Exterior Detailing, Polishing & Cleaning

That Showroom Feel: Why Exterior Detailing Matters

Canadian roads are hard on vehicles. Between winter road salt, summer UV exposure, and year-round grime, your car's exterior takes a constant beating. Even regular washing can create swirl marks and fine scratches. Over time, this dulls your paint, weakens your clear coat, and reduces your car’s resale value.

From hand washing and clay bar decontamination to polish and sealants, our exterior detailing goes far beyond a basic wash. It reveals deep gloss, removes contaminants, and shields your paint from ongoing damage.

What Does Exterior Detailing Include?

1. Deep Hand Wash – Done carefully with car-specific soap and microfiber mitts to avoid new scratches.
2. Clay Bar Decontamination – Gently scrapes away embedded grime like road tar, tree sap, and industrial fallout.
3. Polishing & Paint Correction – Removes swirl marks and oxidation using machine polish, restoring shine and clarity.
4. Sealant or Wax Application – Adds a durable barrier to repel water, UV rays, and contaminants.
5. Optional Ceramic Coating or Paint Protection Film (PPF) – Provides hydrophobic properties, UV and chemical resistance, and physical chip protection.
6. Wheels, Tires & Trim Dressings – Wheels fully cleaned, polished, and dressed for a sharp overall look.
7. Headlight Restoration – Eliminates haze or cloudiness to improve visibility and appearance.
8. Final Inspection – Ensures a flawless result tailored to your vehicle’s condition.

Why Professional Detailing Outshines a Regular Wash

• Deeper Clean – Removes bonded contaminants that linger after basic washing.
• Enhanced Protection – Sealants and coatings stay effective for months—much longer than wax.
• Improved Aesthetics – Polishing eliminates swirl marks, revealing deep gloss and true shine.

A Reddit user said:

“An exterior detail is for the added pop that a 2-step polishing and sealant/wax gets you.” — reddit.com

What Is Polishing, Really?

Polishing is one of the most important yet misunderstood steps in exterior detailing. It involves using a machine polisher and fine abrasives to remove defects in your paint’s clear coat. These defects include:

• Swirl marks from washing
• Light scratches
• Water spots
• Oxidation

We offer both single-stage and multi-stage paint correction depending on the severity of your paint’s condition. Single-stage polishing removes minor imperfections, while two-step correction digs deeper for a flawless mirror finish. Unlike waxing, polishing corrects the surface—not just covers it up.

Headlight Restoration: Clearer & Safer

Over time, UV rays and environmental exposure cloud your headlights, reducing visibility and safety. Our headlight restoration service removes that yellow haze and restores clarity using a combination of wet sanding, polishing, and UV sealant. Clear headlights not only improve night driving but also enhance your car’s appearance.

How Canadian Roads Impact Your Vehicle's Finish

Living in Canada means facing all four seasons—and your car feels every one of them. Winter salt and brine stick to your paint and corrode your undercarriage. Spring brings tree sap and pollen that bond to your clear coat. Summer’s UV rays bake contaminants onto the surface, and fall roads are full of leaf debris and fresh asphalt oil.

Without regular detailing, these elements slowly wear down your car’s finish, making it harder to clean and more vulnerable to long-term damage. That’s why our clients see real value in seasonal treatments.

When to Book Exterior Detailing

• After winter: Remove salt buildup and protect against spring moisture.
• Before summer: Shield your paint from UV rays and bug damage.
• Pre-resale/lease return: Boost your car’s value and presentation.
• Post-road trip: Refresh your finish after long highway drives.
• Every 4–6 months: Ideal maintenance cycle for ongoing protection and shine.

How It Feels to Drive a Freshly Detailed Car

There’s something deeply satisfying about walking up to a freshly detailed vehicle. The paint reflects like a mirror, the chrome gleams, and every curve of the bodywork pops in the sunlight. You open the door, and your clean windows give you perfect clarity. The surface feels smooth to the touch, and your car turns heads at the stoplight. It’s not just a vehicle anymore—it feels like your pride and joy again.

Professional detailing doesn’t just protect your investment. It reignites your enjoyment of driving.

Exterior Detailing for Every Vehicle Type

No matter what you drive, we tailor our detailing to fit your vehicle’s needs. We service:

• Compact cars & sedans
• SUVs & crossovers
• Pickup trucks & vans
• Work/fleet vehicles
• Classic or luxury vehicles
• Boats & RVs (seasonal)

Every detail job is adjusted for size, paint type, trim material, and surface condition to ensure optimal results. We even offer special packages for boats and RVs seasonally.

DIY Kits vs. Professional Detailing

Aspect	DIY Kits	UniglassPlus/Ziebart
Products & Tools	Consumer-grade, simpler results	Industrial soap, polishers, professional tools
Surface Preparation	May skip clay or cleaning detail	Full decontamination, clay and polish prep
Finish Quality	Inconsistent, risk of high spots	Even, mirror-like finish every time
Protection Duration	Weeks to a few months	Months to years, depending on choice
Time & Convenience	4–8 hours + possible errors	Fast, thorough, and relaxing for you

Professional exterior detailing is not just convenient—it’s effective. You avoid errors and save time while getting expert-crafted results.

Detailing Myths—Busted

• “A car wash is the same as detailing.” – Nope. Washing removes surface dirt. Detailing corrects paint, removes bonded contaminants, and protects..
• “Clear coat protects paint from damage.” – While it helps, clear coat still scratches and oxidizes. Detailing maintains and defends it.
• “Wax and ceramic coatings are the same.” – Not true. Wax lasts weeks. Ceramic coatings bond to paint and last for years.

FAQs

How long does it take? - Typically 2–5 hours, depending on your vehicle’s size and condition.

How often should I get it done? - Every 4–6 months helps retain shine and protection.

Will this remove minor scratches? - Yes—polishing removes surface blemishes and swirl marks. Deeper damage may need multi-step correction.

What’s the difference between wax, sealant & ceramic coating?

• Wax: classic, short-term shine (1–3 months).
• Sealant: synthetic durability up to 6–12 months.
• Ceramic: longest-lasting protection with hydrophobic properties.

Add-On Services

Enhance your detailing experience with:

• Interior Detailing & Antimicrobial Treatment
• Paint & Ceramic Coating
• Fabric Protection (Inner‑Guard®)
• Rust Proofing & Undercoating
• Windshield Chip Repair & Hydrophobic Treatment
• Engine Bay & Wheel Detailing

Save when bundling multiple services—ask about seasonal promotions!

Final Thoughts: Protect & Impress

A clean car isn’t just about looks—it helps preserve value, protects paint, and enhances pride in ownership. With UniglassPlus/Ziebart’s Exterior Car Detailing, Polishing & Cleaning, your vehicle gets unmatched depth, protection, and sparkle.