Rolls-Royce Phantom detailing in Houston

What we watch for

Paint and interior on the Phantom

Paint and exterior

Huge flat panels, a tall grille and long rear-hinged doors make the Phantom a slow car to correct properly. Black, dark blue and two-tone schemes with a contrasting coachline are typical.

Interior

Rear doors that close at the touch of a button, lambswool mats, deep rear seats and, on the current car, a glass-covered gallery across the dash where owners display art. Fingers on that glass show quickly.

Living in Houston

A Phantom used for weddings, galas and airport runs gets fingerprints on the doors and glass, lint in the rear and dust from long spells parked. Most visits are a gentle interior reset and a careful wash.

• Semi-aniline or aniline leather: minimal moisture, no all-purpose cleaners, and a test spot before anything else touches it.
• Lots of chrome: Houston hard water etches it, so it is dried fully, polished where needed and sealed.
• Black and dark colors are common: they show swirls, water spots and pollen film first, and benefit most from a coating.
• Large wheels and tall tires: wheel faces, barrels and wells take real time on this one, and it shows when they are done right.