How to detail quicker

Kamakaz1961 said:
You are correct about SOME DA's not removing scratches as well as a rotary. However, there is 1 DA that is as good or possibly better than a Rotary and that is the Flex 3401 VRG. It is the ONLY DA on the market that is a "forced rotational" DA. It is "almost" as powerful as a rotary, however, you do not have to worry about the "hologram" affect that a rotary does when correcting.

No other DA can match the correcting ability as the Flex 3401 VRG. I know some will say the Rupes DA's can come close but in terms of correcting at a faster time (as you are on time) the Flex is the best.

Try that DA as well as with the Lake Country Hybrid Pads and that will help significantly. Mike Phillips has a book about the Flex 3401 and how to use it. I say get that book and the DA and you will kick AZZ and reduce your detailing time by at least 20 - 30% or even more.
Additionally, IMO Menzerna FG400, Menzerna SF4000 and Menzerna Power Lock will help reduce correcting time too. I think you would be better off with SF4000 than SF4500 as SF4000 has more correcting ability than SF4500. SF4500 is more of a "jeweling" polish. Remember...Time is money!!
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:iagree:
 
What is normally included in the details you are performing for each vehicle?

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Nicholas@Autowerx said:
What is normally included in the details you are performing for each vehicle?

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Each car we do is a complete full detail, unless its a customer detail and they want one or the other. But we start out by prepping. I do the engine first, then wheels and tires/wells, all jambs next, and then with our system over here, we have to clay as we wash. Dry it off real quick and then I do the interior. We use degreaser , solvent and/or extractor if needed, magic erasers and air gun. Then I move to the outside spraying the tires with tire shine first, then I will compound or polish, whatever the vehicle needs. Then wipe all the compound out of the jambs and do the windows and touch everything up and I'm done. Is there maybe any order to do everything that helps get done quicker as well possibly? I started this BMW yesterday at around 11am. Took a couple hours with prepping and interior combined, and now I'm still finishing up the outside. Does the reflection look good or could it be better? Lol I only have a years experience
 
Wow! You do quite a bit and now that you told me what you do I do humbly apologize that I did not realize how much you do to detail a car. I can't even give you any technique help on the engine as I do not even go there. I am too afraid to mess up the electronics. Already, I am not worthy telling you how to detail.

As for your picture of your work...INCREDIBLE!!! If there is one thing that I do not do and saves time is that I do not tape any areas. Today's compounds/polishes do not ruin the trim IMO and my technique helps too.

As for reducing your time, my guess is you will get faster at your job from repetition and you will learn how to cut corners "effectively" and safely.

I would maybe PM Mike Phillips to get his advice if you need it. He is the Yoda of the Detailing business.
 
Time saving tips (that apply to your detail process)

1. Wash the entire car, then clay. Switching back and forth between wash media and clay seems like it would be significantly slower.

2. Use a rinseless wash instead of normal car wash soap.

2.1 (almost forgot...) wheel acid. Get some, learn its dangers and safety precautions. Use it religiously.

3. Use a Nanoskin clay pad on a DA polisher (while the car is still wet). You can do the while car in less than 10 mins.

4. On the interior blow everything forward. You might not even need to vacuum the rear seating area if the carpets are already clean.

5. Tornador.

6. Steamer.

7. DA carpet brush.

8. Nathan Flannel upholstery cleaning method. (Google it)

9. Clean each area of the interior completely before moving to the next. Less movement around the car = time saved.

10. On the exterior you might not need to do a traditional "cut and buff" to get each vehicle to showroom standards. Consider these possibilities:

10.1 1-step polishing using a medium cutting diminishing polish such as OPT Hyper Polish.

10.2 compound then finish with an AIO type product such as Meguiar's D151.

10.3 MF cutting and finishing pads are your friend. The Meg's DA system is perfect for production environments when you are actually still aiming for high quality results.

11. Get a Rupes 21. Install the washer mod.

I'm sure others can chime in with more tips as well. Best of luck!



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as someone who has worked at dealerships for 8 years, ill ask are you getting into trouble taking so long? are you doing too much? why i asked that is many dealerships are too keen on the "details" pardon the pun. ive never seen one that isn't about quantity over quality. what are you doing? claybar? waxing? polishing? leather treatment? etc.
 
megs ultimate compound!!!! i cannot explain how well that works. in my opinion, its the best bang for the buck product out there. do you clean the interior from the headliner down? many people dont. they vacuum first then clean the doors, dash, etc. then they have to vac again from the stuff they clean off rather than a quick last vac.
 
Nicholas@Autowerx said:
Time saving tips (that apply to your detail process)

1. Wash the entire car, then clay. Switching back and forth between wash media and clay seems like it would be significantly slower.

2. Use a rinseless wash instead of normal car wash soap.

2.1 (almost forgot...) wheel acid. Get some, learn its dangers and safety precautions. Use it religiously.

3. Use a Nanoskin clay pad on a DA polisher (while the car is still wet). You can do the while car in less than 10 mins.

4. On the interior blow everything forward. You might not even need to vacuum the rear seating area if the carpets are already clean.

