Confused by the jargon? Here is the definitive dictionary of auto detailing terms.
A
- APC (All Purpose Cleaner): A versatile cleaning chemical used for engine bays, interiors, and wheels. It usually needs to be diluted based on the surface dirtyness.
B
- Beading: The phenomenon where water forms tight, round droplets on the paint surface, indicating a high level of protection (wax or ceramic).
- Buffer Trails (Holograms): Faint, sweeping scratches left by improper use of a rotary polisher.
C
- Ceramic Coating: A liquid polymer (SiO2) that bonds chemically with the vehicle’s paint, creating a permanent layer of protection.
- Clay Bar: A synthetic putty used to physically remove embedded contaminants (brake dust, sap) from the paint surface.
- Compound: An aggressive abrasive liquid used to remove heavy scratches and defects from paint.
D
- DA Polisher (Dual Action): A machine polisher that spins and oscillates simultaneously, making it safer for beginners than rotary polishers.
I
- Iron Decontamination: Using a chemical spray (usually turning purple) to dissolve ferrous metal particles embedded in the paint.
O
- Orange Peel: A texture in the paint that resembles the skin of an orange, caused by improper painting techniques at the factory or body shop.
S
- Swirl Marks: Millions of tiny, circular scratches caused by improper washing (e.g., automatic car washes), visible under direct sunlight.
T
- Two-Bucket Method: A washing technique using one bucket for soap and one for rinsing the mitt, designed to prevent scratching the paint.