Wash, decon wash or exterior detail: what's the difference?

What does a hand wash actually do?

A wash removes what's sitting on top of the paint: road film, dust, pollen and the grime a wet Snohomish County winter leaves behind. It's the most important thing you can do for your paint, simply because it happens most often.

APC washes by hand with a rinseless or waterless method. Instead of blasting the car with a hose, a lubricating wash solution lifts dirt so it can be wiped away safely. It's environmentally friendly and uses a fraction of the water of a traditional wash.

What does a decontamination wash add?

Some contamination bonds to the paint and won't come off with soap and a mitt: tiny iron particles from brake dust and rail lines, tree sap mist and embedded road grit. A decontamination wash adds an iron remover and a clay treatment to pull those out. Think of it as a facial for your paint: a regular wash cleans the surface, a decon cleans the pores.

Read more in what is a decontamination wash.

What makes an exterior detail different?

An exterior detail starts with the wash and clay decontamination, then adds a single-stage polish. Polishing removes a thin layer of the clear coat to soften light swirls and bring back gloss. A single-stage polish aims for about 80% of perfect, which is a big visible improvement for most daily drivers.

The paint is then sealed with a sealant, which adds shine and helps water and grime release. The driver's area also gets a complimentary vacuum and wipe-down.

Which one should I choose?

If the paint feels smooth and looks good, a wash is enough. If it feels rough to the touch after washing, choose a decontamination wash. If it looks dull, hazy or swirled, an exterior detail is the right call. If you want longer lasting protection than a sealant, Ceramic Pro Sport replaces the sealant with a real Ceramic Pro coating.

Frequently asked questions

Is a decontamination wash the same as a detail?

No. A decontamination wash cleans the paint deeply but does not polish it or add a sealant. An exterior detail includes the decontamination step and then polishes and seals the paint.

Will an exterior detail remove all scratches?

No. The single-stage polish in an exterior detail aims for about 80% of perfect. Deeper scratches need paint correction, and some are too deep to remove safely.

What is Ceramic Pro Sport?

It is an exterior detail topped with Ceramic Pro Sport, a real Ceramic Pro coating with a 6-month warranty, instead of a sealant. It sits below a full coating package in gloss, protection and longevity.