Hand Wash
The exterior detail process begins with a meticulous hand wash using our high-quality automotive shampoo, removing dirt, grime, and contaminants without causing scratches.
Wash · Correct · Protect
ExteriorDetailing
Our detailing services protect and prolong your vehicle's paint finish — restoring and maintaining its beauty for years to come.
Protect & prolong your paint finish
Why annual detailing matters
California Detailing has over 40 years of expertise detailing thousands of vehicles, and we know how to keep your car looking its best. Our specialized products and meticulous services not only restore but also maintain the beauty and integrity of your vehicle's exterior for years to come.
While regular car washing is essential for removing surface dirt and grime, it's not sufficient to fully protect your vehicle's paint from the harsh elements it faces daily. The San Francisco Bay Area's micro-climate — characterized by intense sun, pollution, and corrosive fog — can quickly degrade your car's exterior. Over time, UV rays, bird droppings, tree sap, and industrial fallout can penetrate the clear coat, leading to oxidation, fading, and permanent damage.
Annual detailing goes beyond what a standard wash can achieve. It involves a meticulous process that includes deep cleaning, paint correction, and the application of protective coatings. Consider making annual detailing as essential as oil changes, tire rotations, and regular mechanical services — just as you wouldn't neglect these vital aspects of vehicle maintenance, you shouldn't overlook the importance of protecting your car's finish.
Paint correction / polishing
A mirror-like, flawless finish
Paint correction, also known as polishing, is a meticulous process that restores and enhances the appearance of a vehicle's paintwork. By carefully leveling the surface of the paint to remove imperfections such as swirl marks, scratches, stains and oxidation, paint correction can dramatically improve the clarity, gloss, and depth of the paint.
Using specialized tools, compounds, and techniques, our skilled technicians refine the paint to a mirror-like finish, revealing the true beauty of your vehicle's paint job. Whether you're restoring the showroom shine of your car or enhancing its overall appearance, our paint correction services are designed to exceed your expectations and leave your vehicle looking flawless.
Sport Exterior Detail Package
Our six-step exterior process
Clay Bar Treatment
A clay bar removes embedded contaminants from the paint, such as tree sap, tar, or industrial fallout, achieving a smooth and glossy surface.
Enhancing Shine & Protection
Your choice of our Aircraft Wax Coating or Sport Ceramic Coating adds a layer of protection against the elements and UV rays while bringing out the depth and gloss of your paint.
Trim Restoration
All exterior plastic and chrome trim pieces are cleaned and conditioned.
Wheel & Tire Cleaning
Wheels and tires are thoroughly cleaned and dressed to restore their appearance — removing brake dust, grime, and old tire dressing.
Glass Cleaning
The exterior and interior glass surfaces, including the windshield, windows, and mirrors, are cleaned to a streak-free finish.
The paint correction process
Eight steps to a flawless finish
Step 1 · Inspection
We thoroughly inspect the vehicle for imperfections such as swirl marks, scratches, oxidation, and other paint defects.
Step 2 · Washing
The vehicle is carefully washed and decontaminated to remove dirt, grime, and contaminants that may interfere with the correction process.
Step 3 · Clay Bar Treatment
A clay bar further removes embedded contaminants, ensuring a smooth and clean surface for correction.
Step 4 · Test Spot
A small test spot determines the best combination of polishes and pads to achieve optimal results.
Step 5 · Compounding
Using a cutting compound and a suitable pad, the paint is corrected to remove defects such as swirl marks, stains, hard water deposits and scratches.
Step 6 · Polishing
After compounding, a polish with a finishing pad refines the paint and maximizes gloss and clarity.
Step 7 · Finishing Touches
Any remaining imperfections are addressed, and a final inspection ensures the work meets the highest standard.
Step 8 · Protection
Choose our Aircraft Wax Coating or Ceramic Pro Coating package for long-lasting protection, easy maintenance, and lasting shine.
Platinum Exterior Detail Package
Restore and protect your car's finish
We know what it's like to tell a car owner their paint is too far gone to restore — so don't wait. Book your exterior detail and preserve your investment.
Customer satisfaction
Personalized, honest pricing
For over 40 years, California Detailing has a reputation for delivering top-quality work tailored to the specific needs of each vehicle. That is why we do not offer fixed prices for our services.
Instead, we provide a range of costs based on a site-unseen estimate until we have the opportunity to assess and evaluate your vehicle in person. By customizing the pricing based on the condition and requirements of your vehicle, we can ensure that you will receive the most cost-effective and personalized detailing package.
Please feel free to contact us directly by phone or email to discuss your auto detailing service request. In order to provide you with a final cost of services requested, we will perform a quick inspection of your vehicle on the day of your appointment. If you do not approve of our price quote, that's OK — we will simply cancel your appointment.
Happy customers
Trusted by Bay Area drivers
★★★★★
Great job. All new cars should be detailed ASAP. The color they were able to make pop on our mini was really impressive. Kind staff, Carlos was great to work with. Highly recommend…
★★★★★
We brought our Tesla Model S in for detailing for the first time in over a year just yesterday, and my husband and I barely recognized our car when we picked it up….
★★★★★
I love dealing with Jim and Carlos. They do a fantastic job! It's expensive, but you get what you pay for — basically a new car…
Quotes & Booking
Request your quote or booking
Tell us about your vehicle and what you need. Owner Jim Stavrinides personally reviews every request and follows up with a custom package — everything you need, and nothing you don't.
- Free, no-obligation estimate
- By appointment only · Mon–Fri 10am–5:30pm
- Call or text us directly: (415) 622-8237