5. Tornador.

6. Steamer.

7. DA carpet brush.

8. Nathan Flannel upholstery cleaning method. (Google it)

9. Clean each area of the interior completely before moving to the next. Less movement around the car = time saved.

10. On the exterior you might not need to do a traditional "cut and buff" to get each vehicle to showroom standards. Consider these possibilities:

10.1 1-step polishing using a medium cutting diminishing polish such as OPT Hyper Polish.

10.2 compound then finish with an AIO type product such as Meguiar's D151.

10.3 MF cutting and finishing pads are your friend. The Meg's DA system is perfect for production environments when you are actually still aiming for high quality results.

11. Get a Rupes 21. Install the washer mod.

I'm sure others can chime in with more tips as well. Best of luck!



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/thread

Lol.

But seriously, all of this. I don't do as much polishing, as most clients don't really want it. When I do, it's an AIO like D151. When it comes to more proper correction, I like M100 on microfiber cutting pads, followed by M205. The microfiber pads are the best, a huge time saver, and I only wish I bought more of them right off the bat instead of the CCS pads I got.

I initially planned on doing most cars with the "autogeek style" foam gun followed by two bucket method, but rarely do we have the time to do this. No rinse wash is I'd say about 65-75% of our washing.

I had a Tornador for a while but hadn't used it until recently when I got a suitable compressor for our van. The Tornador is a lifesaver when it comes to fleet vehicles or dusty trucks, and stuff like engine bays or tight spots. Compressed air in general is tool #1 for detailing interiors and engine bays, IMO. Cuts time down significantly.

I have a steamer and a Mytee HP60. I find myself rarely using the HP60, thought it's good to know it's there when I need it. Steam is tool #2 for interior detailing, and is essential. If I didn't have my steamer, I'd be toast.

The DA brushes (drillbrush has ones that I like the best) save tons of time, but be careful on what you use them on, you can tear stuff up so go lightly and choose a bristle that isn't too stiff for the material your're cleaning.

The number one problem we faced at first was organization and having a good system for storing and putting away stuff when it was time to pack up. That may sound like a no brainer, but just because something is organized doesn't mean it is saving you time. I found that having things set up in "kits" helps. I use rubbermaid totes and have my interior brushes and tools along with interior cleaners in one "kit". When I'm done using it, it goes back in the tote, and then I move on to the exterior or whatever is next and pull out the appropriate "kit". This saves TONS of time, and makes cleaning up way less of a chore, and keeps stuff from going up missing.

I think it was Jason Rose who was on Larry Kosilla's podcast one time who said that every detailer should have a good "three tool" system. I initially chose to use a 7424xp for interior brushes, applying wax, and smaller jobs, the Rupes 21 for most paint correction jobs, and a Dewalt Rotary for headlights and "dealership style production" jobs where it's going to get an AIO and get kicked out the door. This has worked great so far for me.
 
Great input

I hope to integrate some of these concepts into my routine to speed things up
 
Just now checked this again and it is great input. I thought about getting a steamer in the past.. Where do you even get one at though?
 
What you think is 75% may be 100% to others. As detailers, we are perfectionists and often go unrewarded.

Roger T
 
mbenzo said:
Just now checked this again and it is great input. I thought about getting a steamer in the past.. Where do you even get one at though?
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Their is a huge price range of streamers from $100 to $800+. Fundamentally, they all do the same thing: Heat water until it is boiling and force the stream out of a small nozzle. If you are looking for an entry level unit check out the steamfast brand which is also rebranded as several other versions like the mcculoch.

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Kamakaz1961 said:
Well I hope you don't mind my input. I recently did a full correction detail to 1 of my friends cars. It took about 4 hours from start to finish. EXTERIOR ONLY.

1. Wash
2. Nanoskin Sponge IMO quicker than clay. (I would assume a mitt would be faster)
3. Flex 3401 VRG IMO the best DA to get the job done the fastest...hands down.
4. Menzerna FG400 This compound works wonders and is very effective. Used 6.5" Orange Hybrid Pad Speed setting 5
5. Menzerna SF4000 (I use SF4500) IMO SF4000 is a great effective polish. Used 6.5" White Hybrid Pad Speed setting 5
6. Menzerna Powerlock Sealant it dries quickly and you can remove it real easy. Used 6.5" Black Hybrid Pad Speed setting 2
7. Used a foam applicator that the DA could not reach for sealant.

No door jams or other areas that are not seen...IMO why waste time for something that will be covered 90 - 95% of the time.

The car I worked on was a Red Honda accord coupe. Here are the pics from before, Mid (just finished compounding no polish yet) and then final result.

This took 4 hours. Some people may think I am on crack or don't believe me but so be it. I again, did exterior only.

I did this 11-29-2014. I think the type of DA helps significantly and the type of product...how effective it is in correction. Mine was the Flex 3401 VRG and Menzerna Products. The correct MF Towels are also important too. I use different MF towels for specific applications. I have a MF towel specifically for compound/polish removal and a specific MF towel for sealant/wax removal.

