3-Day Detailing Training Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Vehicle Detailing and Exterior Detailing

Morning Session:

* Course Introduction and Overview

* Welcome & trainer introduction

* Course goals and expectations

* Importance of vehicle detailing: Industry overview, market potential

* Safety Precautions and Tools Overview

* Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

* Overview of essential tools (pressure washers, vacuum systems, polishers, brushes, etc.)

* Safety protocols (chemical handling, electrical equipment safety)

* Understanding Vehicle Surfaces

* Types of paint finishes

* Common defects (swirl marks, scratches, oxidation)

* Identifying contamination (tree sap, tar, industrial fallout)

Afternoon Session:

* Exterior Hand Wash Techniques

* Two-bucket method

* Foam cannon and pressure washer usage

* Proper drying techniques (microfiber towels, drying aids)

* Clay Bar Treatment

* What is clay bar treatment?

* How and why to use a clay bar

* Demonstration on a vehicle and hands-on practice

* Polishing and Paint Correction Basics

* Introduction to paint correction

* Types of polishers (rotary vs. dual-action)

* Understanding polishing pads and waxes / ceramic hybrid waxes

* Demonstration of a basic paint correction/ application of products

Day 2: Interior Detailing and Advanced Exterior Techniques

Morning Session:

* Interior Detailing Overview

* Tools and products for interior detailing

* Vacuuming and dusting techniques

* Cleaning upholstery and carpets (vacuum, steam cleaning, and extraction)

* Leather and Fabric Care

* Identifying different materials (leather, fabric, vinyl)

* Correct cleaning products and techniques for leather seats

* Protecting leather and fabric surfaces from wear and tear

* Dashboard, Console, and Window Cleaning

* Techniques for cleaning and protecting plastic, vinyl, and metal surfaces

* Cleaning and treating windows and mirrors inside

* Choosing and applying interior protectants

Afternoon Session:

* Advanced Exterior Paint Correction

* Deeper dive into polishing (using different pads and compounds)

* Removing deeper scratches and swirl marks

* Techniques for using a rotary polisher safely

* Hands-on practice with instructors

* Ceramic Coating & Sealants

* What is ceramic coating?

* Difference between waxes, sealants, and coatings

* Application process and benefits of ceramic coatings

* Demonstration and hands-on application

* Tire & Wheel Detailing

* Cleaning and decontaminating tires and wheels

* Proper tire dressing application

* Protecting wheels and preventing brake dust buildup

Day 3: Final Detailing Techniques, Marketing, and Business Setup

Morning Session:

* Headlight Restoration

* Identifying signs of oxidation and yellowing

* Headlight polishing techniques (wet sanding, buffing)

* Restoring clarity and applying protective coatings

* Engine Bay Detailing

* Safety protocols for engine bay cleaning

* Tools and products for engine cleaning

* Proper drying and protecting engine components

* Final Touches and Quality Control

* Inspecting the vehicle for imperfections (detailing checklist)

* Last touches: door jambs, trim, and undercarriage cleaning

* Detailing the vehicle after polish and coating application

Afternoon Session:

* Business Practices and Marketing

* Setting up your own detailing business

* Pricing strategies and estimating job costs

* Marketing your business (website, social media, referrals)

* Building customer relationships and offering loyalty programs

* Customer Service Excellence

* Communicating with clients and understanding their needs

* Handling customer complaints and creating positive experiences

* Upselling additional services (ceramic coatings, maintenance plans)

* Graduation and Certification

* Recap of the training

* Hands-on final assessment

* Distribution of certification and course completion materials

* Q&A session