In today’s fast-paced, “get it done yesterday” world, there’s a premium on getting things done properly without wasting a minute of our valuable time.

In the automotive world, we all have vehicles that we want to look their very best. Whether it’s your fully-restored, 100-point ‘69 Olds 442 4-speed convertible or your daily driver, you want it looking its best.

The DFT Panel-by-Panel Method was developed over the course of many years detailing some of the finest vehicles in existence. The goal: Optimal results in the the least amount of time.

What you’ll need (click to buy):

As we move through the process, keep in mind that the goal is to detail the vehicle in the order that minimizes the amount of work and maximizes the results. Detailing panels out of order can cause dirt and grime to transfer to other panels, requiring extra steps.

Panel #1: Driver’s Side Hood. Visually divide the hood in half, and mist DFT Detailer over the panel. Lightly buff with your microfiber towel to bring out the luster. This technique is repeated for all ensuing panels unless otherwise noted.

Panel #2: Driver’s Side Front Fender.

Panel #3: Driver’s Side Roof. Detail the pillar between the windshield and door as you move to the roof.

Panel #4: Driver’s Side Front Door. **Important: Stay above the Body Side Mouldings. Below the molding is where the harsher contaminants lie, and we do not want to transfer these to cleaner surfaces. As such, these will be our last are of focus.

Panel #5: Driver’s Side Rear Door.

Panel #6: Rear Quarter Panel.

Panel #7: Rear Hatch/Door/Decklid. **Again, do not yet detail the bumper or lower moldings.

Panel #8: Passenger Side Roof.

Panel#9: Passenger Side Rear Quarter Panel.

Panel #10: Passenger Side Rear Door.

Panel #11: Passenger Side Front Door.

Panel #12: Passenger Side Hood.

Panel #13: Passenger Side Front Quarter Panel.

Panel #14: Front Grille, Front/Rear Bumpers, Body Side Moldings. While not a true “panel,” as such, it is helpful to think of these remaining sections as a group. They are typically the dirtiest parts of the vehicle, and can require an extra bit of attention.

As the process has brought you back to the front of the vehicle, begin with the front grille. Spray your DFT Detailer onto the grille and give it a moment to work its magic on the bugs and other contaminants. After a short time, they will begin to break down and they will remove more easily.

Wipe the surface clean, and set the towel aside to be cleaned. Once those contaminants are lodged in the towel, it should not be used on painted surfaces. Repeat the process on the other parts of Panel 14, and your work on the body is finished. As you grow accustomed to the process, your speed will improve and you’ll be confident that you haven’t missed a thing.

The two final steps to a proper exterior quick-detail are the glass and the tires. Grab your DFT Glass, start with the Driver’s Side Windshield and move in the same direction as the above process, cleaning all your exterior glass and mirrors.

Second, apply DFT Shield to your tires using your Tire Applicator. Start with the Driver’s Side Front Tire, move back to the Driver’s Side Rear Tire, on to the Passenger Side Rear Tire, and finish with the Passenger Side Front Tire.

While this process is far from complicated, it guarantees a thorough detail in the shortest amount of time. It elminates added work and the natural tendency to miss something along the way. Use the method for handwashing, wax application, clay-barring, and polishing. You’ll find you get your work done faster and that you’ll be happier with the results. Our clients swear by our details, and we detail exclusively with the Panel-by-Panel Method.

Click to download the Quick Reference PDF.