I hope this helps. BTW I do this for a hobby. This person needed her car back in about 6 hours.

:buffing:
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I'm sorry but there is no way you did all of this in 4hrs with any process unless your cutting corners. I don't know of any detailers doing a true 2 step paint correction with prep in 4 hrs. I would like to see real proof of your process. There is know way your doing it right and getting the results of a true 2 step paint correction in 4 hrs. I've been doing this for a long time and don't see how your getting it done in 4 hrs.
 
Wow Kamakaz1961 you are really picking up the pace since November:



Old 11-14-2014, 02:30 PM #1
Kamakaz1961
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Tustin, CA
Posts: 954 A Complete Detail from Scratch; how long?

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I remember my 1st correction detail which was:

Wash Wheels, Wash Car, Clay Car, Compound, Polish, Sealant, Wax and spray wax/QD.

I might be missing some minor steps and I do not do coatings so I do not know how long that would take, but most detailers here get the idea; a full correction.

I used a PC7424 XP with the 5.5" Lake Country CCS Orange, White and Red Pads. I think I did an OK Job B+ Grade. Some minor scratches could still be seen.

It took me about 25 hours from start to finish! Talk about being a little discouraged! I worked on a Black 2007 Shelby GT as my 1st try. This was about 3 to 4 years ago. Since then I have worked on a few cars to improve my technique, but never kept the time. I know I was getting better as I could tell my quality of work was night and day difference from the 1st correction.

About 1 month ago (10/2014), my friend buys a 2014 Black MB 350 Coupe for his X-wife (long story never mind why).

I did the exact procedure as the 1st time I ever corrected and decided to time myself for a fun comparison. This time the only difference was I used the Flex 3401 VRG and Lake Country's 6.5" Orange, White and Red CCS Pads (did not have the LC Hybrids 5" or 6.5" at the time but they are better than the CCS IMO). The PC7424XP was used for Waxing (3" Lake Country Hydro-Tech Red Pad).

The product was different too: For correction/compounding: Menzerna FG400. Polishing: Menzerna SF4500. Sealant Menzerna Powerlock. Wax: Pinnacle Souveran.

The total time (and I was actually taking my time not rushing and made sure my technique was sound), was 7 - 8 Hours! Wow big difference! I can only surmise that:

1. Technique improved considerably
2. The Flex 3401 VRG is a beast of a DA IMO the best one out there
3. Menzerna Products are better than what I used the 1st time.
4. My grade for the finished product: A+ No scratches and passed the flashlight test with flying colors.

His X-wife is not car savvy, however, when she saw her car (I dropped it off to go to work) she literally called me to tell me she could even tell a difference from the dealer.

What a BIG difference from my 1st complete detail.

My question to all you detailers (hobbyists and pros), how long does it take you guys and gals to correct a ride? What would you grade your technique? What types of product you use and tools you use?

Just a fun curious question. Comments would be nice.

Have a fantastic weekend!!


__________________
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2013 Mustang GT w/Track Pack 6-Speed Manual
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Nicholas@Autowerx said:
Their is a huge price range of streamers from $100 to $800+. Fundamentally, they all do the same thing: Heat water until it is boiling and force the stream out of a small nozzle. If you are looking for an entry level unit check out the steamfast brand which is also rebranded as several other versions like the mcculoch.

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Awesome, thanks! (:
 
It used to take me a couple days too when I first started detailing. Lol only way I can detail something in four hours though is if its not that dirty inside and out, and only have to do a 1 step. But I've even spent 8 hours on a clean car sometimes... Perfectionist problems!! Lol
 
I work on a production line building combines as my daytime job and I can say it's helped me a lot with organizing and finding ways to get details done faster and a better finished product. Placement of tools and finding a good routine that flows can cut time in half
 
Dereksdtail said:
I work on a production line building combines as my daytime job and I can say it's helped me a lot with organizing and finding ways to get details done faster and a better finished product. Placement of tools and finding a good routine that flows can cut time in half
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Please expand on what you have learned

I am always trying to get faster without sacrificing quality
 
allenk4 said:
Please expand on what you have learned

I am always trying to get faster without sacrificing quality
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To keep it short, I just bought tools that were necessary to speed up a process, located tools or material where they were used the most and found a routine that worked best and have stuck with it. Oh and only do the work that is paid for no extras
 
Pureshine said:
I'm sorry but there is no way you did all of this in 4hrs with any process unless your cutting corners. I don't know of any detailers doing a true 2 step paint correction with prep in 4 hrs. I would like to see real proof of your process. There is know way your doing it right and getting the results of a true 2 step paint correction in 4 hrs. I've been doing this for a long time and don't see how your getting it done in 4 hrs.
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I'm actually interested in more details about his process. If I can squeeze in a full exterior detail between breakfast and lunch, my wife would be tickled pink and not treat me like a stranger. For example, what wash method? Rinseless, WW, or traditional hose. How long did each step take? Did he tape up trim, etc. How many pads used? Inquiring minds want to know. And like allenk4 said, pictures needed or it didn't happen.
 
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