After starting my own little detailing business couple of months ago, I knew that I needed to get some first hand experience from someone that knows what their doing, and that person was Barry Theal at Presidentail Details in Lancaster, PA..
I first spoke to Berry because there was a thread regarding websites (My full time job is a web developer), and he was interested in getting some help on a new layout, and of course the conversation turned to detailing... From there we chatted on and off from everything from products and basic processes to how to remove webbing and scratches... This weekend we both finally had time so I could swing down to his shop, to learn a thing or two
Wow I was blown away on how much stuff I learned today... Will give a quick overview..
How to properly decontaminate a car
Properly cleaning of:
-Rims/tires/wheel wells
-Cleaning of engine bay
-Door jams
Taping off
Correctly compound, polishing, and waxing with a DA
Compound with a Rotary
(did not burn through the paint)
Jeweling
Understanding wool and foam pads..
Wetsanding
Proper use of a clay bar
Proper use of 1000, 1500, and Hi Def. #1 (These are Ardex products which I was very pleased with, and cant wait to get my hands on some of their other products)
Learning the in's and outs of cleaning an interior (cleaning a door in 5 mins compared to 15 and having it twice as clean in half the time, just amazing)
Importance of an air compressor, power washer, and a select few chemicals
Cleaning and protecting of leather
Windows
and the list goes on...
Anyway I would like to thank Barry Theal for the time that he took this weekend to teach me the basic's of detailing and some cool tricks.... Barry is very passionate about what he does and you can see that in his work... Also thanks for the Ardex 1500 sample, and clay bar!!!! THANKS BARRY!!!
Also would like to thank Autopia
, for hosting this great informative site where I'm able to read about thousands of products, and also allows me to get in touch with top local detailers ..Again thanks. I would advice anyone that is just starting out, chat/meet with the guys that have been doing this for years, you will probably learn a thing or 2
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