going to start a part time detailing business this summer... input please

if i dont do a ipa wipedown/ use a paint cleaner, and say the wax is still working after 3 months, would this hinder my results and if so in what ways
 
The problem that were having with this is judging by your questions it appears that you don't really have enough experience or knowledge to be doing this for money. That's the problem I have. You say you're trying to get your name out there but as what?? I mean I would LOVE to do vehicle wraps and respray auto paint for money. I'm very interested in it. But I don't know the first thing about it Nor have I ever done it. So I'm not going to just wing it and start a business doing it this summer. I just hope you don't "learn as you go" using trusting peoples cars as your guinea pigs.
 
Here's the best suggestion I can give about what products to get and how to use them: Don't spend a fortune, but get everything you this.k you might need and then a few things you don't think you need. Next, experiment on your own car! Hands on learning!
 
i know how to do everything I plan to do. wash clay wax and interiors. I'm trying to expand my knowledge to be able to offer more, I plan to build my base with the above

I've practiced hours on my car and will do more, but right now im at school and working full time, so I don't have access to my things, thats why I'm asking so many questions and not "practicing"
 
SON1C said:
i know how to do everything I plan to do. wash clay wax and interiors. I'm trying to expand my knowledge to be able to offer more, I plan to build my base with the above

I've practiced hours on my car and will do more, but right now im at school and working full time, so I don't have access to my things, thats why I'm asking so many questions and not "practicing"
Click to expand...

Ok then. Just sounded like you didn't know. Always happy to help though.
 
I appreciate all the helpful input, really, but I gain/learn nothing when poeple tell me to google it, or call me inexperienced, compared to many on here yes, compared to the average car owner, I'm an expert, I'm just trying to work my way up, so all im asking for is constructive input :)

as for the business I ordered the cg foam gun, as well as their Inner cleaner, i went all in with a gallon, it has good reviews and is basically what I was looking for, however I'd like to try PERL and 303

for an apc, what does everyone use? I know a lot of people use zep and they say its readily available at lowes, home depot etc, I'll more than likely go with that

For what I'm doing mainly (wash, clay, wax, interior) whats a good bundle of MF's to pickup?

Glass cleaning.... is it worth it to invest in an actual "glass cleaner" or will just wiping them down be sufficient? im guessing exterior wise yes? and use a dedicated glass cleaner on the interior?
 
LOL see what I'm saying? You say your an expert then you ask if you should use a dedicated glass cleaner. Water or a dedicated glass cleaner is the only thing you should ever put on a windows interior. You don't know what cars are tinted or not, you don't know how your chemicals will react to the tint. I've seen the outer coating on the tint damaged and turned purple by people using the wrong stuff. Plus try to get a streak free or lint free finish otherwise. An expert would know this.
 
Meguiars APC+. 15 bucks a gallon and dilutes a lot. It will last a LONG time.
 
Kris R said:
LOL see what I'm saying? You say your an expert then you ask if you should use a dedicated glass cleaner. Water or a dedicated glass cleaner is the only thing you should ever put on a windows interior. You don't know what cars are tinted or not, you don't know how your chemicals will react to the tint. I've seen the outer coating on the tint damaged and turned purple by people using the wrong stuff. Plus try to get a streak free or lint free finish otherwise. An expert would know this.
Click to expand...

just chill dude. You take some things I say too seriously/the wrong way, if I'm unsure guess what? I don't do it. Therefore I've only been using stoners as a glass cleaner that's tint safe.
 
Jomax said:
Is meguiars glass cleaner tint safe?
Click to expand...

I've never used it. But I'm assuming that a car chemical company will make their cleaner safe. It will say on the back safe for tint. If I remember correctly windex and other household glass cleaners have ammonia to aid in leaving a streak free shine. The ammonia is what ruins tint.
 
Okay so heres an update of my lineup for the main things I'll be doing
Wash-Clay-Wax-Interior (for the most part, for now)

Wash- CG foamgun, also have plenty to hand wash with
Dry - CG miracle Dryer and I also have a waffleweave
Clay - Meg's, Mothers, CG's claybars, some meg quik detailer and cg clay lube, what do you guys think is the best clay lubricant for the money? I'm thinking about just ordering a gallon of cg clay lube
Wax - I have a lot, but I'm trying to find the best cleaner wax, I'll give mothers a shot, meg's a shot, and CG's
Interior - Seems like the favorite for an APC is zep, I'll have to pickup a gallon (you guys say home depot or lowes?) what about simple green? or purple power? for a protectant I invested in CG inner cleaner

I need to pickup some more good MF's, would be used for buffing and applying wax, cleaning interior, suggestions?

any other key items I'm missing?
 
