Author Topic: What is your level of expertise when it comes to detailing? (Read 18356 times)

Go-N Def · « **on:** January 01, 2009, 06:19:14 AM »

Have fun!

2kwk4u · « **Reply #1 on:** January 01, 2009, 07:12:30 AM »

I've used a buffer once or twice, when I worked at a mom & pop car audio/alarm/sunroof/whatever the owner of the place thought we could do/ shop. I'll probably invest in my own eventually, though.

Go-N Def · « **Reply #2 on:** January 01, 2009, 07:18:51 AM »

Glad to see that I'm not the only one awake after all the partying last night. Everyone back in the states must still be passed out.....

If you're serious about detailing, you should reall invest in a Porter Cable Dual Action buffer and pads. Easy to use with a little practice and gives great results...

Whip · « **Reply #3 on:** January 01, 2009, 07:20:23 AM »

Thanks to Mike (Go-N Def) and Joe, Jr. (Darktech, don't think he has joined this forum yet) I have learned enough to use my buffer with confidence. I sometimes get confused between sealants, polishes, and waxes but simply refer to a print out they gave me. I use Meguire's top-of-the-line products but would have no problem using Poor Boys or Zaino as I've seen great results with those. I've received many comments on my GXP but, like most things, the more you know about something the more you realize how much you have to learn.

MomsSol · « **Reply #4 on:** January 01, 2009, 10:25:38 AM »

I can make my car SHINE ... but the way I feel afterward is a price I have to pay for it.

Using a buffer would make my life so much easier - I just have not bothered yet to take the time to learn all the steps.

If you have different detailing programs - example: Full bore: claybar all the way to sealing - as well as the *quick* clean it up and shine. I would find that helpful!

Fred · « **Reply #5 on:** January 01, 2009, 10:37:19 AM »

Wash??

DeepBlueGXP · « **Reply #6 on:** January 01, 2009, 11:07:48 AM »

Mike, Start a separate thread of the How To detail your car and all the steps. If you need help remembering, come do my car and I'll document the steps. (I voted on the con someone else to detail your car)

SolNut · « **Reply #7 on:** January 01, 2009, 11:13:08 AM »

Wax on

Wax off

Steve

Go-N Def · « **Reply #8 on:** January 01, 2009, 11:26:37 AM »

Quote from: DeepBlueGXP on January 01, 2009, 11:07:48 AM

Mike, Start a separate thread of the How To detail your car and all the steps. If you need help remembering, come do my car and I'll document the steps. (I voted on the con someone else to detail your car)

Will do.

BTW, its not considered a con if you make your son detail your car as payment for living in the house!

Cheers · « **Reply #9 on:** January 01, 2009, 11:37:50 AM »

Quote from: Go-N Def on January 01, 2009, 11:26:37 AM

Will do.

BTW, its not considered a con if you make your son detail your car as payment for living in the house!

Hmmm Is that what it takes??????

smartin · « **Reply #10 on:** January 01, 2009, 01:41:56 PM »

I don't have tennis elbow (yet) but I am definitely a hand polisher.

KYGXP · « **Reply #11 on:** January 01, 2009, 05:35:14 PM »

I have no idea if I am detailing the car correctly as I have always been a "You mean you wash a car?" So I am learning as I go. I am lucky that he is not my daily driver and has only been in the rain maybe 3 times. When I do him before he goes in the garage he gets washed and when he really get's detailed it takes me about 4 or 5 hours to complete..... I would love if we could get a listing and details for those of us who still have questions about the process.....example I have a question about ClayBar.... When do you use that..... I bought some and husband threw a fit that the claybar was for older cars that the paint has gone dull and that for no reason should it be used on a car that still has a shine.....

Go-N Def · « **Reply #12 on:** January 01, 2009, 06:25:06 PM »

I'm working on a step by step process for the hard core detail, from beginning to end. Something that should only be done once or twice a year. I'll get it posted sometime tomorrow afternoon...

As far as the claybar goes, wipe a section of the car with some quick detailer. Rub your hand across the clean section. If you can feel little "catches" or bumps, claybar it. It'll be nice and smooth afterwards.

lil goat · « **Reply #13 on:** January 01, 2009, 07:23:31 PM »

I learned from some old Navy guy, so I know I haven't got a clue. Maybe I can find a Marine to teach me next time, they are really good at polishing stuff.

