A professional detail follows a set order: inspect, wash and decontaminate, correct the paint, protect it, then check the finish. Each stage takes time because skipping one spoils the next. Our signature exterior treatment takes at least 6 man-hours for this reason.
Step one: what does the inspection involve?
We examine the paint under proper lighting and note swirls, scratches, water spots and previous repairs. This sets what can realistically be improved and what the car needs.
It is also when we agree the scope with you. The assessment is free and the quote is fixed before work begins.
A good detailer explains the findings before touching the paint, so there are no surprises when you collect the car.
Step two: why is the wash so careful?
The car is washed by hand and decontaminated to remove bonded fallout and road film. Skipping this would mean polishing grit into the paint.
This stage is unglamorous, but it protects everything that follows.
Step three: how is the paint corrected?
Machine polishing removes a very thin layer of clear coat to level out swirls and light defects. The method and pad are chosen for the paint, and progress is checked panel by panel. Read more about our paint correction at Klar Details.
Step four: how is protection applied?
Once the paint is clean and corrected, a coating such as KlarCOAT or KlarGRAPHENE is applied in an enclosed, dust-free bay. Where suitable, two layers are applied, with setting time between them, and infrared lamps help the coating cure.
Curing is not a quick finish. The coating needs the right conditions to set evenly, which is why the car stays with us rather than being rushed out.
Step five: what is the final check?
We inspect every panel, remove residue and review the result with you. You then receive aftercare advice. If you are wondering whether your car needs this, our guide to the five signs your car needs paint correction is a good start.
How long should I expect to wait?
Plan on the car being with us for the day or longer, depending on the job. A signature exterior treatment takes at least 6 man-hours of hands-on work, and that excludes setting and curing time.
We confirm the schedule when you book, and we will tell you honestly if a job needs more time rather than cut a step.
Questions
Why does detailing take so many hours?
Each stage must be done properly and in order, and coatings need time to apply and set. Rushing any step shows in the finish, which is why a signature exterior treatment takes at least 6 man-hours before curing and final inspection are counted.
Do I need to leave the car with you?
Yes, for correction and coating work. A workshop with enclosed, dust-free bays and controlled conditions gives a better and more consistent result than mobile work, which is why we recommend the workshop for anything beyond a basic wash. If you are unsure, ask us during the free assessment and we will explain the options clearly.
Will polishing damage my paint?
Done properly, it removes only a very thin layer of clear coat. We inspect the paint first and work panel by panel, so we correct the defects that matter without taking more material than necessary. Always ask your detailer how they check this.
What should I do after collecting the car?
Follow the aftercare advice we give you, wash gently with clean media and keep to the maintenance schedule so the protection performs as intended. Avoid automatic brush washes and rinse off bird droppings promptly. If you are unsure, ask us during the free assessment and we will explain the options clearly.
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Paint CorrectionKlarEXTERIOR