7 Things to NEVER DO When Detailing Your Car! 

This is probably one of the best videos I've ever seen. Just a little background as to what I did. I spent almost a whole day detailing the exterior of the car from using endless products. Endless steps to achieve paint correction perfection and what have not only to wake up this morning and realize I need to go back and do it again or touch it up. Just to add to my insanity, I also ended up purchasing endless amount of product and different types of products instead thinking that each one is dedicated to a specific task in a specific job at hand. I did it for 2 years now and have been exhausted doing it. Completely took the fun out of actually detailing a car, whether it be interior or exterior. I guess this video was a wake up call for me to rethink my strategy. So thank you. Nick and Yvan.

I’m 67 and I changed my polishing techniques because of the DIY methods….damp towel with rinseless/dry towel to buff. I now also finish with the rotary and I no longer wipe off the polish between the DA and Rotary…genius!

Something I have not seen lately is testing the paint. Checking the thickness and a test spot is important and maybe some detailers forget this initial step.

The DIYer who wasn't going to be a pro shop customer anyway may also become that shop's future great employee, so shops might be wise to stay connected to them, maybe even invite that DIYer to check in with questions. This episode would actually be pretty reassuring therapy for consumers questioning the marketing overload out there!

So if I’m using an off brand polish. The correct order 1. spray all clean wipe off. 2. Use Panel prep, wipe off 3. then use APP, wipe off 4.then coat the vehicle?

The thing about detailing is that the process is far more important than the product. As an example, saw a video from a channel you like trying to demonstrate how to apply a wax. Had no idea what he was doing. Used enough product on a fender that could cover the entire side of the car. Perhaps you guys can help. Maybe I'm a bit jaded, seeing the post-covid explosion of so called detailers who are not competent on a professional level. RU-vid is filled with them.

I am someone that loves cleaning and detailing my vehicle. I have to confess I was intimidated to polish. I watched quite a few videos. Finally bit the bullet. Did I do a perfect job? Doubt it. Was I happy with the outcome? Yes! The metallic jumped out! Love your videos, thanks for the encouragement to newbies and weekend warriors. Kim

I have A Light Scratches on my m5 competition can i use 2000 grit sandpaper then for polishing Switch to 3000 please tell me about this my Neighbours scratch my new M5 competition 😭

Hi guys, my name is Ben and I'm from the Netherlands and I like your channel! Because I've no garage and driveway, I need to wash my car on the public road. In some municipallities in the Netherlands it is even forbidden to wash your car on the public road. Therefore I don't dare to use a foam canon. Instead I rinse my car first with clean water from a normal hose (no high pressure), then I use a bucket with water and car shampoo and after that I rinse it again and dry it with those special car drying towels. Furthermore I'm polishing my clear coat once a year with a DA tool and protect it with a hybrid graphene solution. I clean my car every 2 weeks and use my car daily, and I'm proud about the result. However I'm 60 years old, I'm always willing to learn. Do you have any additional tips for me?

What you are saying may very well be true,and I would love to try it but you are all solid out of most of the things I would buy. When are you going to restoc

Car Wash: When you live in Eastern Wa St. with very cold & snowy weather, a car wash is necessary. Do I like it? No, but…

What about the car wash that just stay car washes? Tubes that run by the sides. No brushes or the one that was on the videos?

Definitely agree on the time wasted going to an automated car wash. Every Saturday I pass by one going to my gym and see the line stretching into the street. I know people are waiting over an hour for a subpar cleaning. I’ve offered a rinseless washing tutorial to customers multiple times to show them that in 30 minutes they can clean and protect their vehicles and they have turned me down every time in favor of continued use of scratch factories. You can lead a horse to water………..

Hello Yvan and Nick I really need your help with something. I have a customer with a soft top with a stain in it. He thinks it’s oil What could you use on it to get rid of it

I guess we tend to overthink stuff 1) because we entered detailing while looking for a better and more gentle wash than the one offered at the gas station and 2) because we don't understand a certain topic very well. Your channel for me is the best channel for a total beginner and you teach so much stuff that 1) even pros don't know and 2) all this information is food for thought and you can now understand things better, for example how a coating works and why it would fail after X amount of time. So a big thank you for all the knowledge shared and know that you help those who want to learn even more as well!

