How physically demanding is auto detailing

[Mary S]

Supposing you have all the tools, like a rotary buffer (and know how to use it correctly), a DA like the G110v2. Can you do detailing in a way that is not very physically demanding, without leading to sore muscles, exhaustion, maybe even overuse injuries to the shoulder, etc. Or is tough physical work really just an inherent part of the process, and it should really be left to younger people in good physical shape?

[geert dr]

Re: How physically demanding is auto detailing

In my experience detailing can be pretty demanding on your body.
I have some backproblems and when i am detailing-polishing a car i do not feel a thing, its when i am finished that i start having pain in the lowerbackarea.

I always make sure that i stay warm during detailing ,that helps alot for me !

[yalerd]

Re: How physically demanding is auto detailing

As a job or hobby?

If you do it continually I guess you'll have some kind of problem in the long run (back/shoulder/hand) but while you get used to it you learn to position yourself to ease the problem, but they will persist. I have shoulder problems

As a hobby you can section your work in an entire weekend, not stressing yourself and if you are considering doing it full time then work with a partner, faster and less demanding for a person (if the process is done with coordination)

[Fischer]

Re: How physically demanding is auto detailing

For me being about 6'5 its alot more demanding because im literally hunched over the entire time. After a good detail session my lower back and arms are somewhat sore.

I guess a good detail cart / seat (the ones with the little wheels on it) would be a good investment if you're worried about back problems and things like that.

[sleepy]

Re: How physically demanding is auto detailing

I enjoy being tired and sore. I am 40 out of shape and I use this to keep myself active. My regular job I stand for 10hrs a day doing one thing. Detailing is a hobby and a, hopefully, one day a small business. I can not think of anything else that I would rather do, besides sit back and enjoy the fruits of My labor.

[Lasthope05]

Re: How physically demanding is auto detailing

I guess Im the only one so far that finds detailing to be easy going. I dont have any back problems. The only time you really need to lean over is when doing the center of the hood. The rest of the horizontal panels can be done standing straight up. The vertical panels are done either on a rolling chair or sitting on a floor creeper. I use a both a rotary and a PC but the weight of the dewalt doesnt bother me at all.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: How physically demanding is auto detailing

I guess Im the only one so far that finds detailing to be easy going. I dont have any back problems. The only time you really need to lean over is when doing the center of the hood. The rest of the horizontal panels can be done standing straight up. The vertical panels are done either on a rolling chair or sitting on a floor creeper. I use a both a rotary and a PC but the weight of the dewalt doesnt bother me at all.

For vertical panels, I use a rolling plastic toolbox I bought at Big Lots for $15, similar to the gardening caddy pictured below.

[Kornercarver]

Re: How physically demanding is auto detailing

I just turned 66 last November and I don't find detailing too stressful. I have a Griot's Garage D/A buffer and find it does an outstanding job. I don't get sore after detailing my car and I am up and down constantly when detailing. Here are pics of my car just after I finished with a wax job yesterday....................

[Mary S]

Re: How physically demanding is auto detailing

Thank you all for your input and tips. Kornercarver, you are an inspiration, and beautiful car I might add! I am in my early 50s. This is a hobby interest for me now, but there is always the thought of it being a possible part time job in the future. I will just take it slowly and carefully in the beginning and see how it goes.

[SX4DUDE2013]

Re: How physically demanding is auto detailing

KORNERCARVER - Wow. 66...thats amazing. UR car is beautiful. I wish my grandpa drove that! lol. keep up the good work

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: How physically demanding is auto detailing

I am in my 50's. Disabled. I think that if you lay out a plan of attack, do things in a sequence, get a stool to help you on the sides. It is not that physically daunting. i enjoy my time detailing. It lets me recharge so to speak.

Korner, you are a inspiration to us. hope my vehicle looks that great when I get to be as young as you.

[Caress Detailing]

Re: How physically demanding is auto detailing

If I just use a DA, it's a piece of cake. But if I use the Rotary or hand wax, it's definitely more physically demanding.

And it also depends what kind of vehicle I'm working on. Needless to say I hate large trucks, Minivans, and SUVs lol

[Underdawg736]

Re: How physically demanding is auto detailing

I agree with J.A., Have a good plan of attack and then follow thru with it. It doesn't matter if your detail will take several hours or several days.
The best advice I can give is STRETCH! Stretch out for about 15 to 20 minutes or longer if you wish. Stretch from head to toe, pay attention to your arms, back, and legs. Stretch several times during your detail to keep your muscles loose. At the end of the day do another 15 to 20 minute stretch. This will keep your muscles from tightening and knotting up. You'll probably still be sore the next day but it shouldn't be as bad as not stretching!
Other things that will help in the long run is staying hydrated. drinking water is best but Gatorade and other power drinks are ok. They say keep away from caffeine and alcohol but since I'm always hopped up on caffeine I can't use the "do as I say, not as I do" bit. Keeping hydrated will prevent your muscles from cramping up. In hot weather and in cold weather, you'll go farther with keeping hydrated and taking breaks.
Last use proper ergonomics or however that's spelled. you probably will not be able to avoid being in awkward positions but try not to be in those positions for long periods of time. Use a stool if you have one and again take breaks often.

Hope this helps ya! Whether your detailing by hand or machine this will help IMHO!!

[Jossy92]

Re: How physically demanding is auto detailing

I am not a professional, but, have found I get more tired when I do someone else's car. Requires more focus and I have to finish what I start, no matter how I feel. Mental and physical fatigue can cause some major wear and tear on the body.

If I were being paid and working on very expensive cars in order to support a family, not sure I would make it. [Unless I learned to work smart really fast.]

So I guess it depends on the amount of responsibility you accept for the work you do, not just the job title. The hard thing must be the more you learn. the more you can do. Until you "break" something.

To all the pros (paid and unpaid):



[Whew! ....never knew I could get winded from kissing someones b*tt.]