Car Detailing Course

Lesson 1 • Tools and Equipment Fundamentals

Introduces hand tools, machine polishers, and accessories by category and function. Builds equipment literacy needed before hands-on application begins.

Lesson 2 • Understanding Paint and Surfaces

Explains automotive paint layer structure and common substrate types. Connects surface knowledge to correct product and technique selection.

Lesson 3 • Detailing Industry Overview

Covers professional detailing scope, service tiers, and client expectations. Establishes context for all technical skills taught throughout the course.

Lesson 4 • Workspace Setup and Safety

Covers proper detailing bay layout, ventilation, chemical storage, and PPE. Ensures students operate safely and efficiently in any work environment.

Lesson 1 • Leather Cleaning and Conditioning

Cleans, conditions, and protects leather seats and panels using pH-balanced products. Prevents cracking and fading while restoring suppleness and colour depth.

Lesson 2 • Vacuuming and Compressed Air

Combines compressed air agitation with vacuum extraction for thorough debris removal. Proper sequencing prevents redepositing dirt onto cleaned surfaces.

Lesson 3 • Fabric and Carpet Extraction

Applies pre-treatment, agitation, and hot water extraction to fabric and carpet. Extraction removes embedded soils that vacuuming alone cannot address.

Lesson 4 • Hard Surface and Trim Cleaning

Cleans dashboard, door panels, centre console, and vents with appropriate chemistry. Prevents product buildup and surface damage on sensitive electronics areas.

Lesson 5 • Interior Inspection and Preparation

Establishes a pre-clean inspection checklist and debris removal sequence. Systematic preparation prevents cross-contamination and missed areas.

Lesson 1 • Engine Bay Safety Protocols

Covers electrical component protection, cool-down requirements, and chemical selection. Safety protocols prevent costly damage to sensors, wiring, and seals.

Lesson 2 • Engine Bay Cleaning Process

Applies degreaser, agitates with brushes, and rinses systematically from back to front. Structured sequence prevents dirty water from contaminating cleaned areas.

Lesson 3 • Engine Bay Dressing and Protection

Applies trim and rubber dressings to restore appearance and protect components. Dressing selection affects both aesthetics and long-term material preservation.

Lesson 1 • Scheduling and Workflow Management

Organises daily job scheduling, supply inventory, and multi-vehicle workflow. Efficient scheduling maximises revenue and prevents bottlenecks.

Lesson 2 • Client Intake and Vehicle Inspection

Documents pre-existing damage, sets service expectations, and obtains client authorisation. Intake process protects both detailer and client from disputes.

Lesson 3 • Service Menu Development

Builds tiered service packages from basic wash to full correction and coating. Clear menu structure simplifies client decisions and increases average ticket value.

Lesson 4 • Job Pricing and Estimating

Calculates cost of goods, labour time, and overhead to set profitable prices. Accurate estimating prevents undercharging and scope creep on complex jobs.

Lesson 1 • Two-Bucket Wash Method

Demonstrates the two-bucket system with grit guards to prevent swirl induction. Reinforces safe contact-wash habits as the professional standard.

Lesson 2 • Clay Bar and Mechanical Decontamination

Teaches clay bar lubrication, technique, and contamination assessment. Achieves a glass-smooth surface required for effective paint correction.

Lesson 3 • Pre-Wash and Rinsing Techniques

Teaches foam cannon application, wheel pre-soak, and pressure rinsing sequences. Loosens heavy contamination before contact washing to minimize scratching.

Lesson 4 • Wheel and Tyre Detailing

Covers wheel-specific cleaners, brushes, and tyre dressing application. Wheels require dedicated chemistry and tools distinct from paint surfaces.

Lesson 1 • Pad Selection and Pairing

Explains foam, microfiber, and wool pad densities and their correction roles. Pad and compound pairing determines the actual cut and finish achieved.

Lesson 2 • Multi-Stage Paint Correction

Executes compound, polish, and finishing stages to achieve maximum defect removal. Delivers show-quality results on heavily defected or neglected paint.

Lesson 3 • Single-Stage Paint Correction

Performs one-step correction on moderately defected paint using a single product. Efficient for light defects and time-sensitive service scenarios.

Lesson 4 • Machine Polisher Operation

Covers speed settings, arm movement, pressure, and panel overlap technique. Proper machine operation is the foundation of consistent, safe correction.

Lesson 5 • Compound and Polish Selection

Matches abrasive cut levels to defect severity and paint hardness. Choosing the least aggressive effective combination protects clear coat longevity.

Lesson 1 • Trim, Plastic, and Glass Protection

Applies dedicated protectants to exterior trim, rubber seals, and glass surfaces. Each substrate requires chemistry matched to its material properties.

Lesson 2 • Paint Sealant Application

Applies synthetic polymer sealants for extended durability over carnauba wax. Sealants bond chemically to paint and resist UV, water, and contaminants.

Lesson 3 • Carnauba Wax Application

Covers paste and liquid wax application, cure time, and buffing technique. Wax delivers warm gloss and short-term protection ideal for show vehicles.

Lesson 4 • Ceramic Coating Fundamentals

Introduces SiO2-based coatings, surface prep requirements, and panel flash technique. Ceramic coatings demand the highest prep standard of any protection product.

Lesson 1 • Lighting and Inspection Tools

Covers LED inspection lights, paint depth gauges, and cross-hatch lighting angles. Accurate defect mapping depends entirely on proper lighting technique.

Lesson 2 • Identifying Common Paint Defects

Catalogues swirl marks, scratches, water spots, oxidation, and holograms visually. Students distinguish defect types to select the correct correction approach.

Lesson 3 • Paint Depth and Correction Safety

Explains clear coat thickness limits and safe material removal thresholds. Prevents paint burn-through by teaching measurement-based correction decisions.