Glossary
Clear explanations of technical terms covering cleaning, polishing, paint correction, protection, interiors and material care, including use and limits.
Technical terms
Abrasive describes the mechanical cutting action of a product or material. In vehicle care, a polish or pad removes paint defects such as scratches, swirls or oxidation through controlled material removal. Abrasiveness is a central factor in paint correction.
Read the explanationAn abrasive grain is an individual cutting particle in a polish or pad. Its size, hardness and structure determine the cutting performance and finish. High-quality polishes use consistent, defined grains for precise results.
Read the explanationAn abrasive polish contains mechanically active particles that remove clear coat. It is used for stronger defects and requires controlled machine movement to avoid holograms.
Read the explanationAn absorbent drying towel is a highly absorbent microfibre cloth used for safe drying. It reduces wash marks by absorbing water instead of being dragged across the paint.
Read the explanationAcrylic paint is an older paint type that is softer than many modern clear coats. It reacts more sensitively to heat and aggressive compounds, so care requires mild abrasives and precise polishing.
Read the explanationAn all-purpose cleaner is a versatile product for interior and exterior areas. Depending on dilution, it removes grease, dirt and organic residues and can be used on plastics, textiles and engine bays.
Read the explanationAn applicator is used to apply wax, sealant, dressing or cleaner in a controlled way. It is usually made from foam or microfibre.
Read the explanationAn automatic car wash cleans vehicles mechanically; contaminated or aggressive brushes can create fine paint defects.
Read the explanationBeading is the formation of rounded water droplets on a hydrophobic surface. It is a visible characteristic of water-repellent protection and can make cleaning easier.
Read the explanationBeading behaviour describes how a surface repels water. Hydrophobic protection creates rounded droplets and can improve cleaning efficiency and dirt repellency.
Read the explanationBleeding is the release of dyes from leather or textiles during unsuitable cleaning. It requires specialised products and controlled application.
Read the explanationBlending smooths the transition around a spot repair so that the newly painted area merges visually with the original finish.
Read the explanationThe bonding layer is the adhesion interface between paint and a protective coating. Correct degreasing with an IPA wipe significantly improves bonding.
Read the explanationBrake dust contains metallic particles that can bond firmly to wheel surfaces. It can be corrosive and should be removed regularly.
Read the explanationBranding marks are heat or pressure marks on leather. They can result from unsuitable care or external impact and require specialist leather repair.
Read the explanationA brush wash is a mechanical washing method that uses bristles. It often causes wash marks and is not recommended for carefully maintained vehicles.
Read the explanationBuffing off removes polish residue after polishing. It helps leave a clear, even finish without holograms.
Read the explanationBurnishing is ultra-fine polishing used to maximise gloss. It follows defect correction and produces a highly reflective finish.
Read the explanationCar polish is a product used to increase gloss and correct defects. Depending on the type, it contains abrasives, fillers or gloss enhancers.
Read the explanationCar shampoo is a paint-safe cleaner for vehicle washing. pH-neutral versions are generally compatible with protection, while stronger shampoos can remove older protective layers.
Read the explanationCarnauba wax is a natural premium wax derived from the carnauba palm. It creates warm, deep gloss and offers moderate durability, particularly for show cars.
Read the explanationCeramic coatings provide long-term protection, strong hydrophobic behaviour and high chemical resistance.
Read the explanationSilicon-dioxide-based ceramic coatings form a hard, chemically resistant protective layer. They provide long-term protection, strong hydrophobic behaviour and increased resistance to light wear.
Read the explanationChemical decontamination removes fallout, tar, resin and organic residues using suitable chemicals. It is an important preparation step before polishing.
Read the explanationA clay bar removes bonded particles from paint. It creates a smooth surface before polishing or applying protection.
Read the explanationClaying is mechanical deep cleaning of a surface with a clay bar.
Read the explanationCleaning alcohol such as isopropyl alcohol removes oils and grease before further treatment.
Read the explanationCleaning clay removes firmly embedded particles from smooth surfaces.
