Detailing Schools. Any Good?

[Dispatch]

With detailing schools like the one Chemical Guys gives or the one given by Autogeek.net in Florida.
From actual experience, are they worth the money and do they really teach you essential technics you can only learn from taking these classes?

[RMD]

I took a polishing class at CG. Not their full detailing university program, just a one day Saturday thing since I am an enthusiast, not a pro. It was helpful to have Greg monitor my polishing with a DA, and I learned to use a rotary enough that I feel comfortable using one even though I dont need to with my car. It was also helpful to be able to use and compare flex 3401 vs PC and the results you can get from those machines. Bottom line is that I was able to refine my techniques with coaching.

There are much more in depth courses out there such as the ones you mentioned and the one tought by Renny Doyle at detailing dot com in Southern Cal, that are oriented to pros looking to enhance their skills and develop a business. I would do it if I was going to do this as a business. There is a lot more to it than just polishing paint if you are doing this to make money.

[Ronkh]

IMHO (not experience)

Take AG. Mike is a great instructor.

And (grammar police) he has a lot of different stuff for you to try and gain the experience that you need. Not just try to push a certain line since he has just about everything at his disposal.

[Dispatch]

Looking into it with airfare, hotel and car rental then add in what the class cost, Chemical Guys 5 day class would cost a small fortune for someoone coming from outside of California.

[Ronkh]

As I said - Just my opinion......

But Mike has access to NUMEROUS lines, so in my hack opinion... You would get a better chance of learning the right stuff for specific jobs

again, just my opinion and I will qualify that that PBMG has always been "customer service" based, not just trying to push product (which in fact they sell more product because of their philosophy)

[JSFM35X]

The one at Detailers Domain was great. Those guys were amazing.

[Woob]

Schools all vary on what you want to learn and do. Working with detailers of higher calibre is EXTREMELY useful. After using hundreds of products and tools you`ll find the technique and skill is so much more important.

[Dispatch]

Other than people looking to do it to make money, I wouldn`t think there classes would be full on a regular basis especially in this economy.

[Paul Sparks]

Offer to shadow a pro or work at a sharply reduced rate . Hands on training is overlooked by many. Being in the trenches is great for learning. IMO.

[Old Pirate]

I had been working with a Technical School to have a Detail/Recondition course added to their school which was to be a hands on class in a real shop which also show one the works in paint and repair of said vehicles. ( about 6 months or 1 Year ) But I couldn`t get the backing of my old job and lost the opportunity.