To contact AD please call: 07501 88 77 24

What's in the Detail?

Outlined below are the different stages that make up one of AD's Detailing treatments.

The Intensive Wash 

We start with an intensive wash program designed to remove as much surface dirt as possible prior to hand washing the vehicle. This is done using a combination of pre-rinsing to remove large particles of dirt and contamination, followed by the application of citrus degreasers to loosen stubborn grime and dirt. The vehicle is then covered in a thick foam using a special foam lance which is left to dwell drawing out the remaining dirt before a final pressure rinse. The wheel arches and door shuts are also cleaned using a mild degreaser. 

Detailed Range Rover Range Rover Arches Detailing Range Rover

 

 

The Two Bucket Method (TBM) 

The vehicle is then hand washed using sheepskin wash mitts and quality buckets with grit guards. The sheepskin mitts absorb any dirt and grit into their plush fibres preventing it from being dragged across the paint surface as with a normal flat surfaced sponge, one of the causes of swirl marks and scatches in your paintwork. The mitt is rinsed regularily in a clean water solution removing dirt and grit before washing the vehicle further with a seperate bucket of clean shampoo solution. The grit guards in the bottom of the bucket help trap the grit and dirt preventing it from being washed back onto the paintwork. The vehicle is then gently dried using non-scratch microfibre drying towels further preventing damage to the paint.

Two Bucket Method Two Bucket Method Two Bucket Method
 

Alloys & Tyres

Alloy wheels are deep cleaned using a non-acidic wheel cleaner to remove dirt, brake dust and tar deposits before being polished and then sealed to enhance shine and protect the alloy/painted surface. Tyres are dressed using either a matt or slight sheen effect rubber protectant. 

Detailing in Essex Detailing in Essex Detailing in Essex

Exterior Trim 

All exterior trim and plastics are cleaned and conditioned using a protective trim dressing. Any chrome or stainless steel (exhaust tips, badges, grills) is also cleaned and polished. All rubber door seals are cleaned and conditioned with a rubber preserver.

Detailing Exterior Trim Detailing Exterior Trim
Detailing Exterior Trim

Removing Surface Contamination (claying)

The key to having shiny paint is to create as smooth a surface as possible, which is why following an intensive wash program the paintwork is then clayed. This process involves the use of a mild clay bar and lubricant to remove surface contaminants including sap, tar, bug residue, fall-out and rail dust, resulting in a silky smooth paint surface.

Claying paint claying paint Claying paint

Polishing & Waxing 

The paint is then further cleaned and prepared with a light cut polish ahead of applying a quality carnuba wax by hand which is then buffed to a deep gloss shine as well as helping to seal and protect the paintwork. Sealants can also be applied at this stage either before waxing to seal in shine or in place of wax to provide a more durable reflective finish especially on lighter colour vehicles.

Polishing & waxing Polishing & waxing Polishing & waxing


Machine Polishing & Paint Correction

Alternatively following the claying stage the external paintwork can be machine polished (to varying degrees) to remove surface defects such as swirl marks, scratches, water spots, oxidisation as well as minor defects, scuffs and blemishes. This will help restore a better than new finish to most paint surfaces adding depth and clarity which can then be further enhanced through the application of specialist glazes, protective sealants and premium waxes. Prior to machine polishing a paint depth gauge is used to check the consistency as well as thickness of paint accross the different panels of the vehicle. The PTG will also highlight areas of repair or respray where caution must be used when machine polishing.

 

Paint Gauge Machine polishing paint Machine polishing paint
 

Detailing the Interior 

The interior is then cleaned ensuring all dust and dirt is removed from every surface. All carpets and upholstery are brushed before being thoroughly vacuumed. If further deep cleaning is required a warm water extraction machine is used to shampoo upholstery and carpets. All floor mats and boot liners are removed and deep cleaned, headlinings are vacuumed and spot cleaned. For heavy soiling trim is cleaned with an all pupose cleaner (APC). All dash buttons and air vents are cleaned using detailing brushes as well as column stalks, the steering wheel, ash trays, storage pockets, hand brake and gearlever gaitors. A quality matt finish dressing is then applied to condition and protect all trim from UV damage as well as repel dirt. All glass is cleaned and then polished both inside and out ensuring a crystal clear smear free finish. 

Detailing vehicle interior Detailing vehicle Interior
 Detailing vehicle Interior
 

 

Leather Interiors

With leather interiors all seats and trim are cleaned using a gentle PH neutral leather cleaner and conditioner (non-oily or greasy) which soaks into the leather softening and restoring suppleness and leaving a matt finish as well as restoring that "new leather" scent.

Leather cleaning Cleaning leather Cleaning leather
 

 

Engine Detailing

The engine bay is often overlooked when cleaning a vehicle, detailing the engine bay will make hoses and plastics look darker and metals look brighter. The engine bay is cleaned using water and degreasers ensuring any exposed electrical or sensitive components are protected first. The engine is then dried with microfibre towels before the application of a durable weatherproof dressing (silicone free) to all plastic trim & components. Rubber hoses are treated with a rubber preserver, exposed metal is cleaned and polished.