Exterior Detailing
in Folsom, CA

What clay and wax do

After a wash, paint can still feel rough. That’s fallout, tar and bits of grime stuck to the clear coat. A clay bar glides over the paint and lifts them out. After clay, the paint feels like glass, and the wax goes on smoother and lasts longer.

Wax adds gloss and a light layer of protection. It helps water bead off and gives dust less to grab. It wears off in weeks, not years. If you want protection that lasts, ask us about a ceramic coating.

Trucks and SUVs get the same steps, just with more surface. Lifted trucks, roof racks and running boards add time, which is why larger vehicles are priced by size. Work trucks that see dirt roads may also need extra time on the wheel wells and lower panels.

What Folsom throws at your paint

Every area has its own mix. Here, it looks like this:

• Sprinkler overspray that leaves white mineral spots, which bake on in the afternoon sun
• Sap, pollen and leaves from the oak trees around town and near the lakes
• Bugs on the front bumper and mirrors after a summer drive on Highway 50
• Fine dust from new construction in Folsom Ranch and other neighborhoods south of the highway
• Leaves and dirty rain spots in the winter months

Most of this washes off if you catch it early. Left for weeks in the heat, bird droppings, sap and hard water spots can etch into the clear coat. At that point a wash won’t fix it and polishing may be needed. If sap or tar is heavy, we add extra time for it ($100), and water spot removal is $100 per hour.

Keeping the shine between details

Most cars around Folsom look their best with an exterior detail every one to three months. If you’d rather not keep track, a maintenance plan puts it on the calendar for you.

A good exterior detail also lasts longer when you help it a little. Between visits, here is what makes the biggest difference:

• Wipe off bird droppings and bug splatter within a day or two, before the sun bakes them on
• Park away from sprinklers, or ask about changing the spray pattern, so the car isn’t hit every morning
• Skip tunnel washes with brushes; a touchless rinse is gentler if you’re in a hurry
• Use a clean microfiber towel for any quick wipe, never a dry paper towel
• Park in the garage or shade when you can, especially in July and August