Have a question about car care, our detailing products, shipping or our services? Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions, with the products we recommend for each step. Can't find your answer? Contact us.
Jump to: Car detailing basics · Washing and prewash · Paint decontamination · Polishing and paint correction · Wax, sealant and ceramic coating · Wheels, tires and exterior plastics · Glass and windshield · Interior: fabrics, leather and plastics · Engine, microfiber and equipment · Orders, shipping and Pure Détail services
Our complete step-by-step guides: Decontaminating paint with SIDERO and a clay bar · Getting your car ready for winter · Removing road salt (paint, carpets, fabrics) · Washing your car without scratches · Removing swirls: how to polish your car · Applying a ceramic coating yourself
The recommended order goes from dirtiest to most delicate: 1) wheels and tires, 2) foam prewash, 3) hand wash with the two-bucket method, 4) chemical then mechanical decontamination, 5) drying, 6) polishing (if needed), 7) protection (wax, sealant or ceramic), 8) glass, tires and plastics. The interior is ideally done before the exterior, so you don't dirty an already clean body. Each step is detailed in the questions below.
A good start includes: a pH-neutral shampoo like Labocosmetica SEMPER, two buckets with a GRIT SAFE grit guard (or the MaFra 21 L bucket), a PREMIUM WASH MITT, a large drying towel like the Labocosmetica DRYING TOWEL, a wheel cleaner like Maniac Line WHEEL & TIRE CLEANER and a quick detailer like Labocosmetica PERFECTA SiO2. Then add a decontaminant (Labocosmetica SIDERO) and a protection (Labocosmetica BENEFICIA or Labocosmetica CUPIDO) once you're comfortable.
Generally, every one to two weeks. In winter, rinse the body and underside of the vehicle whenever the temperature allows to remove salt and grit. Dirt that sits for a long time (bird droppings, bugs, salt) bakes on and can mark the clear coat.
No. Dish soap is a powerful degreaser: it strips waxes and sealants, dries out plastics and rubber, and doesn't lubricate enough to prevent scratches. Use a pH-neutral car shampoo like Labocosmetica SEMPER, Maniac Line NEUTRAL FOAM SHAMPOO or Solutionist AVALANCHE SOAP.
It's best to avoid it. In the sun or on a hot surface, water and products dry too quickly and leave water spots. Wash in the shade, early in the morning or late in the day, and work section by section. MaFra FLUX shampoo is formulated to dry spot-free, which helps in hot weather.
Most swirls come from washing. To avoid them: do a foam prewash to loosen dirt, then use the two-bucket method (one bucket of shampoo, one bucket of clean water to rinse the mitt), each with a GRIT SAFE grit guard at the bottom. Wash with a PREMIUM WASH MITT from top to bottom, in straight lines, and rinse the mitt often. Dry by patting with a soft towel like the MaFra SUPER DRYER.
Read the complete guide: washing your car without scratches →
A prewash is a foam applied to the dry or rinsed car, left to dwell a few minutes, then rinsed off. It softens and removes much of the dirt before the mitt touches the paint, which greatly reduces the risk of scratches. For regular maintenance: Labocosmetica NEVE 2.0 (pH neutral, safe on protection). For a very dirty car or in winter: Labocosmetica PRIMUS 2.0 or Maniac Line FOAM GUN PREWASH. Without a foam cannon, Labocosmetica INITIO is ready to use in a sprayer.
Read the complete guide: washing your car without scratches →
It's not required, but it makes washing safer and faster. With a pressure washer, use a foam cannon like the PRESSURE WASH FOAMER. Without a pressure washer, the NEBULA FOAM 2.0 pump sprayer lets you apply a prewash foam. We also offer pressure washers like the KL 1400XT pressure washer and the COMET STATIC-GE, as well as hoses, wands and fittings.
More than pressure, it's the nozzle and distance that matter: use a fan nozzle (25° to 40°), keep about 30 cm (12 in) between the wand and the paint, and be careful near emblems, seals, decals and PPF edges. Never use a rotating (turbo) nozzle on paint. For equipment, see our pressure washers and our wands and fittings.
First rinse thoroughly, including the wheel wells and underbody. Then apply an alkaline prewash like Labocosmetica PRIMUS 2.0 to dissolve the traffic film, let it dwell without drying, then rinse before hand washing with a shampoo like Labocosmetica SEMPER. If white mineral marks remain, an acidic shampoo like Labocosmetica PURIFICA or Maniac Line DESCALE FOAM SHAMPOO removes them.
