Quick Detailers

A quick detailer is a spray and wipe for between washes: it lifts light dust, fingermarks and fresh bird droppings and leaves the paint slick and glossy. Our range runs from gloss detailers to ceramic and graphene sprays that add protection, plus specialist detailers for matte paint, wraps and PPF. Our quick detailer guide compares the ones we stock in their makers' own words.

How to choose

• Ceramic and graphene: AutoBead Ceramic Quick Detailer, Infinity Wax QDX Graphene and Sonax XTREME Ceramic Ultra Slick Detailer add more water beading than a gloss detailer and suit topping up a sealant or coating.
• Matte paint and wraps: gloss detailers can leave matte finishes patchy or shiny, so use a matte detailer such as Stjarnagloss Mork or Crankalicious Carboniferous, and Sonax XTREME PPF + Vinyl Detailer on vinyl and PPF.
• Drying aid: AutoBead lists its Ceramic Quick Detailer as suitable for use as a drying aid, and ValetPro lists Citrus Bling as one. A drying aid goes on the wet car and is wiped in as you dry, helping the towel glide.

Good to know

• Light dust only: wash a dirtier car first, or use a Waterless Wash product for light road dirt. Wiping grit off with a detailer scratches the paint.
• Use plenty of spray and a plush towel from Buffing & Finishing Towels, turned to a clean side often.

What does a quick detailer do?

It is a spray and wipe for between washes. It lifts light dust, fingermarks and fresh bird droppings and leaves the paint slick and glossy, and ceramic or graphene versions add water beading on top.

Is quick detailer the same as spray wax?

Not quite. A quick detailer is mainly for cleaning light dust off and adding gloss between washes. A spray wax is mainly for laying down a thin layer of protection on a clean panel. Some products, such as Shiny Garage Morning Dew QD and Wax, do both jobs.

How do you use a quick detailer spray?

On a car with light dust only: use plenty of spray, wipe with a plush microfibre and turn it to a clean side often. A dirtier car needs a wash first, because wiping grit off with a detailer scratches the paint.

Related: Paint Protection & Finish, Spray Waxes, Paint Sealants, Drying Towels. Popular brands here: Autobead, Infinity Wax, Stjarnagloss, Sonax.