How Long Does it Take?!?!

Thanks for all the responses and input! This is why AGO is such a great resource! I am doing this as a hobby so the time spent on the work doesn't really bother me, it's my meditation of sorts. Since it was my first time, I was checking my work after each section and I was doing 3 to 4 section passes. Not sure if that was overkill.My understanding was that OPT polish II is a dedicated polish and not an AIO. I didn't have ideal lighting, but it appears that I got around 80% correction. Again, I am a novice and don't really have anything to compare to though.Next things to buy: rolling stool and knee pads!
 
geoguy said:
Hey Guys!

Just a quick question for you.

I did a one-step paint correction on my black 2008 Subaru Outback Sport yesterday and it took me about 9 hours. This included a thorough aggressive wash and decontamination (bug squash, foam, rinse, foam/2 bucket wash, Iron remover [McKee's], clay [Mother's clay pad], and wash again). Probably over did it, but I was taking my time and being careful with the soft black paint. I followed up with Optimum's Polish II on a LC CCS white pad using the "cheaper DA" that is similar to the PC. I didn't get to the roof or hood because of time constraints. LSP was DG 601/105. I am a novice and nowhere near the professional stage, but how long does a typical one-step take you guys? I must be getting old, cause my back was killing me afterwards!

Thanks!
Geoguy
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That doesn't sound far off to me, for a first-timer for a thorough job including washing, decontamination, and one-step. You'll get faster with time. But for starting out, that doesn't sound unreasonable. My last 4 AIO's averaged to 3 hours for the AIO (not counting anything else, just the AIO).

One of the biggest time drains I've found is doing bad wheels without proper tools. Even with proper tools it can take a while, but without proper tools it's even worse.

Neither does the back hurting!

BudgetPlan1: you sound like me, when I'm working on my own vehicle or a family member's vehicle! Can't do that with a customer's vehicle but that's exactly what I've experienced working on my own when I have plenty of time. I end up taking way longer than I normally would.
 
geoguy said:
how long does a typical one-step take you guys?
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Lots of factors at play here but it really boils down to ensuring you use an AIO in the way it's mean to be used on a vehicle who's paint matches up with what the AIO targets. In other words, don't approach a car that's hammered with an AIO and work it to achieve 90-100% correction.

I use AIO products on cars with light to medium defects and where a customer is looking for significant improvement but not complete correction. I typically note that they might get upwards of 75% correction but again, don't promise that on a completely hammered car.

When used properly, I can do a sedan in around 6hrs. That's 1.5 to 2hrs doing a full wash, decontamination and prep for the buffer. Then roughly 4hrs behind the buffer.

I also use an AIO like HDSpeed on cars / jobs whereby the customer just wants an entry level clean up. The difference is that instead of working the car for 4hrs I may only go 1-2hrs total. Less passes, less correction but a super clean, smooth and contaminant free surface that has been freshened and shined up greatly. I do a ton of these types of jobs.
 
I agree with joe and I feel that he analyzed the situation properly. 9 hrs is an extremely long time, now yes ive been doing this for a long time but to me, when I read it I also think that to much time was used possibly by going over the same spot multiple times. I average 3-4 hrs for an AIO and that's wash, decon, clay etc. I just did a full size f150 2 days ago and that was 4.5 hrs but that was because I did a quick interior touch up as well.

2 weeks ago I taught a 1 on 1 polishing class and we used a HF, PC, GG6, FLEX 3401, rupes 21. we went over technique with each machine and then completed the whole chevy Silverado in about 5 hrs with the rupes 21. he did all the work himself with me guiding him through everything and really watching and recording his form which we reviewed after some passes as needed. he did want to go over some spots again but had to explain that if that's what he wants to do then we should not be using an AIO and that defeats the purpose of the product, I also showed him the difference in the panel from going over an area more then once compared to the rest of the car that would be done with just one passes and we were able to in this case see a difference when the light hit the truck just right.

so 9 hrs does seem like a lot, I think 6/7ish would be more realistic for most any beginner. and once you have it down 3-4 is average.
 
The OP said he performed a one step correction with OPT Polish II. Never said he used an AIO. Seems that many people's perception of a "one step" is using an AIO, but that is not the case for the OP. Also he said he's doing it as a sort of meditation. So 9 hours may be a little long but if he's doing it for enjoyment and not work, it's totally fine IMO.
 
I guess I need a little clarification here:

You guys are talking about AIOs but isn't OPT Polish II just a polish?

My understanding of a one-step is a polish then a LSP (not included, as it is a given). What would an AIO be considered? also a one-step?

Some of you guys had stated that they only do one pass with an AIO. Is that a section pass, meaning you do one set of left to right passes, then one set of up and down passes to cover the 2'x2' area?

I understand that AIOs aren't as good as dedicated polishes or compounds, but is only doing one section pass (from my definition) enough to do any kind of correction/cleaning?

Not trying to dig on anyone, just trying to understand. Now that we are consistently breaking 40 here in Michigan, I'm getting the detailing bug again!
 
Sorry fly07sti,

You are quicker at tying than me!
 
geoguy said:
Sorry fly07sti,

You are quicker at tying than me!
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I understood.
To me a one step is just that, 1 machining step. Two step is 2 machining steps, compound then polish and an AIO is just that. But that's me. Others may have different perceptions on steps.
 
Psshhhh. 9 hours?!

I think I spent that much time doing a decon on my first "detail" job. Yeah, I should have been able to do it faster, but I didn't know about clay alternatives at the time. Plus, the dude drove from California to Arizona on a weekly basis. Rain storms. Dust storms. Hail? Eh, car was the worst I've seen.

Anyway. Fast forward to today. About two years and a handful of cars. I'm not a pro. I take my time. I usually enjoy the time with a polisher, so I'm okay with 9 hours for a one step.

Truth be told? I wouldn't mind knocking out a job like that in 4 hours....mostly for those people who want to pay pennies for a good job. But then again, those are the people I usually turn away. Meh. To each their own? Do what works for you? :)
 
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