Car detailing is the process of deep cleaning, enhancing and protecting a vehicle’s appearance to the highest standard. Detailing services have become extremely popular over recent years and are aimed at vehicle owners who take pride in their car’s appearance. Here at TGS Detailing in Derby we offer a range of car detailing packages to ensure every client can experience the benefits of an exceptional detailing service.

What Does Car Detailing Involve?

There are three main aspects that are involved in the process of detailing a vehicle:

  1. Deep cleaning
  2. Enhancing and restoring the condition
  3. Protecting the finish

Deep Cleaning

In order to prepare the vehicle for the subsequent two steps involved in the detailing process, the exterior and interior surfaces must first be deep cleaned. This is where car detailing goes a step further than basic washes and valets and includes the following processes:

  • Cleaning all areas of the wheel including the alloy faces, barrels, tyres, and arches
  • Pre-washing and then contact washing using microfiber mitts and soft detailing brushes to access the intricate areas
  • Decontaminating the paintwork to remove iron fallout, tar and other contaminants which cause the surface to feel rough
  • Steam cleaning the interior surfaces and floor mats to remove odours and sanitise the surfaces
  • Dusting the air vents and intricate areas such as around the controls
  • Deep cleaning the leather to remove oil and sweat residue which causes it to look shiny
  • Removing all dirt from the pedals using steam and interior cleaners

Using Safe Techniques

Not only are all the interior and exterior surfaces cleaned to the highest standard, but they are also done so in a manner that is safe for the condition of the vehicle.

Improper techniques which are used at automatic and roadside car wash services damage the paintwork causing it to look dull and tired. They use abrasive tools such as sponges and brushes which scratch the clear coat paint layer, and aggressive chemicals which can promote staining and rusting.

Instead, at TGS Detailing we use the highest quality chemicals which are safe for the exterior and interior surfaces, and invest in the best microfiber wash mitts and towels to prevent the infliction of clear coat damage. We also use safe wash techniques such as:

  • Thoroughly pre-washing the vehicle before using a wash mitt to ensure as much abrasive dirt as possible is removed prior to making contact with the paintwork
  • Using high quality car shampoo in conjunction with the two-bucket safe wash method to safely removing the remaining dirt and traffic film from the vehicle
  • Using ultra-soft microfibre towels and wash mitts when making contact with the paintwork

In order to give the exterior of the vehicle a very deep clean, we also use chemical and decontamination methods to remove surface contaminants which build up over time causing the paintwork and glass to feel rough. This includes tar removal, iron fallout deposit removal, and clay barring to ensure the surface is completely clean and smooth before moving onto the next stage of the detailing process.

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Enhancement & Restoration

The next step is to improve the cosmetic condition of the vehicle by enhancing the paintwork and other areas such as the exhaust tips, badges and even headlights.

Modern vehicles have a clear coat layer of paint which is used to shield the base (colour) coat underneath it. This clear coat layer can be easily scratched during the wash process if improper tools and techniques are used, as discussed previously.

The vast majority of vehicles on the road have these clear coat imperfections. Even brand-new cars often have clear coat defects which are either inflicted at the factory or the dealership prior to collection. These imperfections cause the paintwork to look dull and flat, and are very visible in direct sunlight where they often resemble spiderwebs and swirls.

In order to remove these scratches and swirl marks, the paintwork must be machine polished. This is the process by which a very thin layer of the damaged clear coat paint is removed to reveal a fresh, flat layer which reflects light evenly and looks ultra-glossy.

Here at TGS Detailing we offer two machine polishing packages:

  • Single-stage machine polish: this is suitable for vehicles with lighter scratches and swirl marks.
  • Two-stage machine polish: this involves the use of a first stage to remove heavier defects and a second stage to refine the clear coat to a mirror finish.

If you are unsure which package is suitable for your vehicle we can advise using the latest LED lighting technology on the market to identify the defects and recommend the best option for your car. Our machine polishing packages both come with a ceramic coating included to ensure that the glossy finish is locked-in and protected.

