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CourseRestoration & Classics Applications open

Course in Detailing Techniques for Classic Cars

Online 300-hour course in detailing techniques for classic cars. 6 modules covering ISO 2813 (specular gloss measurement), ISO 2808 (film thickness determination) and Elcometer ElcoMaster. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
LanguageEnglish
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
Enrol now View syllabus Ask an advisor
Virtual lab · try it before you enrol

Take the controls.

Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.

SIM · LIVE ●
Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Identify the types of period paint and finishes and their sensitivity.

02

Apply washing and decontamination processes that do not damage original surfaces.

03

Measure paint thickness before any correction.

04

Correct paint defects with a conservative approach and minimal abrasion.

05

Select waxes, sealants and coatings compatible with older paints.

06

Treat chrome, rubber, leather and upholstery with suitable products.

07

Prepare a vehicle for display and define its maintenance plan.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Classic car detailing specialist looking to specialise in Detailing Techniques for Classic Cars.
  • Concours d'Elegance preparer looking to specialise in Detailing Techniques for Classic Cars.
  • Paint correction technician looking to specialise in Detailing Techniques for Classic Cars.
  • Collection care manager looking to specialise in Detailing Techniques for Classic Cars.
  • Finish conservation consultant looking to specialise in Detailing Techniques for Classic Cars.
  • Entrepreneur running a detailing centre looking to specialise in Detailing Techniques for Classic Cars.
  • Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter detailing centres.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ISO 2813 (measurement of specular gloss)
  • ISO 2808 (determination of film thickness)
  • ISO 4628-1 (assessment of coating degradation)
  • Regulation (EC) 648/2004 (detergents)
  • Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 (CLP)
  • Royal Decree 227/2006 (VOCs in vehicle refinishing products)
  • Turin Charter (FIVA, 2013)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Difference from a modern vehicle
  2. 1.2Period paints and their thickness
  3. 1.3Risk of damaging an original finish
  4. 1.4Preliminary assessment of the finish
  5. 1.5Measuring paint thickness
  6. 1.6Decision: preserve or correct
  7. 1.7Realistic expectations of the result
  8. 1.8Lighting and workstation
  9. 1.9Products and tools required
  10. 1.10Workshop: assessing an original finish
  1. 2.1Safe two-bucket washing
  2. 2.2Water, temperature and neutral products
  3. 2.3Delicate areas: mouldings and badges
  4. 2.4Chemical decontamination with judgement
  5. 2.5Clay and its risk on older paint
  6. 2.6Drying without marking
  7. 2.7Cleaning wheel arches and underbodies
  8. 2.8Protecting sensitive parts
  9. 2.9Work sequence
  10. 2.10Practice: complete washing of a classic car
  1. 3.1Defects: marks, oxidation and haze
  2. 3.2Manual versus machine polishing
  3. 3.3Abrasives and their aggressiveness
  4. 3.4Speed, pressure and temperature
  5. 3.5Monitoring thickness during the work
  6. 3.6High-risk areas: edges and raised details
  7. 3.7When to stop
  8. 3.8Finishing and refining
  9. 3.9Documenting the before and after
  10. 3.10Practice: correcting a panel
  1. 4.1Natural waxes and their tradition
  2. 4.2Synthetic sealants
  3. 4.3Ceramic coatings: judgement for classic cars
  4. 4.4Reversibility of protection
  5. 4.5Frequency of application
  6. 4.6Protecting chrome and aluminium
  7. 4.7Protecting rubber and plastics
  8. 4.8Compatibility with older paints
  9. 4.9Recording the treatment applied
  10. 4.10Practice: application and comparison of protective products
  1. 5.1Cleaning and polishing chrome
  2. 5.2Polished and anodised aluminium
  3. 5.3Brass and its conservation
  4. 5.4Leather: cleaning and conditioning
  5. 5.5Period fabrics and carpets
  6. 5.6Wood and interior lacquers
  7. 5.7Period instruments and plastics
  8. 5.8Glass and its polishing
  9. 5.9Odours and their treatment
  10. 5.10Practice: complete detailing of an interior
  1. 6.1Preparing for a concours
  2. 6.2Cleanliness judging criteria
  3. 6.3Maintenance between events
  4. 6.4Storage and covers
  5. 6.5Humidity and condensation
  6. 6.6Transport without damaging the finish
  7. 6.7Professional service and quotation
  8. 6.8Common errors and irreversible damage
  9. 6.9Documented real-world cases
  10. 6.10Final project: detailing and conservation plan for a classic car
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Elcometer ElcoMaster, Lightroom Classic, Advanced Excel, Canva, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real paint thickness measurement procedures before polishing, gloss control with a gloss meter, and preparation of a vehicle for a concours d'elegance. Assessment is continuous across each module, plus the final integrating project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented final project:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with a track record in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, with cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as its pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Preparing for a Concours

Identify the types of period paint and finishes and their sensitivity.

Cleanliness Judging Criteria

Apply washing and decontamination processes that do not damage original surfaces.

Maintenance Between Events

Measure paint thickness before any correction.

Storage and Covers

Correct paint defects with a conservative approach and minimal abrasion.

Humidity and Condensation

Select waxes, sealants and coatings compatible with older paints.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Classic car detailing specialistConcours d'Elegance preparerPaint correction technicianCollection care managerFinish conservation consultantEntrepreneur running a detailing centre
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior qualification required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

Apply now Scholarships
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.

You work with Elcometer ElcoMaster, Lightroom Classic, Advanced Excel and Canva. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

An SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.

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