
Machine Photos - Rotary Buffer - DA Polisher - Orbital Buffer by Mike Phillips
Polisher Pad Use & Care by TopOfTheLine.com
Tips and Techniques for using the PC 7424XP Dual Action Polisher by Mike Phillips
Under Pressure, Part I by Kevin Ferrell
Under Pressure, Part II - Develop a Feel for Getting it Right by Kevin Ferrell
Using the Porter Cable 7424 Car Polisher by David Bynon
Which Backing Plate Is Best? by Properautocare.com

Wet/Hand Sanding
VIDEO:5 Video segments on wet-sanding and using a rotary buffer by Mike Phillips
Basic Hand Sanding Techniques by Mike Phillips added 03/22/10
Hand Sanding Techniques by Mike Phillips
How long will a half sheet of wet/dry sandpaper last? by Mike Phillips added 03/22/10
RIDS and Feathersanding - A Highly Specialized Technique by Mike Phillips by Mike Phillips added 03/22/10
Wet-sanding - Fresh Paint vs Factory Paint by Mike Phillips added 03/22/10
Wet Sanding, a Powerful, yet Dangerous Tool by Kevin Ferrell
Wet Sanding. For Show - and for dough - Part I by Kevin Ferrell
Wet Sanding. For Show - and for dough - Part II by Kevin Ferrell

Product Guides
Blackfire Users Guide by Properautocare.com
Cyclo Polisher manual and more (links)
Difference between Super Micro Abrasives technology (non-diminishing) & Diminishing Abrasive technology (an MOL forum discussion. See post # 6 for explanation)
Foam Pad Maintenance Guide by Properautocare.com
Foam Pad Application Guide by Properautocare.com
How to clean Meguiar's foam buffing pads by Mike Phillips
How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX by Mike Phillips
VIDEOHow to Remove Swirls with the PC7424XPby Mike Phillips added 03/22/10
VIDEOHow to Remove Swirls with the Cyclo Polisherby Mike Phillips added 03/22/10
Menzerna Application Guide by Properautocare.com
Menzerna Color Application Guide by Properautocare.com
Scratch Removed using Ultimate Compound by Mike Phillips
The Definitive ScratchX Thread Collection by Mike Phillips
The SMAT PACK - Everything you ever wanted to know about Meguiar's SMAT products... by Mike Phillips added 03/22/10
The Aggressiveness Order of SMAT Products - This might surprise you! by Mike Phillips added 03/22/10
What are the differences between Meguiar's waxes? by Mike Phillips
(Yet Another) M205 Review by Superbee364

Charts
Cobra Cross Groove Pad Chart by Autogeek
Lake Country DA Foam Chart
Pads Compared & Explained w/Printable Charts by properautocare.com
Product Abrasiveness Chart by Autogeek
Very Comprehensive Compound Chart by Autogeek

Kean

Waxing/Sealing

General
Car Wax & Paint Sealant Application Techniques by Autogeek
Carnauba Car Wax vs. Paint Sealants by Autogeek
Final Wiping Techniques by Mike Phillips
How To Choose The Right Wax or Paint Sealant for your Detailing Project by Mike Phillips added 03/22/10
Microfiber or Cotton to buff wax?by Jon Miller
The Swipe Test by Mike Phillips
The Squeak Test - How to test for the presence of wax by Mike Phillips
The Final Wipe – Tips for creating a streak-free, show car finish by Mike Phillips
The Benefits of Car Wax & How-To Apply It by David Bynon
The Final Wipe by Mike Phillips added 03/22/10
Wax and Sealant thicknesses (Part 1)Detailing World forum discussion added 02/18/10
Wax and Sealant thicknesses (Part 2)( Detailing World forum discussion added 02/18/10
When to wax? by Kevin Ferrell


Product Guides
Blackfire Users Guide by Properautocare.com
Klasse Application Guide by Autogeek
Klasse Application Guide by Properautocare.com
Interview with Klasse USA by Properautocare added 03/22/10
$87,000 in Fines Paid by Klasse USA added 03/22/10
How To Get Great Results With Meguiar's Spray Wax! by Mike Phillips
Topping NXT by Mike Phillips

Quick Detailing

How to maintain your car's finish in-between polishing sessions by Michael Stoops
VIDEO:Meguiar's Video Training Series - Maintain Your Finish by Michael Stoops
Quick Detailing & Waterless Car Washing by David Bynon
The secret to applying (Meguiars) Ultimate Quik Wax by Mike Phillips
Tips & Techniques for using a Spray Detailer by Mike Phillips added 02/18/10

Wheel & Tire

Concours Tires & Wheels by David Bynon
How To Thoroughly Clean Wheels, Wheel Wells, & Tires by Properautocare.com
How To Restore Dull Brown Tires by Properautocare.com
How To Remove Stains, Scratches & Blemishes in Polished Aluminum Wheels by Properautocare.com
How to Detail Wheels & Tires by Autogeek
How to Properly Care for your Cars Wheels by Car Care Specialties
How to Repair the Finish on Wheels that have been Damaged by Improper Cleaning by Car Care Specialties
Repairing Painted Wheel Curb Scratches by NASAracer, Audiworld.com
Tires Exterior Rubber and Vinyl Protection by Car Care Specialties
Wheel Polishing Application Guide by Properautocare.com

Engine

Engine Cleaning by Car Care Specialties
Engine Detailing How To by Autogeek
How-to Detail Automobile Engines by David Bynon
How To Clean Your Engine by Properautocare.com
How to use a Discussion Forum to Detail an Engine by Mike Phillips

