SULLY'S DETAILING

Q: Why should I have my car detailed instead of bringing it to the automated car wash?

A: Automatic car washes are unsafe for your car’s paint. For starters, they use harsh chemicals that strip the car of its wax coating. And even if that wasn’t bad enough, the brushes in automated car washes may cause scratches in the paint of your car (called marring or swirls). Not only do car washes take away the protection of your car’s paint, but they also damage it.

Q: Why should I bother having my car detailed if I am selling it?

A: You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression! Showing a clean, well-detailed vehicle to a potential buyer will let your car speak for itself. It also shows that the car was taken care of and not cosmetically neglected. Having a clean and detailed car can sometimes add significant value to your car.

Q: What does Sully’s Detailing do to protect the paint on my vehicle?

A: We use a three-coat procedure. The first coat is a polish, the second coat is a top-of-the line paint sealant, and the third is a pure carnuba wax. This procedure enhances the shine and durability of the wax, protecting your vehicle’s paint finish.

Q: How long does a wax job last?

A: Generally speaking, wax lasts anywhere between 4-8 weeks. But because we take pride in our work, use nothing but high quality products, and apply the wax in the aforementioned three steps, the high quality wax will last 4-6 months.

Q: How should I wash my car in between waxing?

A: We offer affordable wash maintenance programs in between waxing (link in services page?). However, if you prefer to do it yourself, we strongly suggest using car wash/wax soap (affiliate link?) made to help keep wax on vehicles. This means you should never use dish detergent and only use a clean wool mitt. And be sure to always use a microfiber towel when drying your vehicle.

Q: My local carwash offers detailing at half the prices of most professional detailer services! What’s the difference?

A: This is a very good question! First of all, the term “detailing” is widely misused in the industry. A true detail consists of three distinct tasks:
meticulous cleaning
professional swirl-free polishing
protection of surfaces

Unfortunately, many carwashes simply cover dirt with shiny, greasy solvent-based dressings. Not only does this trap the dirt inside whatever surface it’s applied to, but the solvents in many of these dressings actually damage your vehicle’s paint. What’s more, many inexperienced workers (at many mass-production carwashes) will run a high-speed buffer over your paint. This damages your paint and causes those ugly swirls and halograms. And they may even wax over deeply-embedded dirt.

The art and science of detailing isn’t as simple as “pick up the rag and wax on, then wax off.” It requires experience and an intricate knowledge of how to work with surface coatings such as paint. So while an inexperienced person at a run-of-the-mill carwash gets paid less than $8 per hour, Sullys Detailing stakes our reputation on our work. Each time, every time.

The bottom line is this: you get what you pay for!

Q: When I bought my new car, the salesman told me I have a clear coat on my paint and it NEVER needs waxing. Is this true?

A: Nope, it’s false! A “clear coat” is simply part of the paint system used on most cars and trucks manufactured since the early 1990s. This paint process consists of two steps:

1. Painting the color “flat” – without any shine, protection, or durability
2. After the color has been added, clear urethane paint is added to make the finish hard and glossy.

Older (pre 1990′s and some newer) paints consist of a single stage paint, where the gloss and hardness is mixed with the color. Today’s clear coats simply make the paint look much more translucent with a deeper shine. The fact is, both paint systems MUST be waxed or sealed to protect them from the sun, pollution and other harmful elements. If you do not wax your car, the sun and elements of nature will eat away at your clear coat and cause oxidation. This tremendously lowers the value of your vehicle.

Q: My dealer added a paint sealant and said my car will never need waxing again, is this true?

A: Nope, false again! This is one of the biggest marketing hypes we have ever seen!

The truth is, paint sealant lasts longer then wax. So instead of having to be re-applied every 4-8 weeks, it only needs to be applied every 4-6 months. Yes you never have to “wax” your vehicle again, but you still have to apply the paint sealant every 4-6 months. If you paid the dealer for this coating, you will find that the contract requires you to have this re-applied at specified intervals to maintain the warranty. Waxing is a completely safe alternative, but only lasts about a month (spray on wax from a carwash may only last about a week). Sully’s Detailing only uses top-of-the line polymer paint sealant that will last 4-6 months.

Q: Buffing and waxing are the same thing, aren’t they?

A: Actually, no! Wax is simply a protective element that is applied to the paint surface. While waxing may help add some shine to the paint, it should not be confused with buffing. Buffing, on the other hand, is a paint correction process that utilizes a high-speed rotary buffing machine. This process is used to remove superficial scratches, blemishes, swirl marks, and fading of a paint surface.

The process consists of starting with a “compound” used to aggressively remove the damaged paint surface. After the compund is applied, a series of polishes are used to smooth and restore the paint to a hi-gloss finish.

Q: Why do I need wax or a polymer sealant on my car?

A: Waxes and sealants are the only way to protect your vehicle’s finish. Rain, acid rain, snow, sunlight, bugs, tar, road grime, pollen, and bird droppings can all eat through your paint’s clearcoat. Keeping your car well-protected will reduce the chances of these elements harming your vehicle. Not only do waxes and sealants protect your vehicle, they also give it a high-gloss finish and shine. Having your car waxed or sealed is no less important than changing your oil.

Q: My car’s paint has a clear coat – do I still need wax?

A: Yes!

Q: My car is new. Do I still need it detailed?

A: Absolutely! New cars have been sitting on the lot or have been in transit for months before you get in and drive it home. New car dealerships rarely carry out full details on new vehicles, so there are many contaminants in your car’s paint right after you drive it off the lot! Having your new car detailed will start you off on the right foot and ensure that that car’s paint is properly sealed and waxed.

Q: Can I have my car polished but not waxed?

A: Polishing your car is what brings out the depth, gloss and shine. This is what gives you that “wet look” that most car enthusiasts crave. Polishing adds no protection to your vehicle and strips any previous coat of wax on the paint. This is why it is an absolute must to have you vehicle waxed or synthetically sealed after polishing to “lock in” the polish and protect your vehicle.

Have any questions or comments? Let us know below in the comments!