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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!

Why is detailing a necessity?

Your car accumulates numerous particles that harm its paint.  Pollutants, mud, salt, dirt, sand, bugs, tar, rain, sun, etc. are extremely harmful to the paint.  Detailing leaves microscopic layers of fine wax particles that provides deep shine and protection.  A coat of Paint Sealant forms a clear chemical bond that protects the paint and its original clear coat.  Detailing will guarantee longevity to the paint and retain the value of the vehicle.  Professional detailing is such a small investment - it has become a necessity!

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What is the difference between DETAILING and WASHING?

WASHING removes loose contaminants, dirt and grime.  DETAILING removes blemishes, oxidation and etching marks that are caused when contaminants penetrate the surface.  Rub your hand across an upper surface.  If it is rough, you need to detail your car.  It prevent the paint and its clear coat from deteriorating.  Retain the value of your car, have it detailed by one of our technicians this week.  Click here to schedule a reservation.

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What is a CLEAR COAT?

"Clear Coat" is a name given to the multi-stage paints used today.  A "base coat" (frequently water based) is applied with a pigment (color).  Then, a top layer of clear paint is applied over the top of the base coat to add depth, brilliance and provide protection for the base coat.

Clear Coats still require the same care as the old single state paints.  Just because the top coat of paint has no pigment in it doesn't make it impervious to environmental conditions.  Top coats of clear paint still oxidize, and the softer paints used today also allow contaminants to easily embed in the surface.  These softer paints require modern formulations and technology to protect them against damage.

In short, the need for proper care and maintenance of clear coat paints is just as important as years ago.  Actually, because of their softer, fragile nature, they really should be maintained BETTER than the older single stage paints.

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Will it hurt the paint or the clear coat of the car when detailed regularly?

Absolutely not!  In fact, it will actually enhance the quality of the paint.  It is recommended that all cars, regardless of make and model, should be detailed professionally once every 6 to 12 months - depending upon driving and parking condition.  However, if the detailing job is performed by an amateur detailer, the likelihood of paint deterioration and damaged molding is possible.  Our detailing technicians are well trained in this area.  We have the experience and the expertise to keep your car looking new, thus, providing protection against deterioration.

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What does detailing do to a Clear Coat Finish?

Let’s first define Clear Coat Finish:  today’s modern Finish consist of a dull layer of paint called a Base Coat.  It provides the color on your car.  Over this base, a clear layer of paint is applied.  This is called a Clear Coat.  It provides the shine and protection.  The result is a two-layer painted surface known as a "Clear Coat Finish".

When the Clear Coat Finish becomes dull, it requires special attention.  Our detailing technicians apply high quality fine surface polish and wax to remove the elements that dull the Finish.  When detailing is completed, the Clear Coat Finish has been cleaned and restored.

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What is the difference between PAINT SEALANT and WAX?

PAINT SEALANT forms a clear chemical bond that protects the finish of the vehicle and maintains that new car appearance.  It is guaranteed to keep its shine for at least one whole year with proper maintenance.

WAXES leave microscopic layers of fine wax particles providing deep shine and protection.  With regular maintenance and care, the deep shine can last between 3 to 12 months depending upon the quality of the wax.  We use only the highest quality wax in the industry today.

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What is the difference between POLISHING and WAXING?

POLISHING is designed to bring out the gloss.  WAXING is for protection.  Polishing is what makes the wet-look, deep gloss possible.  Especially effective on dark-colored cars.

How long a wax lasts depends on a variety of factors such as the environment and how the surface is prepared.  Our detailing technicians are trained to meet your needs and requests.

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How often do I need to wax or polish my car?

It depends on environmental elements your car typically endures.  If your vehicle is kept garaged on a daily basis, then a polish or wax can last as long four to six months.  If your car is kept outdoors under harsh conditions, then it will need to be waxed as often as once a month.  As a general rule of thumb, we recommend that a light colored car be polished and waxed at least every two to three months.  Dark colored cars on the other hand, will usually require more frequent and specialized attention.

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What is a sealer and glaze?

When applied before waxing, a Sealer and Glaze helps hide minor scratches, spider webbing, swirl marks and other surface imperfections.  It enhances clarity and shine, while giving darker colored paints that deep, wet look.  If left unprotected, a Sealer and Glaze will not last long.  It therefore needs an immediate coating of protective wax to truly have long lasting benefit.

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Why can't I use household cleaners to wash my car?

Household cleaners like dishwashing detergent are specifically designed to dissolve grease.  Because wax is essentially a grease, household cleaners will remove your car's wax finish; leaving you with little shine and no protection.  Also, some household detergents have micro-fine abrasive in them.  These can permanently scratch your car's surface.  Always use a premium quality, commercial liquid car wash.  They are formulated to dissolve dirt and grime without removing your car's beautiful wax finish.

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What about once-a-year wax and polish products?

Your car deserves better than once-a-year products. It is likely the second largest investment you've made, after your home. Don't scrimp on the quality of the products you use to maintain it, or the care you give your vehicle. A regular regimen of washing and waxing pays enormous dividends for years down the road. The intrinsic weakness of once-a-year products will become painfully apparent as the years pass.

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How can I tell if I have a clear coat?

Most modern paint finishes are clear coat.  The easiest way to tell is to check the paint code on the inside of the glove box door or door jamb (depending on vehicle make), or by checking your new car's window sticker.  A more "hands-on" method is to check your applicator after you use a Polish Cleaner, Sealer and Glaze, or Wax.  If the color of the paint is transferred to the towel, then you do not have a clear coat.  The color you see is the oxidized dead paint being removed by the polish.  With a clear coat, the top layer of the finish is transparent and has no color to transfer to the towel.

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How often should I wash my car?

As often as practical.  Most enthusiasts wash their vehicles at least once a week.  Some folks wash their cars almost every day.  At MyDetailer.com, we have a program called "Showroom Conditioner".  This program brings a unique formulation that restores your vehicle's show car shine in-between waxes.

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What is a clay bar?

Clay bars are used to remove embedded contaminants from painted surfaces.  With today's soft paints, any contaminants that sit on your paint can quickly become embedded.  These contaminants aren't easily removed, even by washing or waxing.

If you can feel bumps in the paint after washing and drying or waxing, chances are you'll need to have it clayed first.  In most cases, the wash 'n wax program you see at the car wash facilities do not include claying.  All of our detail packages include claying services.

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Can I wax too often?

Today's paints ARE softer and thinner than previous years.  In other words, you can NEVER wax too often - just as long as the plastic or rubber part of the car does not get any waxes on them.

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What about those free car washes at the gas station?

Generally speaking, you get what you pay for.  Many of those car washes use mechanical brushes which can damage your paint surface.  In some parts of the country, the water is recycled, meaning your car is getting the same water applied as the "clapped out" 1974 Plymouth Volare that just pulled out (unless your car just happens to be that Volare).  While filters can catch small particulates, they can't filter out the dissolved salt from winter use, or all those hoards of other nasty chemicals.

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I lease my car, why should I car how it looks?

Chances are, you'll care when the lease ends.  If you check your contract, you'll find that you're probably responsible for the appearance of your vehicle when it is returned.  If the paint is dull and lifeless (because it was never washed, polished or waxed) you could be hit with a large reconditioning fee.

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