Most of the swirl marks you see on a daily driver in the sun were not caused by driving. They were caused by washing: spinning brushes at the car wash, a dirty mitt dragged across the paint, a dry towel pushing grit around. A detail done carelessly does exactly the same thing — it just costs more.
That is the difference between a $20 hand wash and a real detail. Here is how we detail a car so it leaves better than it came in, every single time.
Short version: a swirl-safe two-bucket hand wash, decontamination, a deep interior clean with steam and extraction, paint correction when the paint needs it, then protection and a walk-around inspection with you before you leave.
1. A swirl-safe wash
Every detail starts with a two-bucket hand wash using a pH-neutral soap: one bucket for the soapy mitt, one to rinse the grit out of it before it touches the paint again. Wheels, tires and door jambs are cleaned, and the car is dried with clean microfiber. No brushes, no shortcuts that put swirls in.
2. Decontamination
Washing removes the dirt that sits on the paint. It does not remove what has bonded to it — iron particles from brake dust, tree sap, tar and bug residue. On SS Revive and up, the paint gets an iron decontamination, a clay bar treatment and bug, tar and sap removal, so it feels smooth as glass and sealants and coatings can bond properly.
3. A deep interior clean
A full vacuum of the seats, carpets and trunk, the dash, console and door panels wiped down, interior glass and mirrors cleaned, and the vents, seams and cup holders that quick valets skip. On SS Revive, the seats, carpets and upholstery are steam-cleaned and extracted, stains are treated, leather is conditioned and floor mats are shampooed. More on that in our interior detailing guide.
4. Paint correction, when the paint needs it
Correction is machine polishing that removes a microscopically thin layer of clear coat to level out swirls, light scratches and oxidation. Done well, it brings back gloss that looked gone for good. Done carelessly, it burns through the clear coat or leaves holograms behind. We work under hex lights that show every defect, check paint depth as we go and choose the least aggressive step that gets the result, so the paint keeps as much clear coat as possible.
| Correction | What it does | Coupe / sedan | SUV / truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| One step | Single-stage compound; removes most swirls, light scratches and oxidation | $499 | $649 |
| Two step | Compound plus polish; removes deeper scratches and defects | $999 | $1,199 |
| Three step | Full restoration for maximum gloss and depth; the perfect base for a coating | $1,499 | $1,999 |
Every correction includes the two-bucket wash, wheels, decontamination, clay as needed and a wax sealant to finish. If you plan to ceramic coat the car, correction comes first, because the coating locks in whatever is underneath it.
5. Protect and inspect
A spray sealant or a ceramic protection goes on, depending on the package. Then we walk around the car with you before you leave and make a final touch-up pass on anything that was missed. On SS Revive, you also get before-and-after photos.
Detail packages
| Package | What you get | Price (sedan) |
|---|---|---|
| SS Refresh | Full detail inside and out: two-bucket wash, wheels, jambs, glass, 30–60 day spray sealant, full vacuum and interior wipe-down | $229 |
| SS Revive | Everything in Refresh, plus decontamination and clay, trim restoration, 90-day sealant, steam cleaning and extraction, stain treatment, leather conditioning and mat shampoo | $349 |
| SS Armor | Everything in Revive, plus single-stage paint correction, a 4–6 month ceramic sealant on paint, wheels, trim and glass, headlight clarity, engine bay and a 30-day check-in | $699 |
| SS Access | Monthly membership: unlimited quick details with a full exterior and interior refresh, priority scheduling and discounts | $219 / month |
Upcharges for all detail packages: SUV +$25, truck +$40, van +$50. Pet hair removal, stain removal, odor removal and dent removal are available as extras.
While you wait
Basic and full details are typically done within 30 to 90 minutes. Our waiting room has free WiFi, coffee and snacks, with a clear view of your car while we work. Paint correction and ceramic packages take longer, and you get an exact time when you book. The studio is licensed, insured and secure, so your car is protected the whole time it is with us.
Quick answers
What is the difference between Refresh and Revive?
Refresh is a full clean inside and out. Revive adds decontamination and clay, steam cleaning and extraction, stain treatment and leather conditioning.
Do I need paint correction?
If the paint looks hazy or covered in fine circular scratches in the sun, correction is what removes them. A wash and sealant alone will not. We look at the paint under our lights and tell you honestly what it needs.
How often should I get a detail?
A full detail every three to four months keeps most daily drivers in great shape. If you want it done every week, that is what the SS Access membership is for.
Want your car to leave better than it came in?
Tell us the car and the package you want, and we will confirm a time, usually the same business day.