Car Detailing Glossary: 22 Terms Explained
The words that show up in car detailing specs, reviews and how-to guides, explained without jargon. Open any term for the full explanation and what to look for when buying.
- Ceramic coating
- A liquid silica-based coating that bonds to paint and cures into a hard, hydrophobic layer lasting far longer than wax.
- Read more about ceramic coating
- Clay bar
- A pliable clay used with lubricant to pull bonded contaminants off paint, leaving it smooth before polishing or protection.
- Read more about clay barRelated: Best Clay Bars and Kits for Smooth, Decontaminated Paint
- Cutting compound
- An abrasive polish that removes a thin layer of clear coat to level scratches and swirls, normally followed by a finishing polish.
- Read more about cutting compoundRelated: Best Cutting Compounds for Removing Deep Scratches
- Dilution ratio
- Parts of product to parts of water, written like 1:10, where a higher second number means a weaker, gentler mix.
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- Dual-action polisher
- A machine polisher whose pad spins and oscillates at the same time, making it far more forgiving for beginners than a rotary.
- Read more about dual-action polisherRelated: Best Dual-Action Polishers
- Graphene coating
- A ceramic-style coating with graphene oxide added, marketed for reduced water spotting and slickness.
- Read more about graphene coatingRelated: Best Graphene Coatings for Durable Paint Protection
- Grit guard
- A plastic grate that sits at the bottom of a wash bucket and traps dirt below the mitt's reach.
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- Headlight restoration
- Sanding and polishing hazy, oxidized headlight plastic clear, then sealing it to slow the fog from coming back.
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- Hydrophobic
- Water-repelling. A hydrophobic surface makes water bead and roll off, carrying some dirt with it.
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- Iron remover
- A chemical that dissolves embedded brake dust and rail dust, usually turning purple as it reacts.
- Read more about iron removerRelated: Best Iron Removers for Cars and Wheels
- Microfiber towel
- A synthetic fiber towel used for drying, buffing and wiping, chosen by weave and GSM weight for the job at hand.
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- Paint correction
- Machine polishing to remove swirls, scratches and oxidation rather than hiding them under wax.
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- Paint sealant
- A synthetic polymer protectant that typically lasts longer than carnauba wax and is easier to apply than a coating.
- Read more about paint sealantRelated: Best Paint Sealants
- Paint thickness gauge
- A handheld meter that measures clear coat depth so you know how much correction a panel can safely tolerate.
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- pH-neutral shampoo
- A car wash soap around pH 7 that cleans without stripping wax, sealant or coatings.
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- Quick detailer
- A spray-on, wipe-off product for light dirt and dust that refreshes shine and beading between full washes.
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- Rinseless wash
- A diluted wash concentrate used with a wash mitt and no running water, wiped off with clean microfiber towels.
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- Snow foam
- A thick pre-wash foam applied with a foam lance or cannon that softens and lifts loose dirt before any contact wash.
- Read more about snow foamRelated: Best Foam Cannons
- Swirl marks
- Fine circular scratches in clear coat, usually caused by poor washing and drying technique, most visible in direct sunlight.
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- Two-bucket method
- Washing with one bucket of soapy water and a second of clean rinse water, often with grit guards, so dirt is not dragged back onto the paint.
- Read more about two-bucket methodRelated: Best Wash Mitts, Buckets and Grit Guards
- Waterless wash
- A spray-on lubricant that lets a lightly dirty car be wiped clean with microfiber towels and no water at all.
- Read more about waterless wash
- Wheel sealant
- A protective coating applied to clean wheels to make brake dust and grime easier to remove between washes.
- Read more about wheel sealant