Protecting the Finish

The final stage of the car detailing process is to protect the hard work that has been put into cleaning and restoring the finish during the previous two stages.

Protecting the paintwork has the following benefits:

  • It enhances the gloss and shine
  • It creates a hydrophobic effect which helps to keep the vehicle cleaner for longer
  • It shields the paintwork from contaminants such as mineral deposits, tar, tree sap, and bird poo
  • It offers UV protection

In our deep clean package, we include the application of a 12-month spray sealant which provides an excellent level of protection at an affordable price point.

In our machine-polishing packages we include the application of a ceramic coating. You also have the option to upgrade to a 3-year, 5-year or 7-year ceramic coating. Ceramic coatings not only offer increased durability in comparison to sealants and waxes, but they also provide exceptional gloss, slickness, and hardness in order to preserve the finish as much as possible.

Other exterior and interior surfaces can also be protected including:

  • Alloy wheels – to keep the wheels cleaner for longer and protect them against corrosive brake dust
  • Glass – coated glass is very hydrophobic so water beads up and rolls off the windscreen to improve visibility in the rain
  • Plastic trim – this restores a darkened finish to black exterior plastics often found on Minis and SUVs and protects against fading
  • Exhaust and chrome trim – to prevent staining and protect against carbon deposits
  • Leather – to shield it from UV, friction and dye transfer so it does not wear prematurely
  • Fabrics – to protect the surface from spillages and subsequent staining
  • Interior plastics – to protect against UV, spillages and provide an anti-static effect to reduce dust build-up

What is the Difference Between Detailing and Valeting?

Car detailing goes a step further than valeting in that it also involves enhancing & correcting the finish, and protecting the surfaces. Valeting on the other hand focuses more on just the cleaning aspect and often does not include stages like tar & iron deposit removal. As a result, valeting services are less expensive but do not have as much of a visual impact.

The quality of valeting services available in the UK also varies wildly. Very low-cost valeting services often do not incorporate safe-wash methods into the package, and as a result are more likely to cause scratches and swirl marks in the paintwork.

At TGS Detailing we offer interior and exterior valeting packages but always incorporate safe-wash methods into every service we deliver so you have peace of mind that your vehicle is being properly cared for.

What is a Ceramic Coating?

Ceramic coatings are liquid polymers which when applied to the surface of the vehicle, harden to form a tough layer of protection. Ceramic coatings offer the following advantages:

  • Exceptional durability – ceramic coatings can last up to 7-years so are on a completely different level compared to waxes and sealants which typically last up to 6 months
  • Wash-marring resistance – although not scratch-proof, ceramic coatings are harder than conventional clear coat paint so provide some level of abrasion resistance
  • Chemical resistance – ceramic coatings help shield the paintwork from road salt and traffic film, and also environmental contaminants such as tar, iron fallout, bird poo, and tree sap
  • Extreme gloss – not only does the preparation process to apply a ceramic coating greatly increase the gloss-levels, the coating itself enhances this characteristic
  • Ultra-hydrophobicity – this makes the vehicle easier to clean and also helps to reduce the amount of dirt and traffic film which sticks to the car, keeping it cleaner for longer between washes

Ceramic coatings can be applied to the paintwork, glass, alloys, exhaust, trim and even interior surfaces such as the dashboard and leather. At TGS Detailing we offer a range of 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 5-year and 7-year ceramic coatings.

What is Paint Protection Film?

Paint protection film, more commonly referred to as “PPF”, is a transparent film which is applied to the exterior surfaces of a vehicle to provide it with the ultimate level of protection. PPF has the following benefits:

  • It is the industry-leading method for preventing scratches and stone-chips, and provides significantly more abrasion-resistance than a ceramic coating
  • It shields the paintwork from chemicals and environmental contamination (tar, tree sap, road salt etc.)
  • It creates a hydrophobic finish which helps to keep the paintwork cleaner for longer
  • It provides unparalleled UV protection

PPF is thicker and harder than a ceramic coating so provides more protection. Typically, PPF is between 7-10 mils thick and for a reference, the clear coat layer of paint on a car is only 1.5-3 mils thick on average. PPF is usually transparent so does not alter the finish of the vehicle, but it is possible to get tinted and matte PPF if you are also looking for a visual alteration.

