Some lessons learned

[DogParkGuy]

I wanted to pass on some lessons I have learned about detailing over the past 3-4 years. If you disagree, please chime in.

1. The DVD produced by Mike Phillips about correcting paint is worth every cent. The most important lesson for me was how to tell if your pad is rotating at the correct speed on the paint surface.

2. Draw a vertical mark on your pad with a sharpie. This will help you see the rotation speed.

3. At a minimum, you will use 2 pads for paint correction. I just worked on my VW station wagon and used three. Even if you clean the pad against a towel, it will eventually get saturated and not provide enough resistance to buff out scratches.

4. To clean pads, I found the best way is to just throw them in the wash with all your other microfiber cloths and towels. BTW, I wash with cold water.

5. Short cuts are what you do when you work on your car. Paying customers don't get short cuts.

6. Scratch-X is my best friend, especially for small areas where a PC wouldn't make sense.

[Zuke]

Re: Some lessons learned

You have had no problems washing your pads? The 2.0's? How long have you had them...

[the_invisible]

Re: Some lessons learned

If possible, use one pad for each panel for maximum cutting power. I do not like cleaning on the fly, so I just use a clean pad for each panel to ensure pad cleanliness. Sure, it's expensive to buy literally 40 pads to use for a car... but you also extend the life of each pad by using them less, and by contaminating them less with abrasives. Overkill is my middlename.

[cardriver]

Re: Some lessons learned

If possible, use one pad for each panel for maximum cutting power. Sure, it's expensive to buy literally 20 pads to use for each car... but you also extend the life of each pad by using them less.

Oh...my...goodness...

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Some lessons learned

I agree with the posters observations. Very good points he makes.

[RGP]

Re: Some lessons learned

Oh...my...goodness...

Just remember, help is always available, my friend. You don't have to face this alone. How's 8 p.m. work for you? I'll drive, but the new guy has to bring the donuts...

[RGP]

Re: Some lessons learned

I like the Sharpie idea!

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Some lessons learned

I wanted to pass on some lessons I have learned about detailing over the past 3-4 years.

All good points, no doubt about it.

If possible, use one pad for each panel for maximum cutting power. I do not like cleaning on the fly, so I just use a clean pad for each panel to ensure pad cleanliness. Sure, it's expensive to buy literally 40 pads to use for a car... but you also extend the life of each pad by using them less, and by contaminating them less with abrasives. Overkill is my middlename.

Rather that you err on the side of caution than just make do and try to get by with a single pad. Besides, a little overkill never hurt anyone.





But 40 pads to do one car?????? How many loads of laundry is that when you're done?

[DogParkGuy]

Re: Some lessons learned

You have had no problems washing your pads? The 2.0's? How long have you had them...

I have some of the older pads and about six of the new pads. One new one and two of the old ones are in the dryer right now as I write this. I consider the pads to be consumables. No problem yet with washing and drying them.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Some lessons learned

They all make good sense.

1. I havn't seen the DVD. Is this something that can be seen here?

2. I have seen that,but don't do it. I'm quite happy with the dial indicator.

3.

4. Microfibres,pads and applicators that are used for polishing or waxing get chucked in a soapy bucket. Microfibres,like the water magnet,i do seperately and put out right away.

5. I don't have any customers.

6.

[DogParkGuy]

Re: Some lessons learned

One more lesson learned: Start with the physically hardest part of a detailing job first. For me, that is when I have to lean down on low areas or kneel down (I am old). For others it could be the roof. That way when you are tired you have easy sections to work on.