Detailing shop lighting guide: Seeing every defect

You cannot correct what you cannot see. In the world of professional Paint Correction and Ceramic Coating, lighting is your most critical diagnostic tool. Standard fluorescent shop lights are designed for general visibility, but they are "blind" to the micro-swirls, scratches, and coating "high spots" that separate a hobbyist from a master detailer.

1. The Science of Light: Color Temperature (CRI)

Not all light is created equal. For detailing, you need a high CRI (Color Rendering Index) to see the true state of the finish.

• Cool White (5000K-6000K): Best for seeing fine swirls and scratches on light-colored paints (Silver, White).
• Warm White (3000K-4000K): Excellent for identifying "haze" and holograms on dark-colored paints (Black, Navy).
• Multi-CRI Lights: Invest in inspection lamps that allow you to toggle between color temperatures to "stress-test" your correction work under different conditions.

2. The Three-Layer Lighting Profile

A professional Detail Shop uses a tiered lighting approach:

• Ambient Overheads: Modern LED hexagonal lights provide even, shadows-free coverage for general washing and interior work.
• Strategic Side Lighting: Wall-mounted LED bars positioned at waist height are essential for seeing defects on the lower doors and quarter panels.
• Handheld Inspection Lamps: A high-intensity LED torch is mandatory for "spot-checking" your correction progress and ensuring zero Coating Failures.

3. Identifying "High Spots" in Ceramic Coatings

When applying a coating, the ambient light is often not enough.

• Diffused Light: Use a soft, diffused light source to check for "High Spots" (dark, rainbow-colored patches where the coating is too thick). If you miss these during the leveling phase, they will require machine polishing to remove once cured.

How DetailerBase Supports Technical Excellence

• Visual Evidence: Use high-quality Inspection Lighting to capture "Before" photos that clearly show defects, justifying your Professional Pricing.
• QC Checklists: Require techs to perform a "Final Light Walk-around" using a handheld lamp before marking a job as Completed.

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