I guess it's as complicated as you want it to be, depending on the results you want to achieve and what you can live with. It can be no big deal but then as soon as you start "looking into" things on the web, it snowballs. And before you know it, your simple procedure evolves into 100 more steps and 15 more products, of which are often more expensive. That is if you want to do it right. When you are gone working 11 hours a day and have a home to maintain it really can become excessive. That's why I am looking into getting a detailer to do an Opti-Coat service on my car, so basically all I have to do is keep washing it for the next however many years it lasts (?).detailing isnt complicated at all. Just do some research. Doing it the right way once or twice a year, maybe more depending on driving conditions. Get the right materials to do the job the right way. Too not get too into it an complicate it too much, even the beginner can make their car look really good, and keep it looking really good.