10 things I've learned in 15 years of Detailing

[charlesml3]

Gang,

I thought I'd put together a list of 10 things that I've learned ove the last 15 years of detailing. Feel free to add your own:

1) It's not about the wax, it's about the surface prep.

2) There are some defects you'll never be able to remove (without repainting which is another problem).

3) Acid rain pits can easily extend down to through the clear coat to the paint.

4) It's almost impossible to get a glossy shine without a machine.

5) There isn't much "voodoo magic" regarding polishes. One medium cut cleaner is pretty much the same as another.

6) Wash, Clay, Medium Cut, Wash, Swirl Mark Remover, Wash, Glaze, and then Wax will take you all weekend. The process cannot be rushed.

7) Detergent, Soap, and Shampoo are not the same thing.

8) Layering "5 coats of Carnuba wax" is only wishful thinking. Each new application is only taking the old one off.

9) There's no such thing as a "Cleaner/Wax" Either you're cleaning or you're waxing.

10) Detailing a black car is pretty much the graduate degree for detailing.

Cheers!

-Charles

[TOGWT]

1.The one thing I learned (and still have that last 98% to learn, mind you) way back then still holds true today “ It’s the surface preparation that makes the difference, not the product”.

2.A paint film surface is a delicate thin coating, easily dulled and very easily scratched. Choose carefully any advice you listen to and more importantly act upon.

3.Try to learn from other people(see also #2 above) and keep an open mind on new ideas, new products and new techniques. It really does all come down to; 85% preparation, 5% product 7% application methodology and the balance is in the ‘guy’ of the beholder.

4.A manufacturer is free to place any claim of excellence he wants on his product to make it sell.

5.After four decades of detailing vehicles what is left is experience, and experience unshared is knowledge wasted.

6.Of course the more I learn, the more I realize what I don’t know. Then at some point, I hope to have learned enough to realize, that I know nothing at all.

7.The aesthetics of a vehicles appearance is very subjective to say the least, only by trying different waxes or sealants on your vehicle will you be able to decide what looks best to you, as this is the only ‘best wax or sealant ‘ that really matters.

8. Question evrything, find out the 'Why' as well as the 'How'.

9. A detailer combines chemicals, equipment as well as a knowledge of 'vehicle surfaces, ‘chemicals’, refers to the cleaning and protection products used, ‘equipment,’ refers to the tools used, for example, random orbital polishers, high-speed rotary polishers, extractors and power washers, to name a few. ‘Vehicle Surfaces’, requires a basic understanding of chemistry and how to rejuvenate and protect each of the many and varied material surfaces, regardless of its specific surface composition making objectives observations based upon the results obtained, and adjusting the techniques used as necessary

10. Never stop learning (you're never too old to learn something new or to try something you never tried before)
JonM

[wannafbody]

i agree about acid rain pitting-if someone invents a product that permantetly fills acid rain pits it would be great-that's one reason that products with some fillers work well on daily drivers

[Mosca]

Originally posted by wannafbody
i agree about acid rain pitting-if someone invents a product that permantetly fills acid rain pits it would be great-that's one reason that products with some fillers work well on daily drivers

LOL, it's called "paint".

Just wanted to make a smartass remark; believe me I feel your pain. Here in NEPA, people burn coal for heat in the winter, and we have acid snow, which leaves contour lines in the paint.


Tom

[wannafbody]

i live 2 miles from a coal plant and under the lights at night my cars hood looks like crap from the pitting-maybe someday i'll get it recleared

[fdresq4]

One thing I have learned is that DETAILING NEVER ENDS!!!!!

Steve

[mochamanz]

One nasty truth: Eventually, when you have the ultimate gloss, depth ,reflectivity, -etc, every door ding, minor dent, even misaligned panels will be more evident ! Some cutomers will swear they were NOT there before! !

[Burlyq]

If a customer asks for perfection, RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Knockwurst]

With 14 years of experience detailing everything under sun . . . the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that it will never be perfect . . . and that’s ok

Not an easy statement coming from an extreme Type A, obsessive compulsive personality

[JM19]

Originally posted by charlesml3

10) Detailing a black car is pretty much the graduate degree for detailing.

You couldn't have said it better!

Originally posted by charlesml3

8) Layering "5 coats of Carnuba wax" is only wishful thinking. Each new application is only taking the old one off.

Could you please elaborate on this one?

[WrxRob513]

Originally posted by Burlyq
If a customer asks for perfection, RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!

how true!

[NHBFAN]

Originally posted by charlesml3
4) It's almost impossible to get a glossy shine without a machine

Disagree.

I brought back the dead many times by hand with MPPC and AIO in my pre PC days.

Scottwax posted hundreds of "legendary" details that he performed by hand.

It just takes a bit more work.

BTW, I agree with the rest of your list.

#2 is one of the hardest things for a newbie to learn.