We’ve seen the mitt on a stick and scrub ninja from Autofiber become a hit within the industry. It’s time you give the people what they really need and release the sponge on a stick and sponge scrubbie.

quick question - can you stack C6 Hydro with a 3 year?

Last minute of your conversation made me think of this as a DIYer.. Would love a really short video showing what to look for when a paint shouldn't be polished even with your gold standard polish.. how to tell if your paint is too damaged and/or enough clear coat is missing..

Mr Yvan. Thank you so much for great content. :) And keeping it real and honest. :).

Personally, I don't want to put a ceramic coat on a car that i don't polish more so because it's an expensive product and i feel bad knowing it can come off way more easily if it's not done correctly... I'd feel like i'm cheating the customer more so than damaging my reputation if that makes sense

C'est vraiment très intéressant et la manière simple de l'expliquer est rassurante, bravo à tous les 2. Vivement que vos produits soient accessibles en France 👏👌👍🙋

You say 1/2 ounce of incredible suds… but don’t say if that’s per gallon or per 5 gallon bucket. Can you clarify how much incredible suds you should use to wash a vehicle? I just got me some incredible suds this week and going to use this weekend!

Congrats to both of you!! Always interesting to listen to Yvan and his knowledge. I'm agree with him 100%. I've been cleaning cars for over 40 years!! (not for a living). I'm learning since and still today. Always adjusting to new products / technique / tools etc.... But, there is one thing that never change, the fun of detailing a car. Keep up the good work guys!!!

It IS easy to either over-think or, for some people, assume they're expected to over-think and just give up. It really can take away the fun or scare away potential customers who have other things to go OCD on, like helping feed and change their 2-month old. Too many products! I'm half-expecting a new product to come out called Human Prevention Pre-Wash Spray, where the user sprays themselves from head to toe to prevent their car from being contaminated by human skin cells, hair, bad breath and pheromones.

Suggestion for future video: As a CEO of a business detailing company, you should do a video / podcast about how you deal with tough customer and how to meet their expectation.

Great video Yvan and Nick! Always looking forward to the next episode.

I’d imagine there are users who apply hand wax on way too thick. Not realizing that was back I the 1960’ and 70’s when that was the norm. But in this day and age: LESS IS MORE. For me I use a lot only when making a Peanut butter and Jelly sandwich 👍👀

This is the first vid I've seen of yours and honestly - as a newbie detailer, this was really helpful. I'm kind of on information overload right now. So it's nice to hear people talk about taking it easy, not stressing about the finish, just keep it simple. AND I like how you guys talked about going through automatic car washers because sometimes vids make you think that will do irreparable harm to your car's finish....when the reality is probably not. Any ways - I look forward to checking out more of your vids. I still have TONS to learn.

I've detailed my own cars for years and been happy with the results, but I've never gone down the route of using a DA polisher or similar. Last year I bought a stunning race red Mustang but felt the paint had more 'pop' to give. So, I watched lots of RU-vid videos, asked questions in Reddit forums and then bought a DA polisher by Ryobi (Rupes was too expensive for me), Rupes pads and polishes. Spent a very satisfying weekend doing the full decon, clay, etc. and then on to polishing. Took my time and the result was spectacular. I was very proud of myself! Got compliments from others in the owner's club at meets. I then researched coatings and added a ceramic coat (rather than paying $800 to get it done professionally) and I could not be more pleased. So, to add my words to your own, take the plunge and look at polishing yourself - it's time consuming but much easier than I was worried it would be and the results are worth the effort. Enjoy!

If you do come out with an EC Brushless, cordless rotary polisher, have you given any thought on having an electric button switch that allows instant switching between speed one for polishing/working and full speed for "drying" out the pad? Similar to the mode change button on milwaukee m18 impact drivers/wrenches? Or is that too complicated or just silly?

