Training

[DSchlauch]

Although I`m not new to working for myself and running a business, I am new to the detailing business. I am constantly reading, searching and soaking up as much info as possible, trying to learn anything and everything that may benefit my business. Can some of the more seasoned detailers tell me what, if any, resources, other than experience, you have used over the years in this area? Obviosly this and other forums are very helpful, but are there any particular books that you found helpfull? Any courses or seminars attended? Did anyone have a mentor that they could rely on if questions arose?



Also, speaking of courses and seminars, I noticed there is quite a few "detailing schools" available today. What are the views of some of these schools? I have to say that even though I wouldn`t consider myself a beginner, I`ve wondered if this would be a good avenue to learn some techniques hands on. Although it appears to me that some of these "schools" offered are nothing more than creative marketing and an additional revenue source for their operators, I have seen one or two that appear to be pretty informative and legit.



Thanks for taking the time to respond, I look forward to the input.

[Twista616]

I`m by no means am I a pro...not many of us here call ourselves pro`s....maybe enthusists or specialists...but practice...practice...practice!!! Go to a local bodyshop and ask for hoods, or fenders in all colors...this way you can test different products and techniques on each panel. I did this, and it definatly helps!! Made me more confident to detail other peoples vehicles when I was first starting out...



I never had a real mentor, but when I took custom paint courses at a school, we touched on detailing and cutting/buffing! It was alot of help, thats for sure! As for the detailing schools, never had an interest for them...to most people, they are gimmicks...but if your absolutly serious about it...then they are good and if you want to learn fairly fast. Find a mentor on here if none are local...this place is the next best thing!



My best advice to you..."read..then do"..."read...then do".."read..then do". The paint courses I took, we had a regular college class, and whatever we learned about in class..we walked right out into the shop and did! It works wonders...atleast for me it did! So if you read something on here, go out and try it on those test panels I mentioned, or your own car! Hope it helped alittle...

[jimmybuffit]

I`m sure that the schools offer adequate education. Certainly some are better than others. All are interest in your `tuition`.



The upcoming Mobile Tech Expo in Clearwater, FL (Jan17-19) would certainly offer insight and education and a chance to meet some industry leaders, and a bunch of regular operators like myself.



I`d suggest that paying a modest amount to work in an existing operation for 2-3 weeks would be the absolute `real world` experience. Odds are you`d find your Mentor that way, also. I`ve had several folks visit our shop, and they left being comfortable buffing swirl free black cars.



Look me up in Clearwater, or PM me here.



Jim