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The history of detailing

The history of detailing

What came first - the wax or the car?

The beginnings of detailing, by which we mean an extremely detailed and extensive process of cleaning, polishing and waxing a vehicle, date back to 1800. It was then, in the German city of Bischofsheim, that the first wax based on animal fat was created. Its purpose was to protect the varnish paints used to paint horse-drawn carriages. Interestingly, the first car was not built until 1886, and its constructor was Carl Benz.

From abrasive paste to great automotive passion

Since then, detailing services and the range of products used in the car care process have been constantly evolving - from animal waxes, through abrasive pastes, which appeared on the market in 1900, to the first ceramic coatings, which were created in 2000. Modern auto detailing gains popularity since the 1960s and each year it gains a growing group of enthusiasts who treat this field not only as a job or a way of life, but above all as a passion and even a lifestyle.

Well cared for and cared for like a car

Auto detailing (from the British car valeting ) is a multi-stage, comprehensive process of cleaning, renovation and maintenance of the vehicle, both inside and outside the car. Its main purpose is to maximize the aesthetic and visual qualities of the vehicle. Auto detailing is characterized by exceptional precision and attention to every detail of care - comprehensive treatments can take up to several days. Often the car comes out of such an "automotive spa" in better shape than freshly leaving the showroom. No wonder that boats, yachts, motorbikes and caravans have also been subjected to detailing processes for several years.

How to take care of the exterior and interior of the vehicle?

Auto detailing is divided into internal and external detailing. Both processes are time-consuming, require knowledge, skills, as well as professional equipment, chemistry and cosmetics. External detailing is primarily paint treatments, in addition to washing and polishing, we remove metallic dirt, insects, tar and asphalt. We get rid of dents, scratches and scratches, and by correcting the paintwork, we restore its original glow and glassiness. Only on such prepared varnish can be applied wax or ceramic coating. Interior detailing is, apart from vacuuming and washing the upholstery, a series of precise regeneration and maintenance treatments in the vehicle. First of all, we clean and maintain plastics, gaskets, cockpit and air vents. Then, we clean the leather upholstery with a dedicated cleaner, and only then proceed to maintenance. The last stage is the application of dressings to all elements of the interior.

A conceptual must-have for detailing enthusiasts

In auto detailing, we come across many specialized names and concepts. We will try to introduce you to some of the most important ones:

APC - universal, multi-purpose cleaner, can be used for cleaning both inside and outside the vehicle. It will also work well for cleaning a variety of materials depending on the concentration. Dedicated products: APC Hard, APC Soft, APC ready.

AIO - a 3-in-1 agent, cleans, removes scratches and polishes the varnish, can be applied manually or with a machine. Dedicated product: AIO Super.

Cleaner - a specific product for thorough cleaning of the varnish before waxing, it may have abrasive properties. Cleans paintwork from residues of old polishing pastes and waxes. It affects the durability of the applied wax. Dedicated product: Car Paint Cleaner.

Glaze - polish, nourishes the varnish and creates the effect of a wet gloss, the so-called. wet look. Dedicated products: Hydro Wax Essentiale, Hydro Wax Ready.

Clay Bar - a plastic mass used for deep cleaning of the paintwork, leaving it perfectly clean and smooth. Dedicated product: Clay Perfect Medium.

Deaironizer - an agent used to decontaminate the paintwork, removes metallic impurities, volatile rust and tarnish from brake pads. Dedicated product: De-Iron Red.

Decontamination - a process aimed at thoroughly cleaning the paint from metal filings, volatile rust, tar, resin and asphalt. Dedicated products: Tar&Glu, De-Iron Red, Clay Perfect Medium.

Dual Action - a type of eccentric polishing machine, in addition to the rotary movement, it oscillates sideways. Due to the fairly easy operation, it is recommended for amateurs.

Lubricant - a slipping agent during claying of varnish. Dedicated product: Lubricante Clay.

Fluffy - the term for a towel for drying the varnish after washing.

IPA - isopropyl alcohol, is used for degreasing the varnish and inspecting the varnish after polishing, removes the remains of pastes, waxes and fillers.

Dedicated product: IPA Cleaner.

Pre Wash - a pre-wash process to soften and remove dirt, preparing the paintwork for the main wash. Dedicated products: PreWash line.

Ceramic coating - a protective ceramic layer applied to the varnish, it lasts up to 5 years. Deepens the color, protects against the harmful effects of weather conditions and minor scratches. It has a hydrophobic effect, applied only in detailing studios.

Sealant - polymer, synthetic wax, gives shine and protects against the harmful effects of weather conditions, more durable than natural waxes. Dedicated products: Hydro Wax Essentiale, Hydro Wax Ready.

Quick Detailer - liquid wax, cleans and protects the paintwork, removes traces of hard water, gives shine and protects against dirt settling. Dedicated product: Quick Detailer.

Quick Wax - quick spray wax, protects against the negative effects of weather conditions, deepens the color, gives shine. Dedicated product: Carnauba Wax.

One Step - one-stage paint correction.

Two Bucket - detailing washing for two buckets, minimizes the possibility of scratching the paintwork with a dirty sponge or glove.

Wafer - a towel for drying the varnish after washing, the name comes from the structure of the fabric, which resembles a waffle.

The history of detailing