Read the complete guide: removing road salt (paint, carpets, fabrics) →
A rinseless wash is done with a bucket of water and a very slick product like Labocosmetica IDROSAVE, which also leaves a layer of protection. For a lightly dirty vehicle, a waterless cleaner like Maniac Line WATERLESS is sprayed on and wiped off with a microfiber towel. On a dirtier car, first spray a presoak like PRELUDIO ALKALINE to loosen the dirt. Use several clean microfiber towels, like the Labocosmetica MULTI TOWEL pack.
Dry quickly, in the shade, with a large, thick microfiber towel like the Labocosmetica DRYING TOWEL or the MaFra SUPER DRYER: lay it down and gently pull it, without rubbing. Spraying a finishing product like Labocosmetica PERFECTA SiO2 on the wet paint works as a drying aid, reduces friction and adds gloss.
Read the complete guide: washing your car without scratches →
Water spots come from minerals in the water drying on the surface. If they're recent, an acidic shampoo like Maniac Line DESCALE FOAM SHAMPOO or Labocosmetica PURIFICA is often enough. For tougher spots, apply a dedicated product like Maniac Line WATER SPOT MINERAL REMOVER or Labocosmetica ENERGO on a cool surface, let it work briefly, wipe, then rinse. If a mark remains etched in the clear coat, polishing will be needed.
Act fast, because bugs are acidic and can mark the clear coat. Spray Maniac Line INSECT REMOVER, let it work for one or two minutes to soften the residue, then rinse or wipe gently with a microfiber towel. Never scrape dry.
Remove them as soon as possible: they're acidic and can etch the clear coat within hours in the sun. Generously wet the spot with a finishing product like Maniac Line EXTERIOR QUICK DETAILER or water, let it soften, then lift it off with a clean microfiber towel without rubbing. If a mark remains, light polishing will remove it.
A pH-neutral shampoo, with no wax or gloss additives that would mask the beading: Labocosmetica SEMPER or Maniac Line NEUTRAL FOAM SHAMPOO. To boost the protection while washing, occasionally use an SiO2-infused shampoo like Maniac Line CERAMIC SHAMPOO or Labocosmetica REVITAX. If the coating loses its beading because of limescale, a wash with Labocosmetica PURIFICA decontaminates it.
Use products with no wax or gloss agents, which would leave shiny patches on a matte finish. Labocosmetica SATINO is designed for matte paint and wraps, and Maniac Line BLACK & WRAP SHAMPOO for wraps and dark paint. For traffic film, Labocosmetica LIBERA (alkaline prewash) and Labocosmetica RENOVA (acidic shampoo) are safe on PPF and vinyl; Labocosmetica LIMPIA deep cleans stubborn stains. Never polish a matte finish.
Decontamination removes what a simple wash leaves stuck on the clear coat: iron particles (brake dust, rail dust), tar, sap and pollution residue. A full decontamination combines two steps:
Do it once or twice a year (ideally in spring and before winter), and always before polishing or applying a wax, sealant or ceramic coating.
Read the complete guide: decontaminating paint with SIDERO and a clay bar →
Do the plastic bag test: after washing, put your hand in a thin bag and gently run it over the hood or doors. If the surface feels rough or gritty, it's contaminated. Other signs: small orange or brown specks (iron), paint that looks dull even when clean, or protection that no longer beads.
Read the complete guide: decontaminating paint with SIDERO and a clay bar →
An iron remover reacts with embedded iron particles (brake dust, rail dust) and dissolves them so they rinse away without rubbing. As it reacts, the product turns purple/red: that's the famous “bleeding” effect. Apply Labocosmetica SIDERO (a gel that clings well, with anti-limescale action) or Maniac Line IRON REMOVER on a cool, washed surface, let it dwell a few minutes without drying, then rinse thoroughly. For wheels, Solutionist MULTI-FER combines a wheel cleaner and an iron remover.
Read the complete guide: decontaminating paint with SIDERO and a clay bar →
Always on a washed car, ideally after the iron remover. Flatten a piece of MaFra CLAY BAR in your hand, generously spray Labocosmetica LUBRIFICA on a small area (about 50 cm × 50 cm / 20 in × 20 in) and glide the bar in straight lines without pressing. When it glides with no resistance, the area is clean: wipe with a microfiber towel and move to the next one. Fold the bar often to keep a clean side, and throw it out if it falls on the ground.
Read the complete guide: decontaminating paint with SIDERO and a clay bar →
It works in a pinch, but a dedicated lubricant like Labocosmetica LUBRIFICA glides better, doesn't make the bar swell or break down, and reduces the risk of marring. Since clay can leave light marks, plan on a finishing polish if your paint is dark or delicate.