Read the explanationClear coat is the transparent layer above the base coat. It protects against UV exposure, chemicals and mechanical wear and is the layer worked during polishing.
Read the explanationClear coat is the transparent protective layer above the base coat and the layer worked during polishing.
Read the explanationA condition assessment evaluates paint structure, defects and surface condition before polishing.
Read the explanationCuring time is the period a protective coating needs to harden. Depending on the system, the surface must remain dry and untouched during this time.
Read the explanationCut describes the corrective power of a polish or pad. Higher cut means stronger material removal, while lower cut is used for fine finishing work.
Read the explanationCutting compounds provide a high level of cut for stronger paint defects.
Read the explanationCutting pads are aggressive polishing pads with high corrective power. They are used to correct stronger defects.
Read the explanationDecontamination is the complete surface-cleaning stage before polishing or protection. It includes chemical and mechanical removal of bonded particles.
Read the explanationDeep cleaning is the thorough preparatory cleaning carried out before polishing or applying protection.
Read the explanationDefect correction is the targeted removal of paint defects such as scratches, swirls, holograms or oxidation through polishing.
Read the explanationA degreaser dissolves oils, grease and residues. It is used for engine-bay cleaning, pre-wash processes and plastic preparation.
Read the explanationDegreasing removes oils and residues before protection is applied. It improves adhesion and prevents bonding failures.
Read the explanationDepth of gloss describes the visual depth and clarity of a painted surface.
Read the explanationDetailing is precise professional vehicle care focused on quality, material safety and visual refinement. It includes paint correction, interior cleaning, protection, plastic care and specialist treatments.
Read the explanationDetailing brushes are fine cleaning brushes for badges, air vents, wheel areas and hard-to-reach spaces. They use soft bristles designed to minimise marking.
Read the explanationA dressing is a care product for plastic, rubber or tyres that refreshes colour and adds protection. Its finish may be matte, satin or glossy.
Read the explanationDrying aids reduce friction and help water leave the surface during drying.
Read the explanationDrying towels are absorbent microfibre towels used to dry a vehicle safely.
Read the explanationDual-action polishers combine oscillating and rotating movement. This makes them easier to control and less prone to holograms than pure rotary machines.
Read the explanationA dual-action polisher uses an oscillating movement and is particularly suitable for controlled paint correction with a low risk of holograms.
Read the explanationDwell time is the period a product needs to work. A dwell time that is too short or too long can reduce performance or cause damage.
Read the explanationExterior detailing covers all exterior-care processes for paint, wheels, glass, plastics, metal and the engine bay.
Read the explanationFallout consists of metallic particles that become embedded in paint and oxidise. They are removed with suitable chemicals.
Read the explanationFiller polishes contain optical fillers and create a temporarily more even finish without genuinely correcting defects.
Read the explanationFillers hide scratches optically without removing them. They are included in various polishing products.
Read the explanationFinish describes the final gloss after polishing or protection. A clean finish is free from holograms, streaks and haze.
Read the explanationFinishing pads are soft polishing pads used for gloss enhancement and final refining work.
Read the explanationFinishing polishes have low cutting power and are used to create maximum gloss.
Read the explanationA foam lance produces snow foam to soften and loosen contamination before contact washing.
Read the explanationFoam pads are polishing pads available in different densities for cutting and finishing.
Read the explanationDuring a foam wash, pre-wash foam loosens contamination before hand washing.
Read the explanationGloss level is a measurable value that describes how strongly a surface reflects light.
Read the explanationGraphene coatings use graphene structures to provide strong chemical resistance and an especially slick surface.
Read the explanationA grit guard separates dirt in the wash bucket from the wash medium and helps reduce wash marks.
Read the explanationA hand wash is a particularly gentle washing method when carried out correctly.
Read the explanationHardness level describes a clear coat's resistance to mechanical stress.
Read the explanationHaze is a visible cloudy film caused by unsuitable polishing or incomplete buffing-off.
Read the explanationHeat damage is permanent damage to paint, plastic or leather caused by excessive heat, often through incorrect machine use or aggressive chemicals.