On average, PPF lasts for 7-10 years before it needs to be replaced. All reputable PPF installers will offer a warranty. It is essential that PPF is applied by a fully trained professional as it is a highly skilled process and improper technique will lead to a poor finish and longevity.

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What is Machine Polishing?

Machine polishing is the process of removing a fine layer of damaged clear coat paint to reveal a fresh layer which is free from imperfections. The result is the removal or minimisation of clear coat defects (scratches and swirl marks) and enhanced gloss.

Machine polishing is essential before applying long-term protection such as a ceramic coating. Otherwise, surface defects will be “locked-in” by the coating and cannot be corrected without removing it. Additionally, machine polishing the surface (and the previous preparation steps involved), ensure the paintwork is prepared properly to allow the coating to bond fully.

There are various degrees of machine polishing available which are necessary to address the different levels of defects present in the clear coat. For example, at TGS Detailing we offer single-stage and two-stage machine polishing packages with the former aimed at addressing minor defects and the latter being designed to address deeper imperfections.

What is a Maintenance Detail?

A maintenance detail is typically performed every 2-4 weeks on a vehicle which has been previously detailed. Maintenance detailing services involve safely cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces to ensure they stay looking fresh and ensure that the protection which was previously applied continues to perform to its maximum capability.

At TGS Detailing we offer a place on our maintenance scheme to previous clients who have had their vehicles detailed by ourselves. This involves a safe exterior wash, interior vacuum and wipe-down. We recommend that this is carried out on a monthly basis.

Do New Cars Need Detailing?

New cars need detailing for two reasons:

  1. Clear coat defects are often inflicted at the factory or dealership prior to collecting the vehicle. 
  2. To protect the finish and keep the vehicle looking as new as possible for as long as possible.

We offer a New Car Detail Package which starts at £449 and includes a deep clean, single-stage machine polish, and a 3-year ceramic coating to ensure your vehicle looks the best on the road.

Which Detailing Products Do You Use?

We use products from several leading manufacturers such as Pyramid Car Care, Performance PPL, and Gtechniq. Here are the types of chemicals that we use in our detailing services:

  • Alloy wheel cleaners – specifically formulated to tackle brake dust and road grime
  • Snow foam – to remove as much dirt as possible prior to making contact with the paintwork
  • pH Neutral Car Shampoo – to safely and gently clean the exterior surfaces of the vehicle
  • Tar remover – to carefully remove stubborn tar deposits
  • Iron remover – to remove iron deposits which become embedded in the paintwork from industrial fallout, brake dust and railway lines
  • Clay bars – to fully decontaminate the paintwork so it feels ultra-smooth
  • Polishes and compounds – to machine polish the paintwork and remove clear coat defects
  • Panel wipe solutions – to remove oils and residues to ensure the protective products can bond properly to the surface
  • Ceramic coatings and spray sealants – to lock-in the gloss and keep the vehicle cleaner for longer
  • Tyre and trim dressings – to restore a dark finish and protect against UV
  • Glass cleaners – designed specifically for automotive glass to prevent damage to tints
  • Interior cleaners – to safely and effectively remove dirt and sanitise the surfaces

What Detailing Services Do You Offer?

Here at TGS Detailing we offer the following detailing services:

  • Deep clean and decontamination
  • Single-stage machine polishing
  • Two-stage machine polishing
  • Ceramic coating
  • Interior detailing

For more information regarding our packages and prices please visit our car detailing service page.

Why Choose TGS Detailing?

Book your car in with Tom at TGS Detailing.