Spray MaFra DECA FLASH on the area, let it work for a minute to dissolve the tar or adhesive, then wipe gently with a microfiber towel. Then rewash the area to remove solvent residue. Avoid scraping, even with your fingernail.
Remove sap as soon as possible, because it hardens in the sun and can mark the clear coat. Apply MaFra RESIN OFF on the spot, let it work a few moments, wipe gently with a microfiber towel, then wash the area. For very hardened sap, repeat rather than rubbing hard.
An acidic shampoo like Labocosmetica PURIFICA or Maniac Line DESCALE FOAM SHAMPOO dissolves mineral deposits (limescale, salt, acid rain) that dull the paint and block the beading of a wax, sealant or ceramic coating. Use it every few months, or when your protection seems “dead” when it should still be active.
Polishing corrects the paint: an abrasive product removes a thin layer of clear coat to eliminate swirls, holograms and dullness. Waxing (or sealing) protects: you add a layer on top of the paint without removing anything. You polish only when needed, then always protect afterward.
Read the complete guide: removing swirls: how to polish your car →
You need to polish, ideally with a dual-action polisher. For heavily marked paint, start with a cutting compound like Labocosmetica AUDACE or MaFra CORRECTOR 3.0; for soft or lightly marked paint, Labocosmetica LEALE. Finish with a finishing polish like Labocosmetica FIERO or MaFra ILLUMINA 2.0 for a glossy, hologram-free finish. Always try your combination on a small test spot first.
Read the complete guide: removing swirls: how to polish your car →
Yes. A one-step polish corrects light defects and leaves a glossy finish in a single step, which is ideal if you're short on time or just starting out. MaFra TOTAL 2.0 is an all-in-one polish, and Labocosmetica FIERO lightly corrects while prepping the surface for a ceramic coating.
Read the complete guide: removing swirls: how to polish your car →
Yes, to improve gloss and reduce very light defects, with a finishing polish like MaFra ILLUMINA 2.0 and a microfiber applicator. However, to truly remove swirls, a dual-action polisher gives far better results. For a quick wet look by hand, a glaze like MaFra SPLENDIDA 2.0 or Labocosmetica VENERE fills and hides small imperfections.
Do the fingernail test: if your nail catches in the scratch, it has probably gone through the clear coat and won't disappear completely with polishing (although it can be reduced). If your nail doesn't catch, the scratch is in the clear coat and a compound like Labocosmetica AUDACE followed by a finishing polish should remove it.
Read the complete guide: removing swirls: how to polish your car →
Polishes leave oils that hide defects and keep a ceramic coating or sealant from bonding properly. A surface cleaner like Labocosmetica VERITAS removes those oils, wax residue and fresh coating leftovers for a perfectly clean surface before applying protection.
Wax gives a warm glow but doesn't last long (a few weeks), for example MaFra METALCREAM or Maniac Line CERAMIC ULTRA SPEED WAX. A synthetic sealant, like Labocosmetica CUPIDO, protects longer (a few months). A ceramic coating, like Labocosmetica HPC 2.0, forms a hard, very hydrophobic layer that can last several years with proper care, but it requires careful paint prep (decontamination, polishing, VERITAS).
Wet coat sealants are applied to the wet car right after washing, then rinsed off: Labocosmetica BENEFICIA or Maniac Line WET COAT. It's the fastest way to get great beading. On a dry car, a spray wax like Maniac Line CERAMIC ULTRA SPEED WAX or an SiO2 quick detailer like Labocosmetica PERFECTA SiO2 takes just a few minutes.
It depends on the product, the prep and above all the maintenance. A professional coating like Labocosmetica HPC 2.0 can last several years if maintained with a pH-neutral shampoo, an occasional acidic decontamination (Labocosmetica PURIFICA) and an SiO2 booster like Labocosmetica PERFECTA SiO2. Automatic brush car washes and harsh products shorten its life.
Read the complete guide: applying a ceramic coating yourself →
Yes, if you're meticulous. The steps: wash, chemical decontamination (SIDERO) and mechanical decontamination (clay bar + LUBRIFICA), polishing (FIERO at minimum), removing oils with Labocosmetica VERITAS, then applying the coating panel by panel. The SAM + HPC 2.0 kit has everything you need. Work indoors, away from dust and humidity, and keep the car dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you prefer, we offer this service in the Montreal area: see Services and pricing.
