The Detailing Guide: Step-by-Step Plan for a Showroom Finish

Everyone wants a car that shines like it just left the showroom. With the right products and a solid step-by-step plan, you can achieve that perfect shine yourself. In this guide, I'll take you step-by-step through a complete detailing routine , from pre-wash to ceramic protection, with all the tools you need.

🧼 Step 1: Pre-wash (Foam & Bug Removal)

🧴 Ingredients:

• Foam sprayer

• Wash & foam

• Bug & tar remover

Start with a thorough pre-wash to loosen as much dirt as possible before touching the paint. This prevents scratches.

1. Fill your foam sprayer with Wash & Foam and cover the entire car with a thick layer of foam.

2. Let the foam work for 5–10 minutes.

3. Treat the front, mirrors and bumpers with Bug & Tar Remover and a soft cloth or brush.

4. Rinse everything thoroughly with a pressure washer.

🔧 Step 2: Clean rims and tires

🧴 Ingredients:

• Wheel & tire cleaner

• Wheel whoolies (3-piece)

• Tire brush

Your wheels and tires take a beating. Give them the attention they deserve.

1. Spray Wheel & Tire Cleaner liberally onto rims and tires.

2. Use the Wheel Whoolies to get between the spokes and into the inside of the rim.

3. Use the Tire Brush to remove dirt and old tire shine.

4. Rinse.

🧲 Step 3: Remove iron particles (Iron remover)

🧴 Ingredients:

• Iron remover

After the pre-wash, iron particles may still remain, especially on paint and rims.

1. Spray Iron remover on the paint (especially the sides and back) and wheels.

2. Wait until the liquid turns purple (reaction with iron).

3. Rinse thoroughly.

🧽 Step 4: Hand wash

🧴 Ingredients:

• Wash & foam

• Wash mitt

• 2 buckets (with grit guards)

Now that the coarse dirt is gone, it's time for a gentle hand wash.

1. Fill bucket 1 with soapy water (Wash & Foam), bucket 2 with clean water.

2. Dip your wash mitt in soapy water, wash a panel, rinse the mitt in bucket 2.

3. Work from top to bottom, panel by panel.

4. Rinse.

🧼 Step 5: Decontaminate Paint (Clay Bar)

🧴 Ingredients:

• Clay bar

• Detailing spray or soap as a lubricant

If you still feel a "grainy" surface after washing, there's still some contamination.

1. Spray detailing spray or soapy water on a small area.

2. Gently rub the clay bar over the surface until it feels smooth.

3. Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth .

💦 Step 6: Drying

🧴 Ingredients:

• MERON drying towel

Drying is essential to prevent water spots.

1. Place the MERON drying towel on the surface and slowly pull it towards you.

2. Work methodically and carefully, without pressure.

✨ Step 7: Apply ceramic protection

🧴 Ingredients:

• Ceramic coating spray

• Microfiber applicator

• Microfiber cloth

Give your paintwork long-lasting protection and a deep shine.

1. Spray the ceramic coating spray on a microfiber applicator or directly onto the panel.

2. Rub evenly in straight lines.

3. Allow to soak in briefly (follow the instructions on the packaging).

4. Scrub with a clean microfiber cloth .

🛞 Step 8: Finishing the tires

🧴 Ingredients:

• Tire shine

• Microfiber Applicator

Black, shiny tires complete the picture.

1. Apply tire shine to an applicator pad.

2. Rub evenly over the tire sidewalls.

3. Let it soak in for a while for a beautiful satin or glossy finish.

🪑 Step 9: Interior care

🧴 Ingredients:

• Leather & interior cleaner

• Microfiber cloth

• Brush set (3-piece)

A fresh interior makes the ride even more pleasant.

1. Spray Leather & Interior on a cloth or directly onto the surface.

2. Use the brush set to clean seams, ventilation grilles and buttons.

3. Wipe with a microfiber cloth .

✅ Finally: Check & touch-ups

Walk around the car and check for water droplets, missed spots, or product residue. Touch up minor imperfections with a soft microfiber cloth.

🏁 Result: Showroom condition achieved

With this step-by-step plan and the right products, your car will not only have a radiant appearance but also a protective layer that will last for months. It won't just look great, but it'll also stay clean and protected from the elements for longer.