Tools and products every detailer needs to start detailing.
If you’re just getting started in the detailing world or looking to level up your setup, having the right tools and products can make all the difference. Whether you’re a mobile installer, shop-based professional, or weekend warrior, investing in the correct detailing gear will help you work faster, cleaner, and with better results.
In this blog, we’ll break down the basic tools and products every detailer should have, the advanced tools that professional-level detailers rely on, and how to choose the best detailing products for flawless results. Plus, we’ll introduce some game-changing tools from ONYX COATING and Vunyx that belong in your arsenal.
Starting with the essentials, here are the must-have tools and products to build a reliable foundation:
Purpose of the tool: A DA polisher is designed to safely correct imperfections in the paint, such as swirl marks, light scratches, and oxidation. The dual motion (rotation and oscillation) minimizes heat buildup, reducing the risk of burning through clear coat. It’s ideal for beginners or those seeking a balance between power and safety during polishing.
How its Works: A DA polisher oscillates and rotates simultaneously, making it ideal for beginners and professionals alike to remove swirl marks, light scratches, and oxidation while minimizing heat buildup.
Purpose of the tool: Used primarily by experienced professionals, the rotary polisher offers powerful, focused correction for heavily damaged paint. It spins in a single direction, generating more heat and friction. This makes it perfect for removing deeper defects but also increases the risk of holograms or paint burn if not handled properly.
How it works: Unlike a DA polisher, the rotary polisher spins on a single axis, generating more heat and cutting power—ideal for removing deep scratches, heavy oxidation, and defects but requires more control and skill.
Purpose of the tool: Microfiber towels are critical for nearly every detailing task—from drying paint to wiping off polish or buffing wax. Higher GSM towels are softer and used for delicate surfaces like paint, while lower GSMs are more suited for interiors or cleaning wheels. Their fine fibers trap dirt and absorb liquids without scratching surfaces.
Available in various thicknesses (GSM – grams per square meter), microfiber towels are gentle on paint and highly absorbent, making them essential for safe and effective cleaning, polishing, and drying.
Purpose of the tool: The foam cannon or gun helps pre-clean the vehicle by covering it in a layer of thick foam that clings to the surface. This foam loosens and lifts dirt away from the paint, reducing the risk of scratching when hand washing. It’s an essential step in a safe wash process and adds efficiency and visual appeal to the service.
Foam cannons (for pressure washers) and foam guns (for garden hoses) produce thick foam to blanket the car, reducing swirl marks by softening and lifting dirt off the surface before physical contact.
Purpose of the tool: A pressure washer provides strong water flow to rinse off heavy dirt, mud, and salt from the vehicle before washing. It can also be used to clean wheels, wheel wells, and engine bays more effectively than a garden hose, saving time and effort while delivering professional-level results.
A pressure washer blasts away dirt, mud, and grime with high-pressure water, making it faster and more effective than hose-only washing, especially when paired with a foam cannon.
Purpose of the tool: This tool is used for thorough interior cleaning, allowing detailers to remove dry debris from carpets, seats, and hard-to-reach areas, as well as extract liquids from spills or after shampooing. A wet/dry vacuum is versatile and a must-have for deep interior restoration work.
A wet/dry vacuum can handle both solid debris and liquid spills, making it ideal for cleaning everything from pet hair and crumbs to spilled drinks and deep carpet dirt.
Purpose of the Tool: Detailing brushes allow precision cleaning of intricate or delicate areas where towels and larger tools can’t reach. Common uses include cleaning around emblems, air vents, lug nuts, stitching, and buttons. They come in soft (for interiors and paint) and firm (for tires or engine bays) versions.
These soft-bristled brushes come in various sizes and materials, perfect for agitating dirt in tight or intricate areas without scratching surfaces.
Purpose of the tool: Applicator pads are used to apply various detailing products evenly across a surface. Foam pads are best for applying waxes and sealants on paint, while microfiber applicators work well for spreading conditioners on leather or protectants on plastic and vinyl. They ensure consistent coverage and reduce waste.
Foam pads offer controlled product spread for smooth surfaces, while microfiber pads are gentle and ideal for applying protectants or conditioners to leather, vinyl, and paint.
Purpose of the tool: Using two buckets—one for soapy water, the other for rinsing—reduces the chance of reintroducing dirt to the paint, which can cause swirl marks. Grit guards at the bottom of the buckets trap dirt and grit so it doesn’t stick to the wash mitt, maintaining a safer, scratch-free wash process.
One bucket holds soapy water, the other clean rinse water. Grit guards sit at the bottom to trap dirt from the wash mitt, keeping it from re-contacting the paint.
Purpose of the tool: After washing, water can hide in tight areas like mirrors, trim, badges, and wheels, leading to drips or water spots. A blower or air compressor quickly removes this trapped water. Inside the car, it can also help dislodge dust and debris from crevices before vacuuming.
These tools blow out trapped water from mirrors, emblems, and trim after washing, and are also useful for removing dust or dirt from tight interior spaces.
Purpose of the tool: Steam cleaners use hot vapor to break down stains, grease, and odors from interior surfaces like carpets, seats, and vents. They’re particularly useful for sanitizing without the use of harsh chemicals, making them ideal for deep cleaning in sensitive areas like headliners and touchpoints.
Steam cleaners use high-temperature vapor to dissolve grime, kill bacteria, and refresh upholstery without harsh chemicals—ideal for eco-conscious detailing.
Purpose of the tool: Proper lighting is critical in detailing for inspecting paint defects, ensuring full product removal, and spotting dirt or swirl marks. Portable LED lights and headlamps allow detailers to work with precision even in low-light conditions, helping to achieve a flawless finish.
High-intensity LED lights or wearable headlamps help highlight imperfections like swirls, scratches, or dirt that are hard to see in regular lighting, ensuring a thorough detail.
With so many products on the market, making the right choice can be overwhelming. Here’s what to consider:
Invest in a few high-quality products that work well together instead of chasing every new trend. Established brands like ONYX COATING and Vunyx offer tried-and-tested solutions built for real-world results.
Make sure your polishes, pads, and protectants are compatible. For example, ONYX COATING’s polishing pads are designed to work optimally with their compounds, reducing working time and improving finish quality.
Choose brands that offer product support, training, or a knowledge base. ONYX COATING offers global support and educational resources for installers and detailers.
Read reviews, ask for peer recommendations, and test samples if available. Pro detailers trust tools that consistently deliver results—not just good marketing.
Starting with the basics like microfiber cloths, a wash mitt, and applicators gives you a solid foundation. As you grow, advanced tools like ONYX COATING’s cutting and polishing pads, Vunyx PPF Gel, and professional polishers will help you deliver truly flawless finishes.
When you invest in the right tools and learn how to use them properly, your detailing work speaks for itself—and that’s what brings clients back.
Looking to get stocked with professional-grade products? Explore the ONYX COATING and Vunyx range today to take your detailing game to the next level.
Watch as water beads off the deck with our super hydrophobic coatings.
Protect the paintwork from UV damage and keep its vibrant colour despite the conditions.
Let the fear of a rough docking be a thing of the past with a 10H coating.
With minimal maintenance, our products are guaranteed to provide protection for years to come.
With our chemical and contaminant resistant coating, the surface is kept clean. Needing only minor occasional maintenance.
Trusted in 70+ countries, Onyx Coating is the top choice for professionals and car owners seeking premium protection.
Our ceramic coatings adhere to the surface making it resistant to corrosion and oxidation and contamination-free.
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