Read the complete guide: applying a ceramic coating yourself →
Wash your vehicle regularly with a pH-neutral shampoo, use the two-bucket method and a microfiber mitt, then dry with a soft microfiber towel like the Labocosmetica DRYING TOWEL. Avoid automatic brush car washes. To boost the protection between washes, an SiO2 quick detailer like Labocosmetica PERFECTA SiO2 or a protective shampoo like Labocosmetica REVITAX is ideal.
Read the complete guide: applying a ceramic coating yourself →
A quick detailer is used on a clean or lightly dusty car to add gloss and slickness, remove fingerprints and extend protection. Labocosmetica PERFECTA 2.0 enhances color depth, Labocosmetica PERFECTA SiO2 adds a layer of ceramic protection, and Maniac Line EXTERIOR QUICK DETAILER is a great all-around choice.
Use a coating designed for these soft materials: ARMORIUS GLOSS for gloss films and wraps, ARMORIUS MATT for matte finishes. Between washes, clean with PPF- and vinyl-safe products like Labocosmetica LIBERA, Labocosmetica RENOVA and Labocosmetica LIMPIA.
Before the first snowfall: wash and decontaminate the paint (SIDERO + clay bar), then apply durable protection (a sealant like Labocosmetica CUPIDO or a ceramic coating like Labocosmetica HPC 2.0) so salt and dirt stick less. Also protect the wheels, the glass with a rain repellent (Labocosmetica AQUAVELOX or Maniac Line RAIN SPEED) and fabric seats with MaFra IDROSTOP. During winter, rinse often and use an alkaline prewash like Labocosmetica PRIMUS 2.0.
Read the complete guide: getting your car ready for winter →
Clean the wheels first and when they're cool. Spray Maniac Line WHEEL & TIRE CLEANER or Solutionist MULTI-FER (which also dissolves iron particles), let it dwell, then scrub with a microfiber wheel brush for the inside of the spokes and an exterior detail brush for lug nuts and emblems. Rinse thoroughly. For baked-on brake dust, an iron remover like Labocosmetica SIDERO is very effective.
First clean the tires (a brownish tire needs a cleaner like Maniac Line WHEEL & TIRE CLEANER), let them dry, then apply a thin layer of dressing with a foam applicator, rather than spraying directly. Labocosmetica NERO gives a satin black, Solutionist GRAPHENE TIRE DRESSING a glossier, longer-lasting finish. Let it dry a few minutes before driving and wipe off the excess to avoid sling on the bodywork.
Grayish plastics are oxidized by UV and washing. Clean them first with an all-purpose cleaner like Labocosmetica DUCTILE, then apply a restorer: Labocosmetica TPR is a long-lasting coating for exterior trim, while Maniac Line ALL ROUND PLASTIC PROTECTANT and Labocosmetica HYDRA quickly bring plastics and rubber back to a like-new look.
Use an ammonia-free cleaner like Labocosmetica NITIDO or Maniac Line GLASS CLEANER & DEGREASER and a dedicated glass microfiber like the Labocosmetica GLASS TOWEL or the Maniac Line glass cloth. Use the two-towel method: one to clean, a second dry one to buff. Work in the shade and don't forget the inside of the windshield, where an oily film builds up and causes glare.
A hydrophobic treatment makes rain bead up and clear on its own at road speed, and makes de-icing easier in winter. Labocosmetica AQUAVELOX is a long-lasting glass coating, and Maniac Line RAIN SPEED an easy-to-apply sealant. Apply them on perfectly clean, decontaminated glass; Labocosmetica VITREO removes stubborn deposits and water spots before application.
Vacuum first. Spray a fabric cleaner like Labocosmetica TEXIA, scrub with a fabric seat brush or a DUO pad to work up a lather, then blot with a clean microfiber towel (or an extractor). For stubborn stains, Labocosmetica GLICO, based on glycolic acid, is stronger. Once dry, protect fabrics against liquids with MaFra IDROSTOP.
Vacuum first, then spray a fabric cleaner like Labocosmetica GLICO (the acid helps dissolve salt residue) or Labocosmetica TEXIA. Scrub with the carpet brush and blot or extract with clean water. Repeat if needed and let dry thoroughly. Removable mats are easier to clean hung on a stainless steel floor mat holder.
Read the complete guide: removing road salt (paint, carpets, fabrics) →
Use a gentle cleaner with a pH suited to leather, like Labocosmetica DERMA CLEANER or Maniac Line LEATHER CLEANER, applied on a soft brush or a DUO pad, then wipe with a microfiber towel. Then protect with DERMA SEALANT, which keeps leather supple and forms a barrier against stains and denim dye transfer. Avoid harsh all-purpose cleaners, which dry out leather.
