Professional Auto Detailing Training in Grand Rapids Michigan
Professional Detailing Training in Grand Rapids
Auto detailing training programs at Lava GR provide hands-on instruction for beginners and professional detailers who want to master interior detailing, paint correction, ceramic coatings, and advanced vehicle restoration techniques.
Our auto detailing training program focuses on real shop experience. Students work with professional detailing tools including dual action polishers, extraction machines, miscellaneous hand tools, and ceramic coating systems. Training takes place inside our professional detailing shop so students gain practical skills they can immediately apply in the real world.
Auto Detailing Training Programs
Hands on detailing classes at Lava GR in Wyoming, Michigan just minutes from Grand Rapids. Learn professional detailing, paint correction, and ceramic coating installation in a real working detail shop. Students train on real vehicles using professional equipment and tools in a working shop environment. This hands-on experience allows students to learn the same processes used in high-level detailing operations.
Beginner to advanced training • Real shop environment • Small class sizes
Train your way. Take a single class or bundle all three and save: $1499
Why Train at Lava GR
Lava GR Detailing training programs are led by Joseph Stein, a nationally recognized professional detailer, competitor, and industry educator with years of experience working on high end vehicles and complex restoration projects.
Joseph has competed at the Mobile Tech Expo (MTE), the largest detailing trade show and competition event in the world. In 2026 he achieved the 3rd highest RIQ score in the nation and placed Top 10 overall in both national paint correction competitions, demonstrating elite level precision and technical ability.
In addition to competing, Joseph was invited to speak at the 2026 Mobile Tech Expo, where he taught detailers about pricing strategy, marketing, scaling a detailing business, and how artificial intelligence is changing the future of service industries.
Students who train at Lava GR are not only learning detailing techniques. They are learning the systems, workflows, and business strategies used by successful detailing operations across the country.
Continue Learning With DirtLab
Every student receives free access to DirtLab, our professional development platform for detailers.
Inside DirtLab you can continue training with:
• advanced detailing tutorials
• marketing and lead generation systems
• pricing frameworks for profitable services
• automation tools and AI workflows
• a growing network of detailing professionals
Detailing 101
This course teaches the core techniques used by professional detailers to properly clean, restore, and prepare vehicles inside and out. Students will work directly on vehicles inside a professional detailing shop while learning efficient workflows used in real client services.
The focus of this program is building a strong foundation in both interior and exterior detailing, giving students the practical skills required to confidently perform a complete detail.
Students will gain hands on experience with:
• full interior detailing process from start to finish
• professional pet hair removal techniques
• cleaning cracks, crevices, vents, and tight interior spaces
• carpet and upholstery cleaning methods
• dashboard, trim, and interior surface restoration
• proper exterior washing techniques to prevent scratching
• paint decontamination and exterior preparation for polishing
• tools and equipment used by professional detailing shops
By the end of this training students will understand how to perform a complete interior and exterior detail using professional methods that improve efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction.
This program is ideal for beginners entering the detailing industry, enthusiasts wanting to learn professional techniques, and technicians looking to strengthen their core detailing skills.
Program Investment: $399
Includes 1 Month Free DirtLab Access
Advanced Paint Correction Training
This program focuses on the advanced techniques required to restore damaged or neglected paint surfaces. Students will learn how professional detailers analyze paint defects and use multi step correction processes to dramatically improve the appearance of a vehicle’s finish.
The training includes both classroom discussion and hands on polishing exercises using professional machines and compounds.
Topics covered include:
• identifying swirl marks, scratches, and paint defects
• understanding paint hardness and correction strategies
• multi step polishing systems
• wet sanding techniques for scratch repair
• pad and compound selection
• achieving high level paint clarity and gloss
This training is ideal for technicians who want to offer high end paint correction services and compete at a professional level.
Program Investment: $599
Includes 1 Month Free DirtLab Access
Ceramic Coating Masterclass
Ceramic coatings have become one of the most profitable services in the detailing industry. This program teaches the full preparation and installation process required to properly install professional ceramic coatings.
Students will learn how to properly prepare surfaces, perform the necessary polishing and decontamination steps, and apply coatings for long lasting protection and performance.
Training topics include:
• proper surface preparation for coatings
• paint correction prior to coating installation
• decontamination procedures
• ceramic coating application techniques
• curing and maintenance procedures
• offering coating services as a premium detailing package
Students leave this program with the confidence and technical understanding required to offer professional ceramic coating services.
Program Investment: $999
Includes 1 Month Free DirtLab Access
Lava GR Professional Detailing Certification
Students who complete all three training programs receive the Lava GR Professional Detailing Certification, demonstrating proficiency in professional interior detailing, paint correction, and ceramic coating installation.
Graduates receive official certification recognizing their training and technical ability.
This certification shows customers and employers that you have been trained using professional shop methods and industry level techniques.
Certification includes
• Detailing 101 completion
• Advanced Paint Correction completion
• Ceramic Coating Masterclass completion
• Official Lava GR Certification
Bundle price: $1499
Custom Detailing Training for Businesses and Teams
Hands on training and business development programs tailored for professional detailing shops and service companies.
In addition to our in-shop training programs, Lava GR offers custom detailing training for businesses, dealerships, and detailing teams across the Midwest and beyond.
Joseph Stein works directly with companies that want to improve their detailing services, increase efficiency, and build profitable operations. These custom programs allow businesses to train their entire team while implementing professional systems inside their shop.
Whether you are starting a new detailing operation or improving an existing one, we can help you build the structure, workflow, and service offerings needed to operate at a professional level.
What We Can Help You Build
Businesses that bring Lava GR in for training receive guidance on both technical detailing skills and business development.
Custom training can include:
• team training for interior and exterior detailing
• professional paint correction techniques
• ceramic coating service setup
• workflow optimization and efficiency training
• pricing systems for profitable services
• marketing and customer acquisition strategies
• equipment and tool recommendations
• shop layout and operational systems
• AI and automation tools for service businesses
Business Setup & Consulting
For businesses starting from the ground up, we can help design and implement a complete detailing operation.
This includes guidance on:
• selecting the right tools and equipment
• choosing professional chemicals and coatings
• building efficient detailing workflows
• setting up pricing structures and service packages
• implementing marketing systems that generate customers
Our goal is not just to teach techniques, but to help businesses create scalable detailing operations that produce consistent revenue and long term growth.
Ideal Clients
Custom training programs are ideal for:
• detailing businesses expanding their team
• automotive dealerships starting detailing departments
• entrepreneurs launching new detailing businesses
• service companies adding detailing as a new offering
frequently asked questions
No experience is required for the Detailing 101 program. This class is designed for beginners as well as enthusiasts who want to learn professional detailing techniques. More advanced students can enroll in our paint correction or ceramic coating programs.
Detailing 101 and Advanced Paint Correction are one day hands-on training programs. The Ceramic Coating Masterclass is a two day advanced training program.
Students should wear comfortable clothing that can get wet or dirty. We recommend bringing eye protection and ear protection if you have them, although limited supplies are available at the shop.
Yes. All professional tools, machines, chemicals, and equipment used during training are provided. Students will work with the same equipment used in professional detailing shops.
Students who complete all three programs receive the Lava GR Professional Detailing Certification, demonstrating proficiency in interior detailing, paint correction, and ceramic coating installation.
Training takes place at the Lava GR Detailing facility in Wyoming, Michigan near Grand Rapids. All training is hands-on and conducted inside a professional detailing shop environment.
Yes. Every student receives 1 free month to DirtLab, our online platform where detailers can continue learning marketing systems, pricing strategies, automation tools, and advanced detailing techniques.