Larry Castillo, the accommodating owner of LG2 Auto detailing station, shares some of his expert knowledge on how to go about the three step exterior detailing process: washing, polishing and waxing. It takes three to six hours to complete the process, depending on the size and color of the vehicle. For example, black and maroon takes longer because rain marks and swirl are more visible on darker colors," Say's Larry. But when done properly, he Say's it can last up to six months of blistering paints." but for maintenance, hand waxing is recommended every month."

Learn here how to keep your car looking like a million bucks !

Step 1: Cleaning
Why it's important : Washing a car is a uniform process, which removes surfaces dust, grime and bird/ fruit dropping from your car's body. If you want to apply kerosene, after that we do deg riming, emblems and handles," inform Larry.

How to do it:

1. wash your car thoroughly

2. If you have an old toothbrush, resurrect it for this task. an old toothbrush is gentler on your paint work.

3. Buy half a paint of rubbing compound.

4. Mix a 3:1 ratio of rubbing compound and water. This makes the compound easier to work in tighter crevices.

5. Apply the compound to your toothbrush and lightly brush around the affected area, work slowly, brushing vigorously will cut into the paint.

6. If your car's paint is over spray from a previous repair, or contamination from a nearby painting job this can be removed with a clay bar. Most bar require some kind of lubricant, like water or mild soap, to work. Use gently.

7. Fold a clean, dry flannel cloth into a point, wipe off excess rubbing compound once dried up.

Expert Tip: " We also use rubbing compound to remove rain marks and scratches."

Step 2: Polishing
Why it's important : The "swirl removing" step. " Polish is used for this step, It is a applied by hand then removed by buffing machine," Say's Larry. Swirl and light scratches are inevitable if you use your car regularly. washing with a dirty sponge may also scratch your car, while swirls and light scratches can be buffed out, deeper scratches need to be filled in or painted over.

How to do it:

1. If your car has metallic paint, determine first if you still have any clear coat left. If not, do not buff your car. You will only remove the metallic paint, testing is simple.
Apply a small amount of rubbing compound on a soft, white rag, and rub any dull area of your paint. If the color transfer to the rag, the clear coat has worn out and you need a new paint job. If no color transfer, your coat is intact and you may proceed to the next step.

2. Try to borrow a buffer, or buy one if you intend to buff regularly.

3. Buy a reputable swirl/scratch removing paste and apply by hand in a circular motion, following the directions on the container.

4. Follow you paste's instructions then use your buffer to buff out the scratches, working in a circular motion. If the buffer has a speed settings, Use medium to high speed and apply moderate pressure only. Too much pressure will cause excessive heat build up and may burn and discolor your paint!

5. Buff off the excess dry paste left in crevices with a clean flannel cloth.

Step 3. Waxing
Why it's important : "waxing provides protection and gives shine to the vehicles," explains Larry, waxing seals your paint and provide it with a layer of protection against out side elements like dust and rain by both repelling dust and allowing rain water to "bead" or group together, and slide effortlessly off the surface

How to do it:

1. Get the best wax affordable, Meguiar's is costly but superb.

2. Under a shade, apply the wax in circular motion using a foam, one section at a time.

3. Let the wax dry, polish off again with a buffing machine, moving progressively until the whole car is done.

4. Inspect the car thoroughly. Use a soft horse hair paintbrush to remove any dry wax residue.

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