Alcantara is delicate: never use too much liquid. Spray Maniac Line ALCANTARA CLEANER on a microfiber towel (not directly on the surface), dab gently, then brush lightly in one direction to lift the fibers with a soft brush like the interior detail brush.
Spray an interior cleaner on a microfiber towel rather than on the dashboard (to protect the screen and electronics): Labocosmetica OMNIA 2.0, Labocosmetica IGEA for a quick refresh, or Maniac Line INTERIOR CLEANER PURIFIER. They leave a factory matte finish. For vents and seams, use an interior detail brush and IDEALE interior microfiber cloths. If you want UV protection with a light sheen, MaFra SCIC renews and protects plastics.
First remove the source: vacuum thoroughly (under the seats too), clean fabrics and carpets with Labocosmetica TEXIA and surfaces with Maniac Line INTERIOR CLEANER PURIFIER, then air it out well. Once the cabin is clean, add a long-lasting fragrance like MaFra DEO CUBE, MaFra SODA, Maniac Line OBSESSION or Sleek Scents fragrances. A fragrance alone only masks the odor.
An APC (all-purpose cleaner) cleans most surfaces: plastics, rubber, seals, wheel wells, carpets. Labocosmetica DUCTILE is concentrated and diluted according to the dirt (more diluted for interiors, stronger for exteriors), while Labocosmetica VARIUS and Maniac Line ALL PURPOSE CLEANER are ready to use. Mix your dilutions in a Labocosmetica graduated bottle or a MaFra dilution bottle and always follow the ratio on the label.
Work on a cool engine, cover the alternator, fuse box and air intakes, and avoid high pressure. Spray a degreaser like MaFra HP12, agitate with an exterior detail brush, then rinse gently at low flow or wipe off. For a waterless clean, MaFra MOTORSEC simply wipes off. For heavy grease buildup, SUPER MAFRASOL is an industrial degreaser. Finish with a plastic protectant like Maniac Line ALL ROUND PLASTIC PROTECTANT.
Soot and carbon come off with a decarbonizer like Labocosmetica CRONOS: apply to the cool tip, let it dwell, scrub with a microfiber towel or pad, then rinse.
Wash them separately from other textiles, in warm water, with a specialized detergent like MaFra MICROFIBER WASH. Never use fabric softener or bleach: they clog the fibers and make them less absorbent and more abrasive. Dry on low heat or air dry. Keep separate towels for paint, wheels, glass and interior.
Drying: a large, thick towel like the Labocosmetica DRYING TOWEL or the MaFra SUPER DRYER. Removing polish, wax or sealant: a soft, long-pile towel like the Maniac Line 380 GSM microfiber. Glass: a tight-weave towel like the Labocosmetica GLASS TOWEL. General exterior use: IDEALE exterior microfiber cloths or the Labocosmetica MULTI TOWEL pack; interior: IDEALE interior microfiber cloths.
Pure Détail, based in Montréal-Est, Quebec, distributes Labocosmetica, MaFra, MaFra Pro and Maniac Line car detailing products. You can order online at puredetail.ca with shipping across Canada and to the United States, or meet us at the car events we attend in Quebec.
Yes, we ship across Canada and to the United States. For U.S. orders, shipping rates are calculated at checkout, and orders may be subject to import duties and taxes. In Canada, shipping is free on orders of $150 CAD or more; below that amount, shipping is $14.90 CAD ($21.90 CAD for packages over 2 kg). Orders are prepared within 1 to 3 business days. See our shipping policy.
You have 14 days after receiving your order to return a product by mail. Return shipping costs are the customer's responsibility. Write to us through the Contact page before sending a return. See the full return policy.
Yes. Pure Détail supplies detailing shops, garages, dealerships and independent detailers, with bulk sizes (MaFra Pro range) and case orders. See our Services and pricing page or contact us for a quote.
Yes, we offer a mobile exterior detailing service at your home in the Montréal-Est, Laval, North Shore and Montreal area (Quebec): washing, decontamination, polishing and protection. Our services are offered by quote, see the Services and pricing page.
Yes, we sell and assemble high-pressure, industrial and residential hoses to your specifications (length, fittings, pressure). See Custom assembled hoses and write to us for a quote.
Absolutely. Write to us through the Contact page describing your vehicle, the condition of the paint and what you want to achieve: we'll recommend the right products for your level of experience.
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