The question about the 4 step process has been asked and addressed separately on many different occasions. I thought it would be a good opportunity to combine the entire process in one thread for easier reference. I’ve found it easier to use excerpts from various sources explaining each step/process. I’ve also linked each excerpt to the corresponding site so one can read the entire page and get a much clearer explanation. For the regulars here, please feel free add, correct and contribute so our readers can reap the full benefit of knowledge.

• Wash
  Proper Car Washing Techniques
  How To Wash Your Car Like A Pro
• Clay
  Detailers Automotive Clay, an artitcle by Jon Miller (aka TOGWT)
  
  . . . detailing clay bar, is a mildly abrasive material mixed with a plastic or elastic clay base. Originally developed for the body shop industry, paint-cleaning clay removes contamination from the exterior surfaces of the car (paint and glass). http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-d...chemicals.html
  
  . . . used to remove contaminates from the surface of your paint leaving your paint silky smooth. It works by gliding the clay across a wet surface of your paint. This will pick up and remove anything that protrudes from the paint.
  http://www.paintcare-n-detailing.com/clay.html
  
  . . . is the ideal prep stage before using polishes, glazes, sealants and waxes. In order to achieve maximum shine, gloss and depth, the surface must be as clean as possible for light to pass through the clear coat and give maximum reflection. http://www.detailuniversity.com/deta...bar/index.html
  
• Polish
  . . . often a misunderstood and intimidating step in the detailing process.
  . . . will either round the edges of the scratches/swirls stopping the light from reflecting off of it or remove a minute layer of paint where the imperfection was
  http://www.paintcare-n-detailing.com/polishing.html
  
  . . . This step can help faded, oxidized, swirled and scratched clear coats look significantly better. The cutting polish helps restore a transparent clear coat, which allows for light to pass directly through the clear coat, thus creating a bright reflection with a deep shine. This step produces some of the most noticeable results that make you proud of your vehicles stunning appearance
  http://www.detailuniversity.com/deta...-to/index.html
  
  . . . Choose a polish that matches your car's needs. If your car is new, chances are that it simply needs a good paintwork cleaner with mild polishing capability. If your car has swirl marks or water spots, choose a formula that specifically addresses these issues. Never use a polish that's more abrasive than required to do the job.
  http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-d...chemicals.html
• Seal/Protect
  . . . protective substance, natural or synthetic, that provides a thin layer of protection over painted or polished metal surfaces. Waxes can be paste, cream or liquid. A pure wax does not contain solvents or abrasives.
  
  . . . synthetic waxes contain polymers or acrylic compounds to create a sophisticated surface coating with exceptional gloss and slickness.
  http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-d...chemicals.html
  
  . . . sealants give you a longer lasting shine and better protection than natural waxes
  http://www.detailuniversity.com/deta...-to/index.html
  
  . . . it will also add depth, gloss and shine to your paint
  
  . . . a wax or sealant will protect the finish, it will not prevent swirls and scratches from forming
  http://www.paintcare-n-detailing.com/wax.html

A few of my favorites links to other detailing sites with comprehensive info about each process . . .

• Exceldetail
• Detail University
• Paintcare n Detailing
• Autopia Carcare
• Autogeek Detailing Tips

 

nice work dan!

 

great write up dan

 

 

Sweet.....an all in one thread resource!! One that will be referred to, I'm sure. Great job