the Preservation Detail by James Dawson

For Those Who Refuse to Settle for the Expected.

A precise, technical, and painstaking paint correction that must be seen to be believed. Embark on a multi-day polishing journey to preserve and enhance your car’s beauty. All from the comfort of your driveway.

4 Years
of Ceramic Coating Protection
3 Stage
Paint Correction
~20 Hours
Per Car
15,000 Hours
James Dawson's
 Experience
Book a Free Consultation

Discover the preservation detail

Preservation-focused paint correction.
Over 4 years of ceramic coating protection.

The Preservation Detail is a deliberate, methodical and 2-3 day process. Every step is handled with the utmost precision by the expert who understands the importance of preservation.

15,000+ Hours Polishing Expert

I’ve spent the better part of a decade becoming one of the reputable detailers in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia.
James Dawson at the AMMO Masterclass

World Class Training

James has travelled the country training with the nation's top detailers.
James Dawson cleaning a supercar in front of the Jefferson Memorial

Never Outsourced

Unlike other companies, I personally handle every car from start to finish.

Trust begins with knowing who’s behind the work.

Restoring your car's paint is an investment in your car’s future, and I welcome you to scrutinize your options. You deserve to know who will be working on your vehicle and their credentials.

My commitment to transparency is rare in this industry—I’m here to create an unforgettable experience rooted in trust, skill, and personal connection.

Let's Get to Know Each Other

"I hired James as a surprise gift for my husband’s 60th birthday to work on his beloved Ferrari. Months later, my husband still talks about it. James is the most detail-oriented and professional person I’ve ever worked with in any business."

Sophia L., Potomac, MD
2018 Ferrari 488, Preservation Detail

"I've had my Porsche detailed before but nothing close to what James did. It looks better than the day I bought it."

Ruben S.
2017 Porsche 911, Preservation Detail + Wheel Removal

"I was incredibly nervous about trusting a stranger with my car. When I met him the morning of the detail, I got the sense that my car was in trustworthy hands. He did not disappoint; the car looks incredible!"

Marcus S.
2008 Ferrari F430, The Works

"I've never met someone with the same work ethic of this man. I don't think I saw him take a break in the 4 days he was here (not that I would've minded!)  James worked on my car something like 10 hours a day from Thursday to Sunday, right on time each day. Far and away the best detail I've seen, and most devoted professional I've met to date. I will be having him back and proudly recommending him to my friends.

Sanjay F., Great Falls, Va.
2003 Lamborghini Murcielago, 1 of 300. Preservation Detail

A Glimpse into Unmatched Craftsmanship

Experience the pinnacle of automotive artistry.

Discover how James Dawson's Preservation Detail turns your vehicle into a masterpiece.

Stage One. Every Crevice Cleaned in Preperation for Polishing.

Beyond the ordinary lies true excellence. By carefully removing each wheel, I access and meticulously detail areas often overlooked—cleaning, polishing, and protecting the brake calipers, wheel wells, and suspension components. This level of precision ensures your vehicle radiates perfection from every angle

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Stage Two. Three Stage Paint Correction, Inch by Inch.

The process includes compounding, polishing, and a jeweling polish for unmatched gloss. Every vehicle is unique, so I tailor techniques and products to your car. I’m equipped to handle advanced tasks like texture-matching wet sanding, all of which we’ll cover during your consultation.

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Stage Three. Four Years of Ceramic Coating Protection.

This stage delivers long-lasting protection and enhanced gloss with a premium ceramic coating. Designed to shield your car’s finish for up to four years, it offers unmatched durability against the elements while making maintenance effortless. We’ll discuss during your consultation to ensure it’s perfectly suited to your vehicle.

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Stage Four. Interior Rejuvenation and Fortification.

This stage revitalizes and protects your car’s interior with meticulous cleaning and advanced coatings. From restoring surfaces to shielding against future wear, every detail is addressed to ensure lasting beauty and durability. We’ll tailor the process to your needs during your consultation.

4/4

Preservation is Everything. Cherish your car's finite clear coat.

Most detailers aggressively buff away the clear coat, leaving your car exposed to UV rays, oxidation, and environmental damage. My approach is rooted in what's best for the long term: I polish only what's necessary to preserve the integrity of your vehicle’s finish. With advanced tools, I measure paint thickness and manage heat levels—one precise, gentle pass at a time.

After achieving a mirror-like finish, I apply a durable ceramic coating to fortify your car’s protection for years to come.

Book a Call with James

Embrace excellence as a way of life

The status quo has just been put on notice.

Enquire

Preservation isn't just about holding onto the past—it's a proactive stand for the future. By protecting what matters, we're challenging neglect and redefining priorities.

WHat it entails

You dreamt of it.
You worked and saved for it.
You made it happen.

Now, I'll handle making it look perfect.

There are only a few detailers in the country with the skillset, dedication and passion to work at this level on a single vehicle. This service is exclusive and limited to a handful of cars per month.

Stage 1: Prep

Wheels safely removed to clean the inside of the rims, suspension components, and brake calipers.

Undercarriage and exhaust system scrubbed

Car will be washed with filtered, deionized water

Paint safely cleansed to ensure no scratching or micro-marring

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The Detailer Trusted by Collectors

Insured and skilled to care for the world’s finest vehicles.

Preserving the value and beauty of the world’s rarest vehicles.

My Preservation Detail is tailored to the unique needs of each car, ensuring every surface is treated with respect and care. Whether it’s a rare classic or a cutting-edge hypercar, I bring the technical expertise and insurance to handle vehicles of extraordinary value.

Dawson's Detailing cleaning a sports car interior

Only 3 spots left this month

Book a free consultation call with James and experience a new level of car care.

Book this to inquire about getting your car's paint restored. During this consultation, I'll discuss the steps undertaken during a preservation detail and ask you about your goals, your car, and make sure that you and I are a good fit for each other. We will discuss pricing for your vehicle as well as availability, should you want to proceed.

Book a Call with James

FAQ

Find answers to frequently asked questions here.

Are you mobile, or do you have a shop?
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I am completely mobile! I have a 100 gallon water tank and filtration system built into my mobile unit. I'll perform this service at your home, no need to take your car anywhere! If you don't have access to a garage I can polish in, that's ok! We can arrange alternative options.
Why is it called a Preservation Detail?
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The ethos of a detailer should always be to preserve the original condition of the car. To ensure the original paint job's beauty is preserved, I take incredible care with the paint: proper edge work with 1 inch polishers, measuring the thickness of the paint, heat management and residue control means your car will be in the safest hands possible.
What can I expect from a consultation call?
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I'll gather information about your needs in order to provide you with a quote. Once I know the make and model, your location, and the level of perfection I can give you availability and pricing. Furthermore, I'll walk you through what my process includes, and what you can expect moving forward.
Do you do ceramic coatings?
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Yes. A ceramic coating is a robust and excellent option to protect your freshly perfected car's paint. While it can be skipped to cut down on cost, this is generally not recommended; If you're spending the money getting the paint perfected, then you'd ideally want to protect it as well as possible.
How much does it cost?
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Proper paint correction requires an extremely skilled technician; I've performed at an extreme caliber for years. Every car is different and I'll need to assess your vehicle's condition and your expectations to provide an accurate quote. Please reach out for a free quote and I'll be in touch.
How long does a paint correction take?
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The detail will take around 16 hours.
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