Critterman · « **Reply #14 on:** January 01, 2009, 08:49:31 PM »

Anyone want to bet how I voted?

xtrememedic · « **Reply #15 on:** January 01, 2009, 10:56:58 PM »

Quote from: Go-N Def on January 01, 2009, 06:25:06 PM

I'm working on a step by step process for the hard core detail, from beginning to end. Something that should only be done once or twice a year. I'll get it posted sometime tomorrow afternoon...

As far as the claybar goes, wipe a section of the car with some quick detailer. Rub your hand across the clean section. If you can feel little "catches" or bumps, claybar it. It'll be nice and smooth afterwards.

Put your hand in a plastic bag first, if it glides across the finish smoothly without any rough feeling than you are good to go but if you feel any bumps,snags clay bar it again

xtrememedic · « **Reply #16 on:** January 01, 2009, 10:58:48 PM »

I can make an old turd blind you on a cloudy day.
I have been washing and detailing vehicles and yes airplane since I was 10 years old, I am now 53 years young

But I havnt figured out how to get rid of the smell

xtrememedic · « **Reply #17 on:** January 01, 2009, 11:08:25 PM »

Quote from: KYGXP on January 01, 2009, 05:35:14 PM

I have no idea if I am detailing the car correctly as I have always been a "You mean you wash a car?" So I am learning as I go. I am lucky that he is not my daily driver and has only been in the rain maybe 3 times. When I do him before he goes in the garage he gets washed and when he really get's detailed it takes me about 4 or 5 hours to complete..... I would love if we could get a listing and details for those of us who still have questions about the process.....example I have a question about ClayBar.... When do you use that..... I bought some and husband threw a fit that the claybar was for older cars that the paint has gone dull and that for no reason should it be used on a car that still has a shine.....

Kim read this it will tell you about clay baring a car, it even tells you about the zip lock bag to test the paint finish
http://www.properautocare.com/usclaybartor.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfEfLGL59GI&feature=related
or you can check this out and it will show you haw to clay bar

I do not use this product.
I have been using Griot products for about 10 years high end but worth it to me

xtrememedic · « **Reply #18 on:** January 01, 2009, 11:26:35 PM »

I hear it comming does any body else

ZAAAAAAIIIIIINOOOOOOOOOO

spicy3480 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 01, 2009, 11:39:30 PM »

LOL I prefer to do everything by hand...this paint is so think I would be afraid to take a machine to it. I actually find claying the car fun. Do I have issues?

Go-N Def · « **Reply #20 on:** January 02, 2009, 12:20:02 AM »

Quote from: xtrememedic on January 01, 2009, 11:26:35 PM

I hear it comming does any body else

ZAAAAAAIIIIIINOOOOOOOOOO

Careful, there is a limit to how many times you can post the Z-word before you get a lifetime ban!

MomsSol · « **Reply #21 on:** January 02, 2009, 12:26:25 AM »

Quote from: spiky3480 on January 01, 2009, 11:39:30 PM

LOL I prefer to do everything by hand...this paint is so think I would be afraid to take a machine to it. I actually find claying the car fun. Do I have issues?

I thought we already determined that?

GXPsy Rose · « **Reply #22 on:** January 02, 2009, 09:01:26 AM »

I pay someone else to detail my car

......my hubby

Critterman · « **Reply #23 on:** January 02, 2009, 10:00:03 AM »

Of course you do Spiky, of course you do, but your not as bad as Mike

BLK GXP · « **Reply #24 on:** January 02, 2009, 10:19:34 AM »

This being one of two black cars I own; I am quite accustomed to the work it takes to keep them shiny. The other is a Tahoe, so the Solstice is fairly easy. I've tried lots of stuff. Most recently Zaino, but I've also got some stuff in the cabinet from Mother's and Meguiar's. I do it mostly by hand. I have one of those 9" orbital buffers, but I haven't really found it to be very helpful, except on the large surfaces of the Tahoe.

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Author Topic: What is your level of expertise when it comes to detailing? (Read 18356 times)

lil goat