Glass

Detailing Automotive Glass & Clear Plastic by David Bynon
Glass Cleaning Facts & Tips by Autogeek
Window Cleaning by Kevin Ferrell

Headlamp/Taillamp Restoration

Cloudy Headlightsby Lenzsaver added 03/05/10
Lens Polishing Application Guide by Properautocare.com (note: this is an instrcution guide for a “kit” but is a good illustration for polishing headlamps with a dril, pad and polish)
Headlight Lens Restoration Guide by Autogeek
Headlight Restoration by Mike Phillips
How To Remove Scratches & Haze From Plastic Headlight Lenses by Properautocare.com

Trim

Detailing Car Trim by David Bynon
How to create a dark sheen on flat black plastic by Mike Phillips
How To Care for Your Convertible Top by Autogeek
How To Restore Faded Plastic Automotive Cladding by Properautocare.com
Proper Care of Trim & Molding by Autogeek
VIDEO:Meguiar's Video Training Series - Protectants by Michael Stoops

Kean

INTERIOR

Interior Detailing

Facts About Odor Removal by TopOfTheLine.com
How-to Detail The Interior Of Your Car by David Bynon
How To Apply Interior Dressings by Mike Phillips
How To Polish Wood Dash Panels by Properautocare.com
Interior Cleaning and Conditioning How To's by Autogeek
Interior Cleaning and Protecting with Detailer's Pride Professional Products by Mike Phillips

Carpet, Upholstery & Leather

Alcantara Maintenance Instructions (English instructions on page 10)by Alcantara
Automotive Leather Upholstery Care / Maintenance by Jon Miller added 03/05/10
Blue Jeans Transfer to Beige Leatheran Autopia forum discussion added 02/18/10
Cleaning Leather (interesting discussion involving several players in the business)
How to Care for Leather by Autogeek
How to Properly Care for the Leather Surfaces in Your Cars Interior by Car Care Specialties
Just purchases a Mytee Lite II...any tips for using (intersting extractor/carpet cleaning discussion on the Autopia forum)
Leather Help!an Autopia forum discussion added 03/05/10
My Process for Manually Cleaning Carpets by David Fermani
Spotting Guidelines by Prochem
The Myth of Saddle Soapby David Bynon of Autopia added 03/05/10
Vinyl Care by Car Care Specialties
Why You Shouldn’t Use Saddle Soap.....Ever! by Autogeek added 03/05/10

Taking Pictures

How to correctly take pictures to document an Extreme Makeover by Mike Phillips
How-to work with pictures on discussion forums by Mike Phillips added 03/22/10

Detailing Tools/Products

by Mike Phillips added 03/22/10
Dry Vapor Steamers - Hype or a Huge Help? Part I by Kevin Ferrell
Dry Vapor Steamers - Hype or a Huge Help? Part II by Kevin Ferrell
How many microfiber polishing cloths do I need to detail my car? by Mike Phillips
How To Care for Microfiber by Autogeek
Microfiber Detailing Products by David Bynon
Paint Meter? (an Autogeek forum discussion)
Paint Thickness Gauge (PTG)by Jon Miller
Re-charging your CRSpotless *Resin* by SuperBee364
The 4 minimum categories of wiping cloths by Mike Phillips

Car Covers / Vehicle Storage / Protection

Car Covers: Types and how to use themby Car Care Specialties
Extra Protection for your Cars Paint Finish when Driving on the Track or in Autocrosses by Car Care Specialties

Detailing Forums

Autogeek Online
Autopia
Detail City
Detailing Bliss
Detail University (Detailed Image)
Meguiar’s Online
Truth In Detailing (ProperAutoCare.com)

Kean

(this space left intentionally blank)

sea-scooby

Wow, GREAT post! I definitely will these links a lot!

__________________
05 Forester XTi Premium M/T (bobbytuned VF39)(his)
05 Forester X A/T (hers)
My Journal page

pleiad7

Stickied!

__________________
-Silke
04 FXT PP PSM ~ "Subed"
98 Forester S ~ "Slynki"

Tussen

WOW, thanks!

__________________
06 XTL 4EAT 2.5XT-R HB Speed Tuned

Kean

Thanks guys. I hope its able to help some folks. I have taken so much from the Subaru community over the years I figured it was the least I could do.

neoshi

we should now hold a socal detailing party :D

thanks!

__________________
05 XS
WTB 4.44 Rear Diff LSD

jgrote

I do not pretend to be any good at detailing, but I do love doing it and this will be a great place for me to improve my techniques. Thanks for all this work! I have an anal retentive eye for detail, and now a place to pick up some real skills. Knowing what looks good and being able to produce such good looks are two very different things.

__________________
99 L a/t
04 X a/t
92 svx (for now)

wordsarize

hmm i def wanna try that no rinsh wash n detail..

__________________
2005 Aspen White Forester XT 5MT - Stage 2

Kean

....if you're serious about trying out a no rinse solution like ONR (Optimum No Rinse), check this out:

VIP Special Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine 128 oz.

Just follow that link above. Autogeek runs these VIP specials once a week IIRC. I just got this one in my inbox this afternoon. It's a good price for ONR since the gallon size usually goes for $40-$45. Also, if you order additional products/supplies and your order is over $95, use the "ago" coupon code during checkout and shipping is free. .....although they are not stackable, "clubmember" gets you 10% off your order but not on specials. The free shipping is typically the better of the two on savings anyhow. Hope this helps.

Kean

....updated with a couple of more links.

WinterFrster

Wow thanks for the good info!