Guides

Buying guides, written before the cart.

What to buy first, what to skip, and which well-known tools fit the job. Each guide links out to Amazon.

• Start here · 4 min · Updated October 20, 2026Best Beginner Detailing KitThe wash, polish, and dry setup to buy first: a short-throw polisher, one pad and polish, a bucket that traps grit, and a towel that can actually dry a car.
• Paint correction · 4 min · Updated October 20, 2026Best Dual Action PolishersHow to choose a DA polisher by throw size: Griot's and Porter-Cable for control, Adam's, MaxShine, and Rupes when you want a 15 mm machine.
• Protection · 4 min · Updated October 20, 2026Best Ceramic Coatings for DIYBottled coatings worth learning (Gtechniq Crystal Serum Light, CarPro CQuartz, Adam's Graphene) and the spray sealants to use when you want protection today.
• On camera · 4 min · Updated October 20, 2026Best Camera Setup for Filming Car DetailingA practical camera, mount, mic, and light kit for detailing videos: GoPro and DJI for the wet work, a Sony for planned shots, and the storage to keep the footage.