What Actually Happens During a Full Detail
A lot of people book their first professional detail without knowing exactly what they’re getting. They know it’s more than a car wash, but the specifics are unclear. That uncertainty is worth clearing up — because understanding what goes into a full detail helps you appreciate the results and know what to expect from the process.
At AOA Detailing, a full detail is a comprehensive interior and exterior service that typically takes 4–8 hours depending on vehicle size and condition. We come to your location — your home, office, or wherever is convenient — so you don’t lose a day dropping off and picking up your vehicle.
Here’s exactly what happens, step by step.
The Exterior Process
Pre-Wash Assessment
Before we touch the vehicle, we do a walk-around inspection under proper lighting. We’re looking for paint condition, existing scratches or swirl marks, areas of heavy contamination, and any paint defects that need to be addressed. This assessment determines the approach for the rest of the detail.
Pre-Rinse and Foam Cannon
We start with a thorough rinse to remove loose dust and debris, followed by a foam cannon application. The thick foam clings to the surface and begins loosening dirt before any physical contact is made. This is a critical step for preventing wash-induced scratches.
Two-Bucket Hand Wash
Using the two-bucket method with a high-quality microfiber wash mitt and pH-neutral shampoo, we hand wash the entire exterior. We work from top to bottom, rinsing the mitt frequently to prevent contamination. Every panel, every crevice, every surface gets attention.
Iron Decontamination
After washing, we apply an iron remover to the paint surface. This chemical reacts with and dissolves embedded iron particles from brake dust and industrial fallout — contamination that washing alone can’t remove. You’ll see the chemical turn purple as it works. After dwelling, we rinse thoroughly.
Clay Bar Treatment
We clay bar the entire paint surface to remove any remaining embedded contaminants. This step is what makes the paint feel like glass rather than sandpaper. It’s essential for proper bonding of any protection applied afterward.
Paint Correction (Single-Stage Polish)
Our full detail includes a single-stage machine polish to remove light swirl marks, water spots, and surface oxidation. This step uses a dual-action polisher with a finishing compound and appropriate pad to refine the surface and enhance gloss. For vehicles with more significant paint defects, a multi-stage paint correction may be recommended as an upgrade.
Wheel and Tire Service
Wheels are cleaned with a dedicated wheel cleaner and brushes — face, spokes, and barrel. Wheel wells are cleaned and dressed. Tires are cleaned, degreased, and dressed with a UV-protective tire dressing that provides a clean, matte finish without the greasy look of cheap dressings.
Glass Treatment
All exterior glass is cleaned with a streak-free glass cleaner. We also apply a hydrophobic glass coating to the windshield, which causes water to bead and sheet off at speed — dramatically improving visibility in rain.
Paint Protection Application
The final exterior step is applying a layer of paint protection. Our full detail includes a high-quality paint sealant that provides 4–6 months of protection in Las Vegas conditions. For longer-lasting protection, we offer ceramic coating as an upgrade — a worthwhile investment if you’re planning to keep the vehicle.
Exterior Trim and Plastics
Exterior plastic trim, door jambs, and rubber seals are cleaned and dressed with a UV protectant. This prevents the fading and cracking that Las Vegas UV causes on unprotected plastic surfaces.
