Detailing the outside of a car involves several steps to thoroughly clean, restore, and protect the vehicle's paint and exterior surfaces. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to detail the outside of a car:

1. Pre-Clean and Wash

• Pre-Clean: Start by rinsing the car to remove loose dirt and debris. Use a pressure washer if available.
• Wash: Use a pH-neutral car shampoo and a microfiber wash mitt. Wash the car from the top down in sections, rinsing the mitt frequently to avoid scratching the paint with dirt particles.

2. Clean the Wheels and Tires

• Wheel Cleaning: Use a dedicated wheel cleaner and a soft brush or sponge to clean the wheels and tires. Be sure to address brake dust and road grime.
• Tire Dressing: After cleaning, apply a tire dressing for a glossy finish and protection.

3. Decontaminate

• Iron Removal: Spray an iron remover product on the paint and wheels to dissolve embedded metallic contaminants.
• Claying: Use a clay bar or clay mitt with a clay lubricant to remove any remaining surface contaminants from the paint.

4. Dry the Vehicle

• Drying: Use clean microfiber towels or a car dryer/blower to dry the vehicle completely. Avoid air drying to prevent water spots.

5. Polish

• Polishing: If the paint looks dull or has light scratches, use a polishing compound with a dual-action polisher or by hand to enhance the shine and smoothness of the surface.
• Scratch Removal: For deeper scratches, you may need a more abrasive compound or a spot treatment.

6. Protect

• Waxing: Apply a carnauba wax or a synthetic sealant to all painted surfaces to protect the paint and enhance its shine.
• Ceramic Coating (optional): For longer-lasting protection, consider applying a ceramic coating that can last for years.

7. Treat Exterior Plastics and Rubber

• Protection: Use a trim restorer or protectant on exterior plastics and rubber to restore color and protect from UV damage.

8. Clean Windows and Mirrors

• Glass Cleaning: Use an automotive glass cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth to clean all the windows and mirrors.

9. Final Inspection

• Inspect: Walk around the vehicle to ensure all areas are clean and properly treated. Touch up any spots if necessary.

Additional Tips

• Work in the Shade: Always try to work in a shaded area to prevent products from drying too quickly, which can leave residue.
• Regular Maintenance: Regularly maintain the detailing job by washing the car frequently and applying a quick detailer spray to enhance the shine and protection.

Following these steps ensures a comprehensive exterior detailing that not only improves the appearance of your car but also protects its surfaces from environmental elements.