Car Detailing Glossary

- RIDS (Random Isolated Deeper Scratch): linear scratches deeper than swirls. They are literally scratches in the paint and can be of varying depths. Depending on the severity of the damage, they can be totally or partially eliminated using polishing.

- HOLOGRAMS: these are halos that can be seen above all on dark or bright colors once the car is brought into sunlight. They are due to incorrect or hasty polishing. They can only be removed with a successful polishing.

- CORRECTION: indicates the bodywork polishing process, in which the various defects (swirls, rids, etc.) are corrected (eliminated or reduced until they are not very visible). Usually this is done with electric tools or compressed air.

- POLISH: slightly abrasive cream for the elimination of lighter defects or for the finishing phase after correction.

- ABRASIVE PASTE (OR COMPOUND): cream with high abrasive power for the elimination of the most serious defects such as rids, obvious scratches, sanding marks, etc. It can also be generically referred to as polish.

- CLAYBAR: clay bar to be used on the bodywork to eliminate contaminants nested in the pores of the paint (ferrous particles, encrustations, paint fumes, tar, etc.).



- CLAYLUBE: liquid to use as a lubricant to facilitate the sliding of the claybar and avoid marking the bodywork.

- QUICK DETAILER: quick cleaner for the bodywork, to remove light dirt or finish drying after washing. Can be used as claylube.

- DECONTAMINATION: series of operations to prepare the bodywork for polishing or waxing. It includes the use of claybar and chemicals to remove residues of tar, resin or ferrous particles.

- WAX: protective to be applied on the bodywork. It protects the paint from pollutants and UV rays, prevents oxidation and slows down deterioration. It also facilitates car washing and drying.

- SEALANT: product similar to wax but with a synthetic base. Usually it guarantees a longer duration than a natural wax.

- PAD: applicator usually circular in shape, made of sponge or microfiber for the application of waxes or polishes.

- MICROFIBER: cloths made of synthetic material, with various types of weft. Thanks to the remarkable properties of softness and absorbency, they have totally replaced the use of deerskin and cotton cloths for drying and the use of various products.

- DRESSING: product to be applied on unpainted or interior plastics, to protect them from dirt, UV rays and to give them a better appearance.

- BEADING: phenomenon that leads to the formation of perfectly circular water droplets on the body panels when the car is wet. This effect can only be seen in cars protected with waxes or sealants, and is an indication of the good seal of the protective. The sliding of the water is instead defined as "sheeting".