I am just about to coat my Isuzu Mux with Hydro Lite. What is the best way to remove polish residue from black plastics? Also in you videos I have never seen you guys coat the grill below the windscreen, can I coat this without issue? DIY Detail love the products.

Secondly, Yvan and Nick, you two are bloody legends 👏 🙌. This is probably one of the best videos I've watched of you both chatting. Thank the Lord you guys make some clarity and sense in this industry and are willing to promote that fact. The detailing world can be quite discombobulating. 😂

I haven’t found much commentary from yall about waxes. I’ve got a new Honda ridgeline with orange peel paint and I’m trying to level the clearcoat by building up the low spots rather than polishing down the high spots. Does wax accomplish that for me or is polishing for a smooth clearcoat/top layer the only option?

I cant believe most stores stock meguairs waterless wash spray bottles for the general public, but still don't seem to sell rinseless wash.

I got nothing out of this video. Just back and forth useless information. Not one idea I could use. Don’t over drink type video. Let’s all have fun.

My first bottle of DIY RW arrived a couple of days ago, and I'd only just washed my car. Itching to try it, so i cleaned the kitchen cupboards, table, glass with it. Big thumbs up. Well, gotta start somewhere

You mentioned not to polish failing clear coat. I have a 2009 Camry that has failing clear coat on the roof and the hood looks pretty thin. I'd like to polish the car and ceramic coat it. What do you suggest?

Question regarding car washes. In Southern California where in the summer we can have water restrictions or all year very hard water do you recommend finding a touchless car wash that rinses with DI water? Socal water guilt here! 😢

I recently switched from Adam's Megafoam to DIY Incredible Suds for my foam cannon and bucket. However, due to the higher viscosity of the Incredible Suds, I am having trouble precisely pouring the 1.5 oz (1oz for cannon, .5 for bucket) into my 8oz measuring pitcher without spilling. It's kind of like pouring and measuring honey which is not easy. I'm pouring directly from the 1 gallon DIY container. Any tips?

rinseless wash has been around for years. I think each wash process has to be tailored to condition of the car. Don't you both own DIY Detail?

I did the clay mitt and iron remover trick yesterday.... amazing.

Impressed with my first bottle of incredible suds , works well. Smells great. Simple to the point. Will buy more

57 years old been doing rinseless almost exclusively now for 5 years. Way easier on my screwed up shoulders and back. Way less time and I enjoy washing my car weekly again.

I like edumacation

Can I use your DIY Detail Rinseless Wash in my interior? Thanks.

Oh this will be good!!!

Hi, I have a question. I'd like to do the polishing step using your products I've purchased. I'm in AZ without a garage or source of shade. So I'm concerned about messing this up as it's been between 105 and 115 F with heavy sun. Are there any suggestions you can share with me?

I find the ceramic washes like built hamber touch on or p&s bead maker a bit tricky to get right. I think ive properly rinsed it, and it works as it should, but when it rains i will get the white atreaking. How do I cure that?

Hi Yvan. Your Quick beads product, do I have to rinse it off after applying or can I also simply use it with decon towel on a wet car and then just wipe dry the car after with a drying towel? Meaning there is two ways of using this product right?

Hi Yvan & Nick, Thank you for this one. I have been trying to minimize the chemicals on the shelf. I love the rinseless wash and have been using for a while now. I was down the rabbit hole for a little while. Then started following your channel. You helped me climb out. I now rinseless, rinse, foam, hand wash with only 1 bucket lol 🤣 Thank you for all that you do.

Did Ivan actually say @3:12 "personally I wouldn't wash a whole care with it (Rinseless)..."

can you use All Clean on Hyper Dipped Wheels?

You drove right pass me today after work. lol. Can’t miss that red car. I just bought a brand new blue truck. Going to coat it. 3,5,8? Which one? Would y’all want to film it being “processed”.

What ratio do you mix the sugar/water to dissolve concrete?

I’m an over thinker and I have sometimes taken the fun out of detailing. Thank you guys for this informative video and for confirming not to take it so seriously.

