What new members REALLY need to know about detailing

[Soarer V]

Your command is my wish!

LOL.



Everything one needs to know about auto detailing is located somewhere on this magnanimous site. David B has eruditely instilled the “Autopia Learning Library” for those who wish to have a solid foundation in this constant search for perfection we call Auto Detailing.


Many who where educated correctly in the ALL, went on to become weekend warriors/experts/masters/ professionals in detailing, whereas those who jumped ahead continue to suffer, do to the lack of knowledge. For once you master the basics, the products are just an extension of your applied work. True, some products are superior than others, but would often still fail the undisciplined.


Considerate new members, those needing the proper prerequisite and those having questions, should read through the articles (then act) in the ALL first, for there is always a Master Detailer on there 24/7, who will answer most of your questions, he does not sleep, nor asks payment for his precious time, and you will never embarrass yourself in asking your many questions.


If you want your vehicle to be a jaw dropping, head turning, chick/dude magnet, (for you ladies out there.) or you desire the repeat business etc., then master the basics in the ALL….. Learn from the Master Professionals before you.


~Soarer V

[paintxpert]

I agree its hard to be patient, when the obviouse is lurking within...a total lack of knowledge for paint surface correction. I admit after 38 years sometimes people bring me BLACK, full of wheel marks after every novice in the state had a whack at it. I tell people its very hard to remove wheel marks in old paint. Many times after a month or so the marks will come back. I tell customers...I will do the best I can and it depends how they maintain the protection on their vehicle. I do about 85 percent BLACK. I did three black cars last week out of 5 total. Black can be difficult if it was car washed and abused by lack of knowledge.

[paintxpert]

I think if your going to engage in paint correction as a newbie, you should practice on a clunker. This paint rejuvenation and correction is NOT for everybody. I have only seen a handful of capable technicians pull it off! The fact is ....High speed polishing with the proper touch is indeed an ART! The second fact is FEW ARE VERY GOOD @ it. The ones that have achieved success know what is needed when and why. I I could share all the paint knowledge I have since 1969 when I started, that might take all the adventure out of your learning process! SO FORGE ON and discover what works for you! BenLeoneDetailer

[Showroom Shine]

Thanks Scott,
Very good posting!

[Barry Theal]

Everything one needs to know about auto detailing is located somewhere on this magnanimous site. David B has eruditely instilled the “Autopia Learning Library” for those who wish to have a solid foundation in this constant search for perfection we call Auto Detailing.


Many who where educated correctly in the ALL, went on to become weekend warriors/experts/masters/ professionals in detailing, whereas those who jumped ahead continue to suffer, do to the lack of knowledge. For once you master the basics, the products are just an extension of your applied work. True, some products are superior than others, but would often still fail the undisciplined.


Considerate new members, those needing the proper prerequisite and those having questions, should read through the articles (then act) in the ALL first, for there is always a Master Detailer on there 24/7, who will answer most of your questions, he does not sleep, nor asks payment for his precious time, and you will never embarrass yourself in asking your many questions.

If you want your vehicle to be a jaw dropping, head turning, chick/dude magnet, (for you ladies out there.) or you desire the repeat business etc., then master the basics in the ALL….. Learn from the Master Professionals before you.


~Soarer V

Soarer I'm gonna disagree with one thing about this. Accumulator does sleep, but I heard he sleeps with his eyes open. woot2:

[grease]

I tell people its very hard to remove wheel marks in old paint. Many times after a month or so the marks will come back. I tell customers...

.........................Im skeptical of the use of 'xpert'.

[cartoysautospa]

Well Scott I can't believe you use ANY Meguires products as a professional detailer. It just really amazes me.

I use a chemist to make all of my compounds sealants etc. If you want to be on the cutting edge in this business you have to have what the other guy down the street doesn't have or can do.
Hence the word Professional.....not week end warrior.

[Dan]

Well Scott I can't believe you use ANY Meguires products as a professional detailer. It just really amazes me.

I use a chemist to make all of my compounds sealants etc. If you want to be on the cutting edge in this business you have to have what the other guy down the street doesn't have or can do.
Hence the word Professional.....not week end warrior.

Oh, I guess you don't know him, he just says he uses 105/205 but actually has aliens bring down a formula custom made for him from their planet.

[ljcs357]

Good stuff man..as one of the new guys on the block I haven't even reached a point where something I'm thinking about hasn't been addressed.

[bdspler]

Some of US cant slell Maguire's Either way!
Hence the Name!
: Þ

[kcdetailing.com]

Good post!!! Wheather you are using a dual action or a rotory, I suggest for a new guy to start with 3 levels of pads, 1 compound, and 1 polish. Compounding pad, medium polishing pad, light polishing pad. You cant go wrong with 3M white, grey, blue pads.

Anyways, get really good and comfortable with these. Get to know how they feel, how the pad grips the paint as it heats up, how the compound and polish breaks down. Start off by grabing an old panel from a junk yard. I always suggest for a new guy to take a junk panel from go at it. Let the paint heat up. In fact, burn the paint so you can feel it through your polisher. Paint correction is about feeling the paint in your hands. Whether your wet sanding, buffing, or polishing, you need to be able to feel the paint.

So just get really really good at using 3 pads, 1 compound, and 1 polish. Spend the next 6 months practicing a lot. Then, if you want to start trying new products, only try one product at a time. Maybe try a different polish but keep using the same compound and pads. Or maybe try one different polishing pad but keep using the other polishing pad, compound pad, polish, and compound. Slowly add products to your arsenal and master each product one by one.

My two cents.

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[OCDetails]

i agree with everything here! great post