Zep is from Home Depot only. I would stay away from purple power because its too strong for interiors even watered down IMO.

ONR or DP Rinseless wash is my fav clay lube. For clay I've used all 3 grades of CG and found the light duty is worthless and the heavy duty works great but leaves a TON of marring and swirls. Out of the CG line I would rec the Medium duty one. I personally use Clay Magic's blue and red clay and think its the best. I know they had a patten on clay for a while but I'm not sure if its up yet.

My cleaner wax is Megs D151. Economical and works well for an AIO and its easy to use once you figure it out. I use it with a yellow Buff and Shine pad and it finishes really well. The only downside is the wax doesn't last very long so you might wanna top it off with Optimum Spray wax or an express wax.

I would also rec Folex for interior carpets. It works great and its fairly priced. You can also get it at HD for around $16 a gallon or $7 for a quart.

For microfibers at a decent price and good quality I would use CG's. I've had them for a while and they have held up.
 
Bought a package of 24 microfibers at Auto Zone this morning for $17. They're not the biggest towels ever, but they do the job.
 
I'm thinking of investing in mothers claybars? opinions? out of the clay's i've used I've found them to my favorite

who makes autozones MFs? i was unsatisfied with the MF's I purchased at pepboys awhile back

then zep it is! whats good for interior dilution 10:1 and carpet 4:1?
 
Mobile detail said:
Zep is from Home Depot only. I would stay away from purple power because its too strong for interiors even watered down IMO.

ONR or DP Rinseless wash is my fav clay lube. For clay I've used all 3 grades of CG and found the light duty is worthless and the heavy duty works great but leaves a TON of marring and swirls. Out of the CG line I would rec the Medium duty one. I personally use Clay Magic's blue and red clay and think its the best. I know they had a patten on clay for a while but I'm not sure if its up yet.

My cleaner wax is Megs D151. Economical and works well for an AIO and its easy to use once you figure it out. I use it with a yellow Buff and Shine pad and it finishes really well. The only downside is the wax doesn't last very long so you might wanna top it off with Optimum Spray wax or an express wax.

I would also rec Folex for interior carpets. It works great and its fairly priced. You can also get it at HD for around $16 a gallon or $7 for a quart.

For microfibers at a decent price and good quality I would use CG's. I've had them for a while and they have held up.
Click to expand...

What is there to figure out about D151?? Would like to know as I'm going to soon use it :)
 
nickgodfrey said:
For sure. I re state my earlier story. Their hook up, your hose and sprayer.
Click to expand...

If you go this route, add to that setup a very good nozzle and gilmour quick release connectors to maximize time (e.g., to remove the nozzle for water pooling or maybe popping on a foam gun), PLUS a quick shutoff to avoid running back and forth to the spigot.
 
Kris R said:
You shut your dirty mouth! Ahem! No please go out and "detail" as many vehicles as you can get your hands on! Please! LoL the experience will make you better and will generate more business for me when I get the call to fix mistakes! Lol

Seriously though. I applaud your enthusiasm, but that's exactly why the detailing world is such an intimidating place for consumers. It takes NO money or time or knowledge to start a "detailing" business. People figure since they can wash a car they are detailers and prematurely go out and open shop. There are more of those kinds of detailers out there than there are those that understand the process which is why those like my self have no problem making a name for themselves fixing the mistakes of
Others. No one has a problem teaching you the process or helping you to become better. But it's way to early to start doing this for money.
Click to expand...

I agree. Give it a shot, don't over charge anyone. Take before and after pics if you want, then post some up here. I bet you will get feedback.
 
SON1C said:
if i dont do a ipa wipedown/ use a paint cleaner, and say the wax is still working after 3 months, would this hinder my results and if so in what ways
Click to expand...

You may want to avoid using IPA on other people's vehicles until you dial-in a process. IPA, in my opinion, would be used to for a 'test spot' during the exterior paint surfact work to examine your results prior to proceeding.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top