Great video guy's 👊 🇨🇦

"have fun detailing" well said Yvan

WOW! You hit it on the nose. I've always thought that alot of these so-called dedicated products are just recycled, relabled products. I'm glad to hear someone else state the same thing i've been thinking. But, i will try your All Clean product.

Even after listening to this podcast I am confused. At the end of last year I bought a 2023 Mazda CX-5 and have wanted to keep it in tip top shape. But I only have a garden hose and I have to wash my car outside. My method is using the garden hose first and spraying down the entire car to get rid of the loose stuff. Then I attach the Griots foam gun to the garden hose and use Griots red foam and let it dwell then rinse off. I use SudsLab CF green car wash to wash the car with and use the garden hose to rinse that off. But of course I have water spots in the end. So I purchased Griots water spot remover and the waterless spray on car wash I think it is. as a follow up to their spot remover. The wheels and tires, trim and interior aren't the problem but I do use SudsLab products for all of that. Can anyone tell me how I am doing or make suggestions on a better way to clean the outside of my Mazda?

In my experience, 19-year-olds are cocky little 🤬. So that would explain it, Yvan. I love rinseless washing. 90% of the time, I'm now doing this. It's changed everything. It's thee biggest change in my detailing arsenal, mostly likely the change was down to you and Mike G

Guys u are so right about folks washing cars in their driveways. Now days suburban soccer moms driving around in a 70,000 dollar car with 20,000 miles on it and the rims are ruined from brake dust!!

Your discussion on incredible suds was interesting. I've recently avoided it because of the price and how much product is required - a quick search here in Aus shows 4 places that sell it and the description that goes with it says 60-90ml/7L water in a wash bucket, or 30ml for a foam cannon. DIY Detail site says 15-30ml in a bucket twice the size (so thats 1/8 less product!). I imagine you would sell more if all of these sites had the right info.

I have tried many many rinse-less washes always went back to ONR ,as I feel they are all subpar. Then I met DIY rinse-less . By Far the G.O.A.T (Ivan) of all time !!!

My problem is im trying to be perfect to take out completely all the scratches out from polishing with a heavy cut polish compound. Sonax do have fillers i did not know of. . Thanks Yvan . Nick thanks for pointing out the question. Don’t need a tremendous amount of product to get the scratches out and diy gold standard polish proves it.

How often can I polish my car...Northern California daily driver with 3 year ceramic coating, garage kept overnight. Is polishing every year ok? Does polishing remove the ceramic coating?

Me personally I love taking my time detailing. I can take as much as 8 hours looking at all nooks and crannies inside and outside my cars to clean out, lol. Even at 51 years old, I still love to get nitty gritty when it comes to my cars as when I was at 19 years old.

Hearing the experiences of professional detailers and understanding all the variables you can’t control definitely helps accepting reality. It’s like they preached, detailing should be fun, not a chore. Excited to detail the rogue tomorrow! Cheers guys!

Your right yvan and nick …. I didn’t have any knowledge about rinsless wash and allpurpose cleaner. For wheels and bugs with the foam. Sponge . I was one of those people who only new one way to wash and polish a car. Yvan and Nick nails it by explaining how many ways there are to do the job great and look great with efficiency!!!

In the last 2 weeks ive applied diy 5 year to 3 cars and absolutely love it. All 3 were done outside. I detail on the side and im pretty busy. Your products make it easy for me. Applying the coating outside and on some panles in direct sun on black paint. Flashed immediately but still was a breeze to use. Most of my clients dont have or even care about having the correct products to maintain the coating. What would you suggest they use to help get to the 5 year mark? Preferably from Canadian tire as most of my clients buy their products from there.

The base bucket of my system 4000 is cracked. Will the pump and separation bucket fit onto any 5 gallon bucket, or do I need theirs?

A lot of ceramic coatings did say to have perfect paint so thats what stuck in my head for 20 years! Thanks to you Yvan and Nick . This changed my mind of perfect paint how your destroying more of the paint rather than repairing it to enhance it and make it glossy and scratch free. !! You guys are great!! Keep up the great work. You guy’s will help do many people! Makes so much more sense now thanks to you guys!