Read the explanationHolograms are machine-induced polishing marks that appear under light as circular or curved reflections.
Read the explanationHybrid sealants combine wax and synthetic polymers to balance gloss and durability.
Read the explanationHydrophobic behaviour describes a surface's ability to repel water.
Read the explanationAn IPA wipe uses isopropyl alcohol to remove oils before a protective coating is applied.
Read the explanationInsect remover dissolves organic insect residue on paint and glass.
Read the explanationInterior cleaning covers the dashboard, seats, carpets, leather, plastics and glass.
Read the explanationAn iron remover dissolves metallic fallout particles from a surface.
Read the explanationJapanese vehicle paint often has softer clear coats that require adapted polishing techniques.
Read the explanationJetting describes the visual depth and richness associated with high-quality wax finishes.
Read the explanationLeather care helps protect against drying, abrasion and contamination.
Read the explanationLeather cleaning removes dirt, oils and dye residue from leather with a material-appropriate process.
Read the explanationLeather protection helps guard leather against moisture and abrasion.
Read the explanationMachine polishing is the mechanical correction of defects with a polishing machine.
Read the explanationMasking protects sensitive areas such as rubber, plastic, chrome and edges from polish, heat or machine contact. It is a standard step in professional paint correction.
Read the explanationMicro-scratches are very fine paint defects that are often caused by unsuitable washing methods.
Read the explanationMicrofibre is a fine, paint-safe material used for towels and pads.
Read the explanationMicrofibre pads provide strong cutting performance and are suited to more intensive defect correction.
Read the explanationMicrofibre towels are used for cleaning, polishing and drying.
Read the explanationMineral-deposit removal eliminates limescale and water spots from paint and glass.
Read the explanationMontan wax is a synthetic wax known for durable protection.
Read the explanationMulti-stage polishing combines coordinated steps such as cutting, polishing and finishing.
Read the explanationNano sealants create a protective layer using nanostructured components.
Read the explanationNeutral cleaners are pH-neutral products designed to treat existing protection particularly gently.
Read the explanationOne-step polishing combines defect correction and finishing in a single stage.
Read the explanationOutgassing is the evaporation of solvents after painting or applying a coating. During this phase, the paint should not be washed or sealed again.
Read the explanationOxidation describes a surface becoming dull or changing through UV exposure and chemical influences.
Read the explanationAfter cleaning, ozone treatment can be used to reduce certain odours in a vehicle interior.
Read the explanationPTFE protection systems use fluorinated polymers to create a chemically resistant protective layer.
Read the explanationPad contamination is residue within a pad that can impair cutting performance and finish.
Read the explanationPaint cleaners are chemical preparatory cleaners for paint surfaces.
Read the explanationPaint correction is the targeted removal or reduction of defects through polishing.
Read the explanationPaint correction is the professional correction of visible paint defects.
Read the explanationPaint defects include scratches, swirls, holograms and oxidation.
Read the explanationPaint detailing covers cleaning, polishing, defect correction and protection of the paint surface.
Read the explanationPaint hardness affects how easily or slowly a paint system can be polished.
Read the explanationPaint protection includes waxes, sealants and ceramic protection systems.
Read the explanationPaint protection film is a transparent film that protects against stone chips and scratches.
Read the explanationPaint sealants protect against UV exposure, chemicals, dirt and water.
Read the explanationPlastic care refreshes colour and texture and protects against UV-related ageing.
Read the explanationPlastic cleaning removes dirt, oil and discolouration from plastic surfaces.
Read the explanationPlastic protection products provide longer-term protection for exterior plastics.
Read the explanationPolish residue is material left after polishing that must be removed completely and safely.
Read the explanationPolishing compound contains abrasives for controlled defect correction.
Read the explanationPolishing machines provide the mechanical movement required for controlled paint polishing.
Read the explanationPads are machine-polishing accessories whose cut is determined together with the polish and technique.
Read the explanationPolishing through means the clear coat has been removed completely and the base coat is exposed. It is serious paint damage and requires professional repair.
