One of our most popular recent events was the detailing and car care seminar hosted by Nicko Koutavas, owner of DetailedXpress. Nicko is a highly regarded, world renowned detailing expert who has detailed many premium cars, boats, and planes (including Air Force One!) These tips are based on notes taken at the event by Gary Goodman, Ted Gottfried, John & Kendal Tuck , and Jim Tullis. Thanks to Kendal for the product photos!
Contact Nicko at [email protected] or at the detailedxpress website for more information or to schedule a professional detailing for your vehicle.
Let’s start with a list of things to avoid:
Automatic car washes—especially those with brushes—brushes cause scratches!! Because an automatic car wash has to wash your car in a short amount of time and distance, it uses a high concentration of soap with a high pH level that strips everything off your car then adds some spray wax at the end.
California Dusters—since they are not self-cleaning, there is a tendency to just move dust and dirt around on the car; this can cause scratches in the paint.
Sponges & Chamois (aka “shammy”)—use a wash mitt for washing & microfiber for drying
Silicone products—avoid silicone products such as ArmorAll etc. at all costs!!
Dish washing soap—it will strip off wax
Wheel cleaners with acid or harsh chemicals
Car Washing Techniques
Use a 2-bucket system to help prevent scratching your finish. One bucket contains 
your car wash soap; the second bucket is clear water to rinse the wash mitt. Use a grit guard (typically $8-10) in the buckets to keep your mitt out of the grit that settles in the bottom of the bucket. Rub the wash mitt across the grit guard to get the dirt out of the mitt. As a side note, a grit guard is also useful for cleaning paint brushes, draining oil filters, and as a guide for tile grouting. Use a car wash soap (not a wash & wax as they contain silicone) with a low or neutral pH content such as Zymol (available for @$8 at many Wal-mart stores).
Wash your vehicle in the shade away from direct sunlight
Wash one panel at a time in the direction of air flow using a wash mitt; rinse the mitt in the clear water, then spread the mitt fibers and rub across the grit guard to get any grit to settle in the bottom of the bucket, and continue to the next panel with soapy water. Always wash from the top down.
Dry the vehicle with a high-quality microfiber (300 weight/grain) or higher; wash the microfibers by themselves at least twice before using them. Don’t use your leaf blower; a filtered pet hair dryer is OK.
Car Covers
OK to use but don’t drag them across the car—use 2 people and roll them off from the rear bumper. Store the cover in a sealed trash can or clear bin. The covers need washed periodically—but air dry them—don’t use a dryer.
Exterior Detailing Products
The DIY detailer will not have all of the resources that are available to a true professional—gauges to measure paint thickness, a scissor lift, multiple buffers, etc., but with a clean, well-lit work area, and some time and patience you can still have a great-looking vehicle. Here’s a look at some products designed for specific purposes.
Clay Bars
Clay bars are used to remove contaminants (over spray, rail dust, brake dust, industrial pollution and other bonded surface contaminants) prior to polishing and waxing. Get a clay bar that is 100% clay, not synthetic. Always use it in the shade and use either spray wax or water for lubricity. Continually fold and reshape the clay so you are using a clean portion of the clay. A typical clay bar costs @$20 and will do 1-2 cars. Clay towels are more expensive—but can do many cars. One advantage to the towel is the ability to rinse it clean if you drop it.
Menzerna, Sonax, & Rupes products
Polishing compounds—very compatible with Mercedes-Benz OEM paints
Permanon Platinum
Permanon uses nano technology and is a spray-on/ dry off surface protector that usually lasts 6-9 months on regularly driven cars. It works on any solid surface and also repels brake dust. Even though it is meant to be diluted (1 capful/liter of water), the larger quantities can be a bit pricey—at the time of our clinic a suggestion was made to share the cost with another club member. There are now smaller sizes available. Get all the information on the product and pricing here.
Nano-Clear
a “forever coating” tire black You need to wear gloves and also tape off rims as it doesn’t come off! Practice on an old tire first and don’t apply to the tread area as you will lose traction. There is a 30 minute time window per tire to complete the application—after that it is permanent.
Wipe-New & Black-Wow 22 PLE
Used to restore shine to black plastic bumpers and trim
PDP SW89 Spray Wax aka Quick Detailer—made by Ohio auto supply . Can be used on a wet car—wash, rinse, spray on, and dry. Also works as a clay bar lubricant. More info here
Iron-X
Removes brake dust and road grime from wheels. It is orange in color and turns purple as it removes the iron. Needs to be used carefully. The original version smelled pretty bad but there are now cherry and lemon scents available that will hopefully solve that problem. Sonax also makes a similar product.
Nevr-Dull— For use on all metals
Nuvite—for use on aluminum . Grades S, A, & C; C for bad condition; A is designed for a light touchup; S is finish-grade. Flannel is an amazing polishing cloth for aluminum
Glass & Interior Detailing
To get streak-free cleaning, use either 70% or 91% rubbing alcohol mixed 50/50 with water. When doing the inside glass, spray it on the towel first as it can stain the interior. In tight areas, use a paint stick or spatula with a towel wrapped around it. Hold the towel on with a rubber band if needed.
Use a cross hatch motion—for example, clean the outside using an up and down motion and clean the inside using a horizontal motion. Using this technique allows you to see if remaining dirt and streaks are on the outside or the inside of the glass. Rain-X works great on exterior glass.
303 High Tech Fabric Guard
Repels water and stains on fabric interiors and tops. Not for use on plastic or vinyl. Typically $12-15.
Interior Cleaning and Preservation
Leather Therapy and Swissvax products are recommended. 
There are cleaners, conditioners, and preservatives available in each of the brands.
Make sure you are using the right product for your interior type—leather, alcantara, etc.
When using the restorer/rejuvenation process let it sit on the surface for 24 hours –put it in sunlight or heat the seat with a hair dryer. You want it to get tacky—apply for 2-15 minutes and massage it in.
If you get material in the seat perforations, use a fine toothpick to remove.
Product Sources
Autoality is Pittsburgh-based and a source for many of these products. If you mention Nikko at DetailedXpress you should be able to get a 10% discount.
Many of the products are available at Amazon.com or by clicking on the product links in the sections above or at local Wal-Mart and auto parts stores. A google search for a specific product will often point you to a variety of resources.