Notes from the shop

Practical detailing advice, written from the bay.

April 18, 2026

What Houston heat is really doing to your paint

Texas sun, humidity and surprise hail are the three biggest enemies of a car's clear coat. Here's what we see in the shop — and what actually helps.

March 2, 2026

There's no single right answer. The honest answer depends on how often you wash the car, how long you keep it, and where it lives.

January 25, 2026

The single biggest cause of swirl marks isn't dirt — it's how the dirt gets wiped off. Here's a five-minute upgrade to your wash routine.

November 9, 2025

PPF is brilliant for high-impact areas and overkill for some others. Where it earns its money — and where you can probably skip it.