Our latest auto detailing article was put together was designed to take you through an entire detail from start to finish while trying to explain the mindset of one of the top detailers in the industry.

The detail was performed on a 2006 Acura TL in Nighthawk Black Pearl, some of the softest black paint out there. The washing and drying section is an excellent read to understand getting the most out of every wash to minimize adding any imperfections to your finish.

With nearly 150 photos and 8 pages of explanation, we broke this article up into multiple sections so it would load faster and be better organized to find the information you are looking for quickly and easily.

Here's an overview of what is covered:

Page 1: Overview, Pre-Detail Prep, Washing and Drying
- An overview of the detail to be performed
- Assessing the easily damaged Acura paint
- Starting the detail
- Wash the wheels, tires, and wheel wells first!
- Properly washing soft black paint
- Cleaning and washing your exhaust tips
- Engine bay detailing
- Drying black paint without adding swirls

Page 2: Clay Bar, Polishing, Protecting
- Using a clay bar to properly prep the surface
- Polishing your paint to a swirl free finish
Measuring the paint's thickness
Properly taping your vehicle prior to polishing
Choosing the right polish
Using the proper amount of polish
Results after one pass of Menzerna Power Finish on an orange pad
Polishing lower panels with problem areas
Removing deep etchings from the paint
Safely polishing the trunk lid
Removing scrapes, scratches and other deep imperfections
Safely polishing pillars
Alcohol wipe down after polishing
Post-polish clean up with ONR
- Protecting your paint with a sealant

Page 3: Finishing Touches and Interior
- Dressing your wheel wells and tires
- Detailing the interior
Start your interior by dusting
Dressing and protecting the interior
Comparing Optimum Protectant Plus to 303 Aerospace Protectant
Caring for your leather
Streak free glass
Don't forget the sunroof

Page 4: After shots of the Acura TL detail

We hope this article improves your knowledge in detailing and translates into a better finish for your vehicles.

If you have any questions on anything, please do not hesitate to ask.

Let us know what you think!

Enjoy,

George

 

Very nice and informative. I liked how there were pictures of all the products that were used, and when I click them that takes me to a link of where to buy.

 

Great write up George and Todd....every DIYer and Professional can pick up something reading this.

 

Great Article! Just ordered a Grit Guard and Lake Country Grout Sponge to add to my arsenal of detailing products.

 

Thanks so much for the thorough guide - need to do the winter prep soon....

 

thanks for the article, now to get some coffee and read it

 

Thank you. I realize now that I had no idea how to wash a car.

 

I want the guy who did the article to clean my car! I thought I did a good job, in fact I am a clean freak according to my wife... wow I suck at cleaning comapared to this article.

 

Fantastic write-up/pics. I'm gonna tackle my TT tomorrow. 70 degrees and no chance of rain
I don't have an RO, so it'll be an incomplete 'detail'. But if all goes well, I may breakdown and get a Flex. Thanks for posting.

 

This is awesome.

+rep for you

 

Amazing write up as usual by Todd!!!

 

Thanks for sharing!

 

Hi George,

Thanks for the great article. I have purchased several products from you when first introduced on NSXPRIME. I now have a black 09 MDX that already looks horrible and unfortuantely must live outside. A few questions: Do you think machining the outside is something a novice can do? Is there a special product that will make protect the paint the best since the car is outside all the time? And lastly do you have a good recomendation for a detailer here in San Diego that can get me a similar result that you had with the TL? The detailing the local car washes do is pretty horrible and consists of clay bar, wax and polish. I want a REALLY good finish like the TL in your article. Simply amazing how black looks when done correctly.

Sorry about all the questions but you are the go to guy for detailing! Thanks again for all your support!