ISSUE 14 · SPRING 2026 · FIELD NOTES FROM THE SUN BELT · UPDATED FRIDAYS

The/Lab.

Vehicle-by-vehicle detailing playbook. Built for the Sun Belt, written for owners. No fluff. Just the steps that actually work.

Matte Paint Detailing Guide: How to Wash and Protect a Matte or Satin Finish
Cover story · Apr 20, 2026 · 8 min read· EXOTICS

Matte Paint Detailing Guide: How to Wash and Protect a Matte or Satin Finish

Matte and satin paint look incredible and punish shortcuts. The finish is designed to scatter light instead of reflecting it, so anything that fills, polishes or smooths the surface leaves...

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Sections
7 of 8 guides
How to Remove Brake Dust from Exotic Car Wheels Without Damaging RimsEXOTICS
Apr 18, 2026 · 7 min read

How to Remove Brake Dust from Exotic Car Wheels Without Damaging Rims

Exotic wheels are expensive, often forged, and finished in polished, painted, powder-coated or carbon surfaces that do not...

By Sean HoyRead →
How to Clean Carbon Fiber on a Supercar: Protecting High-Performance Body PanelsEXOTICS
Apr 15, 2026 · 8 min read

How to Clean Carbon Fiber on a Supercar: Protecting High-Performance Body Panels

Carbon fiber on a supercar is not one surface. It might be a gloss clear-coated hood, a satin...

By Sean HoyRead →
Best Car Detailing Products for Exotic Cars: What’s Safe for PPF and Ceramic CoatingsEXOTICS
Apr 10, 2026 · 7 min read

Best Car Detailing Products for Exotic Cars: What’s Safe for PPF and Ceramic Coatings

If your exotic wears paint protection film or a ceramic coating, every product you put on it either...

By Sean HoyRead →
How to Detail an Exotic Car: Protecting Supercars, Hypercars, and Track-Day VehiclesEXOTICS
Apr 08, 2026 · 8 min read

How to Detail an Exotic Car: Protecting Supercars, Hypercars, and Track-Day Vehicles

Exotic cars punish lazy detailing. Thin factory paint, matte and satin finishes, exposed carbon, PPF on every leading...

By Sean HoyRead →
How to Protect a Vinyl Wrap: The Right Products and TechniquesCAR WRAP
Feb 10, 2026 · 8 min read

How to Protect a Vinyl Wrap: The Right Products and Techniques

A wrap is a serious investment, and it is easy to ruin with products made for paint. If...

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SiO2 vs. Graphene: Which Detailing Technology Actually Protects Your Vehicle Better?CAR DETAILING
Jan 24, 2026 · 8 min read

SiO2 vs. Graphene: Which Detailing Technology Actually Protects Your Vehicle Better?

SiO2 vs. graphene is the argument you hear in every detailing forum, and it is mostly the wrong...

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Best Graphene Car Soap: Why It Outperforms Traditional Car Wash SoapsCAR DETAILING
Jan 10, 2026 · 8 min read

Best Graphene Car Soap: Why It Outperforms Traditional Car Wash Soaps

You have probably noticed "graphene" showing up on more car care labels. If you are skeptical, good. Detailing...

By Sean HoyRead →
Editor's note Oct 14, 2026 · Lake Forest, CA

This week the team is paying attention to one thing: how ceramic coatings actually hold up at 108°F. Most products are tested in mild conditions. Bahama is battle-tested in the harshest Sun Belt sun, so it preserves and restores any vehicle, anywhere. The playbook below is still being written. Use the guides. Send us what we missed.

Sean Hoy Founder & Editor · The Lab
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Field notes, in motion.

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