Journal
Detailing tips & guides
Practical car care advice from the Vice Finish garage — how to use each product, what works in Florida heat, and how to build a detail routine that actually holds up.
Ceramic Spray vs. Wax vs. Sealant: Which Paint Protection Should You Use?
A straight comparison of carnauba wax, paint sealant and ceramic detail spray — how long each lasts, how they look, and which one fits how you actually use your car.
September 10, 2026 · 8 min readComparisonThe Best Car Detailing Products for Black Paint (and How to Avoid Swirls)
Black paint shows every mistake. Here is the wash technique, the towels and the detailing products that keep dark finishes glossy instead of hazy.
September 10, 2026 · 8 min readComparisonWhat Products Do Professional Detailers Actually Use?
A plain look at what sits on a working detailer's shelf, why the list is shorter than you expect, and how to build the same setup at home.
September 10, 2026 · 8 min readHow-ToHow to Apply Ceramic Spray Coating for Maximum Shine and Protection
Panel prep, towel technique, cure time and reapplication intervals — everything that separates a slick ceramic-sprayed finish from a streaky one.
September 9, 2026 · 8 min readProduct GuideWhat Should Be in a Complete Car Detailing Kit?
A checklist of the auto detailing supplies that actually earn their place — wash, decontamination, protection, interior and tools — plus what to buy first.
September 9, 2026 · 9 min readHow-ToHow to Remove Water Spots From Car Paint and Glass
Sprinkler spots, hard water and dried rain all leave minerals behind. Here is how to identify the type of water spot you have and remove it safely.
September 9, 2026 · 8 min readHow-ToHow to Clay Bar a Car: Decontaminating Paint the Right Way
If your paint still feels rough after a wash, it is contaminated. Learn how to clay bar a car safely, when to do it, and what to do immediately after.
September 9, 2026 · 8 min readHow-ToHow to Clean Your Car Interior Like a Pro, Step by Step
A professional-order interior detail: dry work first, then surfaces, leather, glass and odor. What to use on each material and what to keep away from it.
September 9, 2026 · 9 min readHow-ToHow to Use a Foam Cannon for the Best Car Wash
A practical guide to foam cannon setup, dilution, dwell time and technique — how to get thick foam that actually lifts dirt instead of just looking good.
September 8, 2026 · 8 min readHow-ToThe Weekend Detail Checklist: A Full Exterior and Interior Order of Operations
The order you detail in matters. Follow this checklist to avoid redoing work and finish with a car that looks its best top to bottom.
August 14, 2026 · 7 min readHow-ToHow to Get Tire Shine That Actually Lasts (and Doesn't Sling)
Clean, prep and dress your tires the right way so the finish stays even, deep and free of sling down the side of your car.
July 26, 2026 · 5 min readProduct GuideQuick Detailer vs. Ceramic Detail Spray: Which One Do You Need?
Both sprays add gloss in minutes, but they do different jobs. Here is when to reach for a quick detailer and when to use a ceramic spray.
July 8, 2026 · 4 min readFlorida Car CareCar Care in Florida Heat: Washing and Detailing Without Water Spots
Humidity, sun and afternoon storms make Florida hard on paint. Here is how to wash and detail so your finish stays clean between details.
June 20, 2026 · 6 min readHow-ToHow to Use a Ceramic Detail Spray for a Slick, Protected Finish
A step-by-step walkthrough for applying ceramic detail spray the right way, including panel prep, towel technique and how often to reapply.
June 2, 2026 · 5 min read