That's the BEST one I've watched so far ! THANK YOU and as you say I'm still learning new things every day

Thank you for being great educators and sharing tips and tricks all the time. Before discovering this channel I was still stuck in the two-bucket method with dedicated chemicals and drying with synthetic chamois era. I have products that I don't want to just let them go to waste so I haven't actually adopted the new products like rinseless wash or ceramic coating yet. However, one thing I find really helpful from watching your videos is be methodical. Another thing was switching to drying towel instead of synthetic chamois. I find the drying towel picks up water from the nooks and crannies better than the chamois so I don't have to keep going back to the places I've dried because it's dripping again. Just these two changes allowed me to cut down the time of washing my car from 4 hours to just 1.5 hours. It made me much less stressed out about doing a wash.

Gonna be educative 😁.

Yvan has been preaching the ease and time savings of rinseless washes forever! Forgive me guys.. I don't get pleasure doing it 😣

Good point on proper dilutions. I ordered some DIY Rinseless Wash and used a measuring syringe to measure out 30 ml into 2 gallons. This ratio makes my towel glide on the surface.

RU-vid needs 2 thumbs up for this video. Overthinking things seem to be the norm, including how people in business worry about the time others spend doing work.

Have purchased the whole diy product line and every product is the best thing ever. However the tire shine brush is the only thing I'm not a fan of because it gets tire shine all over the wheel any tips for using it?

Question…it is prime pollen season here. I can was my car and by the time I’ve put away my supplies I can see the pollen accumulation on it. What is your preferred method for cleaning that up say one or two days later if the car is still clean, but is covered with pollen? Does the rinseless encapsulation make it safe to go at it, or does it need to be rinsed first?

That revelation that generous sprayers of iron remover are costing themselves $7-8 a wash is a great reality check to use the proper technique w/ the PSD towel and save a lot of $$$

It doesn’t seem rinseless does much to remove film as a pre rinse. If using a garden hose, could you just rinse the grit off with the garden hose only then go into the spray and rinseless safely?

This will be a fun one

Yvan you leave the Detailing Dogma alone; he’s from Canada. Just kidding you 😂. I do love his channel 👍

Yvan , the best product you recommend was the lake 4000, and I love my rotary, great advice as always 😊

Nice “Ego is the Enemy” (Ryan Holiday) book reference.

Merci Yvan et Nick !! J’utilise vos produits depuis 1 ans et suis super satisfait des résultats. Vous m’avez donné la confiance pour polir et appliquer un céramique sur mon véhicule et je suis super content. Votre méthode est simple et efficace. Thx u DIY Détails 👍🏻

45:00 of video most important info for all of life once you stop learning is when you've thrown in the towel

I seen the marine Coating in the back ground. When are you going to talk about that product.

Great content guys! Love how passionate you are about detailing.

I feel Yvan cringing when Nick says he goes thru the car wash....

Good evening. Love your products! Just watched the part about the spray bottles. I bought a gallon of Ceramic Gloss about a month ago. How come I wasn’t provided a spray bottle to use it in. Seems like that should come with it.

Great pointers. You spoke of "bug cleaners" vs. All Clean. What's the difference between all clean and your tree sap/tar remover? Does all clean at higher concentration act the same or does it have different compounds specific to this challenge?

Thank you for the tip of using all clean if you are using an off brand polish, then all clean. 🙏

Nick your so right. Lol no such thing as perfect paint. !!

So a half ounce of incredible suds and or rinseless wash for 5 gal of water?

I learned from yvan in person to not apply pressure and use the lowest speed to apply app with the rotary and 3300 with the Da. So true too much means too much mess to care of. Yeah phantom high spots with ceramic coatings you have to watch out.

I would like to hear how you guys deal with cleaning and coating ppf .

Can you spray extra clear coat on a scratch to fill it on then sand block??

Great information 👍. Thank you for all your experience

Great info guys! I may have missed the answers to my questions, i kept losing my live chat, so appologies if its been answered. Factory carbon fiber. Can it be polished and sealed just like paint? Does it require any special care? I have beautiful factory CF all over my vehicle and Id hate to mess it up.