
Car detailing requires the following materials: 1. Wax: The concept of wax has evolved from simple polishing in the past to protective polishing as of December 2017, making it an essential part of modern car care. The choice of wax should be based on the needs of the car's paint protection, carefully selecting according to the different effects of the wax combined with the characteristics of the paint for more noticeable results. Waxing is usually done after the car body is cleaned. Most car waxes are liquid; before use, shake the product well, pour a small amount onto a damp cloth or sponge, and apply it to the car's paint surface in small areas. Once slightly dry, use a soft cleaning cloth to buff it repeatedly. There are also solid waxes, with a similar application process; the more advanced the wax, the more time and effort it saves during application. Waxing should ideally be done in a shaded area. Additionally, after a car undergoes grinding and polishing, it must be coated with protective polishing wax to enhance the paint's gloss and provide long-term protection. 2. Protectant: Protectants are liquid substances applied to the surfaces of metals, non-metals, or composite materials to provide certain special functions such as resistance to acids, alkalis, salt spray, water, abrasion, solvents or special gases, aging, UV rays, high and low temperatures, vibration, as well as anti-slip, friction reduction, anti-static, moisture resistance, stain resistance, insulation, conductivity, heat conduction, thermal insulation, flame retardancy, etc. 3. Water Gun: Used for cleaning the exterior of the car body, interior cleaning and maintenance, engine system detailing, paint surface care, tire and wheel maintenance, plastic and leather care, air purification inside the car, headlight restoration, and glass cleaning and repair. 4. Sandpaper: Depending on the hardness of the paint and the severity of the paint surface defects, water sandpaper or pyramid sandpaper is used to grind the scratched areas. Sandpaper mainly removes defects like orange peel, spots, runs, pinholes, and minor scratches. Apply even pressure when sanding, typically resulting in a matte finish. Pay special attention to edges, ribbed areas, and areas with light orange peel, as these have thinner paint layers and are prone to wearing through the clear coat; reduce sanding pressure appropriately. Avoid sanding decorative strips, seals, chrome strips, door handles, etc., to prevent unnecessary damage. Use masking tape to protect these areas if necessary. 5. Paint Spray Gun: A paint spray gun is a tool for applying paint, used in surface treatment of products and is a type of coating equipment. It atomizes paint into fine droplets using compressed air, which are then sprayed onto the surface by the airflow. It mainly consists of a spray cap, nozzle, needle valve, and gun body, and requires an external connection to a pressure device like a pressure pot, pressure bucket, or pump. Compared to traditional manual brushing, paint spray guns are more time-efficient, aesthetically pleasing, and 5 to 10 times more efficient, producing a fine, smooth, and even paint film.

I enjoy DIY car detailing in my spare time, and there are quite a variety of materials involved. For the washing stage, I use pH-neutral car shampoo to prevent paint damage, along with wash mitts and the two-bucket method to avoid cross-contamination. Microfiber towels are great for quick drying without leaving water spots. For cleaning stubborn stains, I rely on tar removers to tackle road tar spots or bug and tar removers for sticky residues. In the polishing process, I use rubbing compounds paired with polishing wax to restore the paint's shine. For protection, I can choose between synthetic car wax or natural carnauba wax to enhance water beading, or a sealant for longer-lasting protection. For the interior, I use leather cleaners and fabric protectant sprays to prevent aging. Tire dressings help to darken and add shine to the tires. Rain repellents improve visibility during rainy weather. Essential tools include wash gloves, and DIY detailing is both cost-effective and practical, but it's important to clean and dry all tools after each use to prolong their lifespan.

From a professional automotive detailing perspective, material selection is crucial. I typically use polymer-based car wash solutions to ensure pH-neutral and non-corrosive cleaning. For deep cleaning, iron particle removers and adhesive eliminators are employed to tackle stubborn stains. The polishing process involves a three-stage system, utilizing coarse, medium, and fine abrasive compounds paired with dual-action polishers for optimal efficiency. In terms of waxes, synthetic sealants offer superior durability while carnauba wax enhances gloss. Interior treatment involves steam cleaners for odor removal or leather conditioners to prevent cracking. Water-based tire dressings are used to protect rubber surfaces. For glass, UV-resistant rain repellent sprays improve visibility and safety. Equipment such as premium microfiber towels and polishing pads minimize swirl marks - I recommend using branded products to ensure quality consistency and reduce rework.

Young car owners can achieve great results with simple materials for DIY car care. Car wash foam and a sponge easily clean the body; tire shine spray instantly restores black and glossy aesthetics; interior cleaning wipes or sprays quickly remove stains; choose easy-to-apply car wax to save time and effort; glass anti-fog spray enhances driving safety; microfiber cloths dry surfaces quickly. Using just these common items regularly is economical and delivers noticeable results.


