Is detailing difficulty overrated?

[Whitethunder46]

I've been on this forum for about 2 months. I joined because it looked like a great forum site coupled with AG and their products, to get some good information on how to use the PC 7424. I've always done small detailing as a hobby and just using OTC products.
I also had a Craftsman 10" orbital which I may have used 4 times.

To me, after browsing this forum and reading questions, it seems like many people are just way to worried about detailing. I mean, it's not hard at all! Just be confident in what you are doing. Now don't get me wrong, I'm sure many people love their car and don't want to cause any harm to it, but there's no "secret" way to detailing. I mean, all you're doing is just cleaning your vehicle to certain extents and then protecting it.

The one thing I can see some people worrying, is the first time use of a PC. Granted, I don't even have my PC yet, but it's not rocket science. Sure, it'll take a little time to get used to and work out any kinks or flaws you might have operational, but that should be it.

Cliff Notes: It seems to me that members are just way to worried about the difficulty of detailing. Just have confidence in what you are doing, it's very hard to cause and damage or any harm to your vehicle when cleaning.

 

[sparkie]

I can think of two things that worries me. Cleaning the engine is one, I hope I don't get any thing wet that would hurt it. Number two, got my rotary yesterday, hope I don't do any paint burns.

 

[ScottB]

I dont think proper detailing is often too difficult to master, but I find that most expect immediate results with little work and planning. Learning the steps ... practicing ... and redoing to your liking is going to bring positive results.

 

[joe.p]

I dont think proper detailing is often too difficult to master, but I find that most expect immediate results with little work and planning. Learning the steps ... practicing ... and redoing to your liking is going to bring positive results.

Ditto..Detailing is trial an error as long as your carefull and read the forum every thing you have absorbed here will come out as you begin to clean up the vehicle..Detailing is hard work but the end result always makes the time and effort worth it..Heck we have beautiful women here producing stellar results

 

[Totoland Mach]

Whitethunder: at the enthusiast level of detailing, you have some valid points.

Once you get to a "shop" or pro level, there's tons of worries:

Wet sanding too much clear
Burning plastic body panels like mirror housings and bumper covers
Using wheel acid and having it stain the wheel
Using too strong a leather cleaner and the dye comes out of the seat

The cars I do each week average $30/k to $50/k "used". Mistakes can cost the shop owner money which is loss of profit in the sale.

But, sticking with a Porter-Cable and a nice product mix from AG is pretty doggone safe.

Toto

 

[D]

Whitethunder: at the enthusiast level of detailing, you have some valid points.

Once you get to a "shop" or pro level, there's tons of worries:

Toto

Very well put, I agree 100%. I started last summer getting serious and doing other peoples cars. Within that 3-4 month period my skills improved dramatically. I cant wait until this summer.

Glad to see some more mustang owners on the site.

 

[abrcrombe]

Also, I think that the practice makes you better. Look how quickly Justin gets his details done. The practice allows him to do it faster than most, and that is pretty difficult if you ask me.