Apprentice for the day with Barry Theal Presidentail Details

ohiostate

New member
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:woot::woot:



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 :buffing:

Compound with a Rotary:woohoo: (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):confused:

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!!!:2thumbs::2thumbs:



Also would like to thank Autopia :bigups, 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:werd:
 
Mike



First off I must say it was nice to finally meeting you today. I really had a great time, teaching the basics in a crash course type of way. I'm glad my exsperiance can help another. As always call me with any help and on of these days we will have to fully do a car together. I will be putting a rotary together for man. This way you can practice with it. Anyway good luck on your business adventure!
 
bufferbarry said:
Mike



First off I must say it was nice to finally meeting you today. I really had a great time, teaching the basics in a crash course type of way. I'm glad my exsperiance can help another. As always call me with any help and on of these days we will have to fully do a car together. I will be putting a rotary together for man. This way you can practice with it. Anyway good luck on your business adventure!



Sounds good.. Thanks again!
 
You are one lucky guy. Heck, if he charged fresh soft pretzels and cheesesteaks from Geno's or Pat's from Phillyand hogies I could pay him for a tutorial. It is nice to read guys helping each other.
 
AKOZ said:
You are one lucky guy. Heck, if he charged fresh soft pretzels and cheesesteaks from Geno's or Pat's from Phillyand hogies I could pay him for a tutorial. It is nice to read guys helping each other.



See now I'm just hungry......:grrr
 
Very nice to be able to learn from a pro, and to have a pro to take the time out to help a new guy. I still have lots to learn and I hope that someday in the future would like to start my own business.
 
AKOZ said:
You are one lucky guy. Heck, if he charged fresh soft pretzels and cheesesteaks from Geno's or Pat's from Phillyand hogies I could pay him for a tutorial. It is nice to read guys helping each other.



Pat's FTW!!!
 
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