What is Detailing? And why isn't it the same as 'valeting'?

Vehicle Detailing... it's a bit of an understated art, easily confused with valets and car washes. In truth they really are polar opposites on a spectrum of 'auto care'. Let Dagger explain, knowledge IS power after all! And an educated decision is the right decision, as well as saving you money and stress .

The main thing that separates 'detailing' from other options is in the name " Detail".

Vehicles are made up numerous different materials, glass, rubber, vinyl, leather and paint just to name a few. All of these materials are prone to wear, tear and deterioration from external, environmental and man made factors/substances that each vehicle is subjected to while being driven around or even stored.

So to get the most out of the vehicle, each material or contaminate has to be assessed and treated accordingly, detailers choose the right tool for the job from a selection of purpose chosen substances & compounds designed to decontaminate, restore and protect ,

The majority of these substances are researched, tried and tested by the detailer prior to finding the correct one for the job. In all cases one tool doesn't fix multiple jobs, a nuclear attack on the car not only damages and strips any protection, it's likely it could even have a negative effect on some areas.

When it comes to kit the best is not always the most expense, I myself find a old toothbrush one of the most effective interior cleaning tools, although no doubt I could go find a branded one for ten times the price, but in all essence its still a toothbrush probably with a wooden handle something printed on it .

Although these are pretty sexy : £24 :(

Next were going to talk cars, when I say every car is unique (and without delving into further blogs) modern paint is so particular. For example all BMWs aren't made in the same county, let alone factory, so each one differs in the type of paint finish and the depth of the clear coat (the part were trying to protect) .

BMWs by nature have very hard clear coat, meaning its very hard wearing but when scratched or defected its also hard to cut (machine polish and remove defects). In the same case a 1 Series can be different to a 2 Series , on top of that you have the vehicles added personal history with its owner i.e It may of been two bucket washed every weekend by its owner or had two Tesco drive throughs, ( I'll let you decide what's worse). ,

The variables are unlimited and each one requires the detailer to access and judge and make the right decision for YOUR car, therefore you get an individual service instead of a blanket going over (Valet) , This obviously takes more time, and therefore is more expensive!! you are in essence paying for the professionals time but results are guaranteed with associated insurances and cover being required to officially work and certain values to uphold under a banner assessing board.

Most detailers are self diagnosed with high levels of OCD when it comes to car perfection and most have multiple vehicles which they often show and drool over. Many are accredited with known assessment bodies such as PVD (Professional Valeters & Detailers Trade Association) and have had professional training in areas ranging from safe decontamination washes to ceramic coatings by company's such as Gtechniq & Carbon Collective .

And there we have it, an insight into detailing in layman's terms . In summary if you want your car perfected, individually inspected and refined using the best products for YOUR car, a guarantee it's in safe hands and its going to be cradled like a baby. Then a professional detailer is what you need. We care, and are obsessed with the result, that with the gratitude and reaction to a finished vehicle is what keeps us pushing the envelope for perfection .

Phill Jones

Founder of Dagger Detailing - Helston - Cornwall.