What to look for
Car detailers cover machine polishing, paint correction, ceramic coating, paint protection film (PPF), interior deep clean, leather treatment, headlight restoration, and pre-sale detailing. The category overlaps lightly with hand-car-wash but the skill and equipment requirements separate true detailing from quick wash work.
- Detailing World or similar peer credibility
- Manufacturer-approved ceramic coating training (Gtechniq, Gyeon, CarPro)
- Paint depth gauge used before machine polishing
- Public liability insurance
- Realistic time disclosed (single-stage 4-8h, full correction 1-3 days)
- Photo evidence of recent work (close-up, raking light)
Typical pricing: £140-£280 wash and decontaminate, £350-£900 single-stage correction, £900-£3,000+ full ceramic and PPF (UK 2026)
Regulator / certification to look for: International Detailing Association (voluntary), Manufacturer training (Gtechniq, Gyeon, CarPro, etc.)