Read the explanationPolymer sealants form durable synthetic paint protection.
Read the explanationPre-cleaning is the chemical or mechanical cleaning performed before polishing and protection.
Read the explanationPre-wash is a low-contact first wash that loosens heavier contamination.
Read the explanationPre-washing loosens heavier dirt before the main hand wash.
Read the explanationQuartz sealants are based on silicon dioxide and create a resistant protective layer.
Read the explanationQuick detailers are rapid-care products for gloss and light contamination.
Read the explanationRotary polishers provide strong cutting performance but require particularly controlled handling.
Read the explanationRotation is the circular movement of a polishing machine around a fixed axis.
Read the explanationRubber care protects door seals and other rubber parts from drying out and cracking.
Read the explanationRubber cleaner removes dirt, oil and old care-product residue from rubber components.
Read the explanationSanding marks can result from unsuitable sanding or polishing technique.
Read the explanationScratch classifications describe the depth and severity of a paint defect.
Read the explanationSealants are synthetic paint-protection products with durable protective performance.
Read the explanationSealants protect surfaces against UV exposure, chemicals, water and dirt.
Read the explanationSiO2 is silicon dioxide and a central component in many ceramic coatings.
Read the explanationSnow foam is a pre-wash foam used to loosen dirt with minimal contact.
Read the explanationSpot repair is the local repair of a limited area of paint damage.
Read the explanationSurface preparation includes cleaning, degreasing and mechanical decontamination where required.
Read the explanationSurface processes comprise the coordinated paint and care steps carried out on a vehicle.
Read the explanationSwirls are circularly visible micro-scratches in clear coat.
Read the explanationSynthetic sealants provide durable protection and strong chemical resistance.
Read the explanationTar remover dissolves tar, bitumen and oily residue.
Read the explanationTrim dressing refreshes exterior plastics and protects their surface.
Read the explanationTwo-component coatings combine a base coat and top coat as a coordinated protection system.
Read the explanationTwo-stage paint consists of a colour base coat and a protective clear coat.
Read the explanationTyre care refreshes colour and texture and helps protect against UV-related ageing.
Read the explanationUV protection reduces fading and oxidation caused by sunlight.
Read the explanationUltra-fine polishes refine the finish and create a high level of gloss.
Read the explanationVehicle care covers cleaning, protection and maintenance processes for a vehicle's interior and exterior.
Read the explanationVehicle detailing covers professional cleaning, care and protection. It includes paint correction, interior cleaning, polishing, protection and odour treatment.
Read the explanationVehicle-care chemicals include products for cleaning, care and protection, such as cleaners, polishes, shampoos, dressings, degreasers and fallout removers.
Read the explanationWash mitts are paint-safe microfibre mitts used for hand washing.
Read the explanationWash scratches result from unsuitable wash media, contaminated tools or excessive friction.
Read the explanationWater spots are mineral deposits left on paint or glass.
Read the explanationWax provides gloss and protection, usually with shorter durability than synthetic sealants.
Read the explanationWet cleaning uses water and a cleaning product suited to the material.
Read the explanationA wet coat is a spray sealant activated on wet paint and then rinsed away.
Read the explanationWheel cleaning removes brake dust, metallic particles, oil and road dirt using chemical and mechanical methods suited to the wheel finish.
Read the explanationWheel-bore cleaning covers bolt holes and other hard-to-reach wheel areas. It helps prevent corrosion and the build-up of brake dust.
Read the explanationA wipe-down degreases the paint surface before a sealant is applied.
Read the explanationpH-neutral products are particularly gentle on materials and existing protection.
Read the explanationNo matching terms found.
Continue
The brand overview explains specialisms, applications and their place in professional vehicle care.
Explore the brand overviewAnswers covering scope, process, appointments and a sensible first step.
Open the FAQIn-depth articles explain decisions through concrete vehicle-care situations.
Read insightsNext step
The glossary provides orientation. We choose the treatment according to condition, material, use and goal.
