Any tips for a beginner?

[DirtyBlackHoe]

I am about to start getting into paint correction and I have purchased the Flex 3401 and the new Adam's 2 step kit. I have watched all the videos and think that I have a good understanding on what to do. I was just wondering if there are any tips for a rookie at this to help me not make many mistakes. Thank you so much.

 

[Evan.J]

Take you time, work slow, slow arm speed, keep your work area to the 2'x2' size, keep your pads clean and free of spent product, and finally have fun!

 

[TheCougarGuy]

I would just add one thing to the above. Be careful on body lines and raised edges. Being the Flex is a forced rotation machine, you can burn through the paint because the paint is typically thinner on body lines and raised edges.

 

[c8n]

Don't work tired. When you get tired, you tend to get sloppy and take short cuts.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

Yes...

Here's a few basic recommendations...

Besides washing and drying the car or using a rinseless or waterless wash, the point being get the car clean before you start to buff.

The inspect to see if the paint needs to be clayed and if it does, then clay it or decontaminate it using one of your other options, Speedy Prep Towel, Nanoskin Autoscrub Pads, etc.


Next, do a TEST SPOT

Buff a small section and then inspect the results. Make sure you can make one small area look GREAT before you buff out the entire car.

I call this, proving my system. If you can prove your system, that is your pads, products of choice, the tool AND your technique to one small area then you'll have the confidence to buff out the rest of the car and you can be assured it too is going to come out looking GREAT.

I would also highly recommend you evaluate your customer first before you detail their car and

Match your services to your customer.

Don't do show car detailing for a Soccer Mom and a Daily Driver Astro Van.

A: You'll be doing her a disservice.
B: You won't make any money.
​

And read my article on how to use the Flex 3401, maybe get my DVD on this topic too...


Here's some resources to help you...


DVD - How To Use the Flex 3401 & PE14 Rotary Buffer

Detailing How-To Book and Detailing How-To E-book by Mike Phillips

How To Use The Flex 3401


I work the section using overlapping passes and a crosshatch pattern...

And more...


Video: All about the FLEX-3401 Forced Rotation Dual Action Polisher

The Flex 3401

Lubricating the Felt Ring on the Flex 3401


First there is no official recommendation from Flex on this procedure but most owners of the Flex 3401 like to lubricate the Felt Ring to ensure there are no issues between it and the hard plastic backing material that it comes into contact with during operation.

For preventative maintenance reasons, it's okay to lubricate the felt ring after purchase and periodically depending upon how much use your Flex 3401 sees.

What to use?I went to NAPA and purchased some Air Tool Lubricant, (see picture), but any light machine oil should work including the traditional 3-in-1 Oil.


Here's the felt ring on the Flex 3401

VERY IMPORTANT


How To Do a Test Spot
(and why it's so important)



Also very important...

A few tips on starting a part-time detailing business
Match your services to your customer



And here's another article I suggest you read...


How to use a one-step cleaner/wax to maximize profits

 

[BradsDetailing]

Knowledge, ask questions, take your time and have fun

 

[DirtyBlackHoe]

thank you so much guys...right now it will just be on my personal fleet and once I get comfortable with my skills I will start doing friends and family vehicles.

I didn't realize that you could burn the paint with the Flex? I thought it wouldn't burn paint?

 

[PokeFan]

thank you so much guys...right now it will just be on my personal fleet and once I get comfortable with my skills I will start doing friends and family vehicles.

I didn't realize that you could burn the paint with the Flex? I thought it wouldn't burn paint?

I admittedly don't know much about the 3401 but from a quick look it's basically the step between a DA and Rotary. Meaning it's going to be more forgiving than a rotary but because of the forced rotation you still run the chance of burning paint. Unlike most DA's that would stop with too much pressure I'm assuming the 3401 would just keep on turning. Like most tools, if you take your time and pay attention to what's going on you should be fine. Just make sure you don't hover anywhere while working.

 

[JonFD]

Mike has attached some great info. Itmdoesmlike to walk on you especially, at least for me because I'm 5'9 on larger SUVs in the upper middle of hood. It took me a few hoods it really figure to put a little more pressure on the top handle. It's obviously there for a reason. =)

It's an amazing tool.

 

[BobbyK]

My other suggestion moving forward would be... really research what products you plan on buying before you pull the trigger. My first few orders were spontaneous and based off of little knowledge... And well those products are 90% full and pushed to the back of the cabinet now!

 

[hernandez.art13]

I like to check the temperature of the panel with the back of my hand you are working on just to make sure your not introducing to much heat.

Did this a lot with a Rotary, with the PC it's not really necessary, but can't comment of the Flex

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

I like to check the temperature of the panel with the back of my hand you are working on just to make sure your not introducing to much heat.

Did this a lot with a Rotary, with the PC it's not really necessary, but can't comment of the Flex

The Flex doesn't generate enough heat to the surface to be an issue. If a person wants to check though, using the back of your hand will work or the palm.

Here's an article on this topic...

Fight or Flight Method for Gaging Surface Temperature

:xyxthumbs:

 

[hernandez.art13]

"I wish I knew what I know now, When I was younger" AG lol

Thanks Mike,

Also work clean, say if a MF towel falls on the ground just, get a brand new clean one.

If you are planning on sealing, do an IPA wipe down then seal. Just to be extra sure that your happy with your results.

Pick a spot on the car, try different methods, speed, pressure. Then when you feel you done. If i was you, i'd take a 30 min. break get a quick bite. Then repeat, so you don't spend all day and are even less satisfied with your results because you worked all day and the results are not up to your standards. Then if you have questions about that one spot, take pictures and post them on here. Everyone would be glad to help to help you save time/energy and supplies.

Oh and have fun!

 

[DirtyBlackHoe]

I swear I have never been so happy to open a box in my life...This thing was packaged perfectly and I am so excited!

 

[hernandez.art13]

I swear I have never been so happy to open a box in my life...This thing was packaged perfectly and I am so excited!

Congratulations!

What polishes and compounds did you get?

Yeah I felt the same way too

And you got the flex...

Again Congrats!

 

[DirtyBlackHoe]

I ended up with the new 2 Step system from Adam's