What new members REALLY need to know about detailing

I agree with everything you said. Detailing is still an art and not a science. Detailing requires three key elements; knowledge, practice, realistic goals.
 
I realize this is an old thread...but as a newbie I would like to say that I actually appreciate this as well. I wish I had found it sooner and as matter of fact I would appreciate seeing this list expanded upon along with links to threads and perhaps even other sites for answers.



One couple more things... oftentimes what is considered common sense by the knowledgeable and experienced is not common to the general public especially if they have nothing to reference in there daily lives that compares to the topic they are seeking information regarding.



Secondly though I have used the search function and have read many posts I and I suspect many other people new to serious or would it be better to say real detailing am not familliar with most of the commonly used abbreviations within the forum. Therefore it would also be help if included in an expanded version of this original post someone could include a list of the common abbreviations with definitions.
 
?? TAllyn, howd you find this thread. Back on the main page right below this thread is the list to decode all the acronyms being used.
 
Yes, my mom's side of the family lives in Minnesota, and I am really close with one of my aunts who lives there. I am also close with the rest of my relatives who live there, but not nearly as close... My mom is very close to them, and she always talks with her sister (the one that's my favorite aunt) at least once a week, so I get to talk to her then, and other times I want to talk to her I just call her. Sometimes I e-mail her if I am unable to use the phone. I suggest e-mailing, if your relatives do have e-mail, it may not be as nice as talking to them face to face but it still helps me feel connected to them. As for the rest of my relatives who live in Minnesota, I do not get to talk to them so much, but my mom lets me talk to them on the phone sometimes after she is done.

My dad's side of the family lives in Seattle, which is relatively close to where I live (well... pretty far, but still), and they come down to visit sometimes.

So I suggest e-mails and phone calls... sometimes I have even written letters--not the quickest way, but it gets the point across.
 
alex john said:
Yes, my mom's side of the family lives in Minnesota, and I am really close with one of my aunts who lives there. I am also close with the rest of my relatives who live there, but not nearly as close... My mom is very close to them, and she always talks with her sister (the one that's my favorite aunt) at least once a week, so I get to talk to her then, and other times I want to talk to her I just call her. Sometimes I e-mail her if I am unable to use the phone. I suggest e-mailing, if your relatives do have e-mail, it may not be as nice as talking to them face to face but it still helps me feel connected to them. As for the rest of my relatives who live in Minnesota, I do not get to talk to them so much, but my mom lets me talk to them on the phone sometimes after she is done.

My dad's side of the family lives in Seattle, which is relatively close to where I live (well... pretty far, but still), and they come down to visit sometimes.

So I suggest e-mails and phone calls... sometimes I have even written letters--not the quickest way, but it gets the point across.
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Um......really? Relativity?



This is a great thread. As a noob I had to read it. I am getting ready to apply some of what I have read here and some of my previous experience to my wifes 98 Regal. If I screw up the paint it really won't matter that much since it will need a paint job soon anyway. I'll document my learning experience with some photos.
 
I agree that there is no one single person here who knows everything about detailing, that's why we are here to read and learn from others :-D Great post!
 
Scottwax said:
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It isn't necessarily the product but how the detailer uses the product. Besides, the guy down the street isn't using $90 a gallon Meguiars #105 or #205.



Meguiars turned this:



34662003_Cadillac_CTS_before8.jpg




Into this...



34662003_Cadillac_CTS_after_105_205_1.jpg
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In defense of Scott wax I was at the Nethercutt Museum the other day. It is home of some of the most expensive cars in the world including many Pebble beach concouse winners. They use Megs #26 to wax their cars and Megs Ultimate Detailer for touch ups
 
As a noob I really appreciate this thread as well! I just found I have clearcoat failure on my black 04 G35 :ohwell: Not too pumped about! I'm not sure if it was too much sun or a bad cutting compound session last year, but I am definitely anxious to educate myself more on this skill. Thanks again for your time and effort to share this valuable information! Cheers!
 
Reading this or any other articles will not improve your detailing skills, lead to a successful business or change your life. Applying what you learn from it, however, will. That's where your commitment comes in - you need to make a commitment to yourself right now that you will take action on what you learn.
 
cartoysautospa said:
Well Scott I can't believe you use ANY Meguires products as a professional detailer. It just really amazes me.



I use a chemist to make all of my compounds sealants etc. If you want to be on the cutting edge in this business you have to have what the other guy down the street doesn't have or can do.

Hence the word Professional.....not week end warrior.
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You have never heard the phrases "work smarter, not harder" and "a fool and his money are soon parted"?



Many of the exceptional detailers who post here use Meguiars products as well as Chemical Guys, 3D, 3M, Mothers.



One can have somebody custom formulate any and all detailing supplies exclusively for them, but if they don't have the tools, skills and expereience, these custom formulations can still have hack job results.
 
My advice to a newbie... If you tried a product and you aren't getting the expected results, chances are good the fault was yours and not the product. Until you learn a product you won't know what it is capable of. Before jumping to wet sanding to remove swirls, how about you try a few more times with better technique. Technique doesn't pour out of a bottle, I'd be willing to bet that any professional detailer here can get results with the product(s) you were using. It's the technique/process that works the magic. Learn the products and more importantly develop your techniques.
 
to this thread, i honestly think, find a good cutter combined with a pad, yellow for a average medium cut or go lambswool, with a cutting agent, i think Farecla is good, or even Kittens cutting compound, it doesnt leave white dust particles after buffing off with micro-fibre towel. as you finish cutting all light scratches and oxidisation, then go for a good polish, i use

Autoglym Fluororesin polish... if their are swirls, before adding polish, add meguairs Swirl-X remover before polish.... thats for a easy cut & Polish..
 
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