Detailing & Paint Care

Detailing & Paint Care answers from Motor Handbook: troubleshooting fixes, step-by-step how-tos, comparisons and quick facts, each with the short answer first.

Detailing & Paint Care

Clay Bar vs Clay Mitt: Which One Should Touch Your Paint?

Clay bar vs clay mitt: both remove bonded grit from paint. A bar is gentler and fits tight spots; a mitt is faster, rinses clean if dropped, but may mar.

Detailing & Paint Care

Clay Bar vs Rubbing Compound: Different Jobs, Right Order

Clay bar vs rubbing compound: clay lifts bonded grit you can feel, compound cuts swirls, oxidation and water spots you can see. Clay first, then compound.

Detailing & Paint Care

Ceramic Coating vs Powder Coating: Which Finish to Choose

Ceramic coating vs powder coating: powder coat is a new baked-on finish for bare metal; a ceramic coating protects a finish or adds a thin heat-tough layer.

Detailing & Paint Care

How to Use Meguiars Headlight Restoration Kit, Step by Step

How to use Meguiars headlight restoration kit: scrub the lens with the pad and cleaner until evenly frosted, wipe it dry, then apply two coats of UV coating.