Avg time range for polishing?

TSC17 · 07-23-08, 09:10

I realize it depends on a whole lot of different factors, but I wanted to get some feedback from others on what their average time range is for different jobs.

For instance:
1-step polish...wash, clay, tape, wheels/wells, 1-step all surfaces, wax, basic interior detail. Light or moderate swirls. 8-10 hours for me in most cases.

2-step polish. Same as above, but going for (close to) full correction on most vehicles. 10-14 hours for me in most cases.

I understand we all do different levels of work, and work on a wide range of vehicles, but please give me some feedback based on what you're used to doing.

Thanks!

lecchilo · 07-23-08, 09:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSC17

I realize it depends on a whole lot of different factors, but I wanted to get some feedback from others on what their average time range is for different jobs.

For instance:
1-step polish...wash, clay, tape, wheels/wells, 1-step all surfaces, wax, basic interior detail. Light or moderate swirls. 8-10 hours for me in most cases.

2-step polish. Same as above, but going for (close to) full correction on most vehicles. 10-14 hours for me in most cases.

I understand we all do different levels of work, and work on a wide range of vehicles, but please give me some feedback based on what you're used to doing.

Thanks!

For 1-step polish (1-step for me means 1 polishing step but not an AIO... so polish, then seal) I average about 7-8 hours on average sized cars (Toyota Camry for example)... and for each polishing step it's about 1.5hrs for the same car, so 2-step would be roughly 9-10hrs avg.

toyotaguy · 07-23-08, 04:52

WAYYYYYYYY to long for a one step...what are you doing that takes 7-8 hours on a car for a one step???

for a one step - no taping necessary

two step will only remove about 80% of defects on MOST trashed cars - the deeper swirling will still be present, along with some RIDS

_____________________________

on a side note, what is a step...

to me, if you hit the same panel with Megs 83 4 times, you are 4 stepping the car. however many times around the car you go is the amount of steps you are taking

a one step with megs 83 three times on each panel is not a one step job!

lecchilo · 07-23-08, 05:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyotaguy

WAYYYYYYYY to long for a one step...what are you doing that takes 7-8 hours on a car for a one step???

for a one step - no taping necessary

two step will only remove about 80% of defects on MOST trashed cars - the deeper swirling will still be present, along with some RIDS

_____________________________

on a side note, what is a step...

to me, if you hit the same panel with Megs 83 4 times, you are 4 stepping the car. however many times around the car you go is the amount of steps you are taking

a one step with megs 83 three times on each panel is not a one step job!

That is a step to me as well... 1-step being going with 1 pad/polish combo around the entire car... as for why it takes "so long" I'm not sure... washing, drying, claying usually takes a while, and sometimes I'll drag on the test spots just to make sure I'm doing the best 1-step I can do... also some interior work is done in those 7-8 hours.

What's your reasoning behind not taping for 1-step? Do you damage trim on 2nd step only haha

bwalker25 · 07-23-08, 05:27

agreed way to long for a 1 step, I get a 1 step done in 4 hours on a Ford Taurus sized car, and 5.5 hours if I drag my feet and talk and such....no stopping or anything and 4 hours.

1 step - start to finish in 4 - 5 hours
2 step - start to finish in 5 - 6 hours (I average 7 hours here)

I dont tape at all, never really thought about doing it.

lecchilo · 07-23-08, 05:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwalker25

agreed way to long for a 1 step, I get a 1 step done in 4 hours on a Ford Taurus sized car, and 5.5 hours if I drag my feet and talk and such....no stopping or anything and 4 hours.

1 step - start to finish in 4 - 5 hours
2 step - start to finish in 5 - 6 hours (I average 7 hours here)

I dont tape at all, never really thought about doing it.

Do you clay?

David Fermani · 07-23-08, 06:05

Unless your quick glazing over a finish, I can't see how anyone can properly do a 1-step polish(with any level of correction) in less than 6-8 hours *from start to finish*. For me to properly wash>clay>tape>test panel>polish>wash>solvent wipe down>LSP an entire vehicle, it's an all day (10-12 hrs) process MINIMUM. If someone can do all this (properly) in 1/2 the time, I need to retire while I'm still young OR lower my standards of quality.

dbesins · 07-23-08, 06:20

I think it all depends on pricing/willingness/experience..
Like david says a great one step will take long but most customer will be happy with a 4 h job (and pricing), but 4 h! is pushing it...

shine · 07-23-08, 06:30

1 step - 6-8 hours
2+ step - 10+ hours

This would be on most 4 door daily drivers, not a SUV/minibus. Wash, clay, tape, polish, IPA, trim/tires dressed, and one LSP on paint/rims. I can't ever see myself getting done much faster than the times listed above without taking shortcuts/lowering my standard of quality.

JoshVette · 07-23-08, 07:04

First of all what machines are you using in a one step?

For a one step I would use a PC not a rotary and to wash, clay, 1 step polishing, and full interior would take me about 4-5 hours max.

I don't do one step polishing with the rotary so I don't know. If I have to pull out the rotary then I am doing a full correction and that will really vary, but most take at least 8-10 hours for me to get it where I want it.

Josh

Superior Fine · 07-23-08, 07:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoshVette

First of all what machines are you using in a one step?

For a one step I would use a PC not a rotary and to wash, clay, 1 step polishing, and full interior would take me about 4-5 hours max.

I don't do one step polishing with the rotary so I don't know. If I have to pull out the rotary then I am doing a full correction and that will really vary, but most take at least 8-10 hours for me to get it where I want it.

Josh

One step no buffer!!

Want/need buffer, show me the money!

Quote:

For a one step I would use a PC not a rotary and to wash, clay, 1 step polishing, and full interior would take me about 4-5 hours max.

I don't do one step polishing with the rotary so I don't know. If I have to pull out the rotary then I am doing a full correction and that will really vary, but most take at least 8-10 hours for me to get it where I want it.

Those are about my numbers as well.

TSC17 · 07-24-08, 03:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Fermani

Unless your quick glazing over a finish, I can't see how anyone can properly do a 1-step polish(with any level of correction) in less than 6-8 hours *from start to finish*. For me to properly wash>clay>tape>test panel>polish>wash>solvent wipe down>LSP an entire vehicle, it's an all day (10-12 hrs) process MINIMUM. If someone can do all this (properly) in 1/2 the time, I need to retire while I'm still young OR lower my standards of quality.

My feelings exactly...well stated.

I know...perhaps polish breaks down faster in other people's garages!

Seriously though, about all I could do in those short times is merely apply polish with very little correction. And I'm sure there are customers out there that would be happy with a little extra shine. But even when I'm doing a one-step (one polish/one pad combo...but possibly multiple passes in areas), I go for as much correction as possible, and charge by the hour.