Mike, is detailing rocket science?

[Mirror Finish]

Mike....Bingo, my exact thoughts.

I'll pass this thread link to the guy on the other car forum.

Thanks!

 

[FUNX650]

I'll pass this thread link to the guy on the other car forum.

I wish he was a member of this forum.

Bob

 

[runrun411]

Well, its a hobby.So people get into it. It also happens to be a hobby that feeds into OCD impulses,

What is my cost to do this? About $200 per year all-in. (Things like CG Black on Black, pads, glazes, detail sprays add up to about $50 of that.). A serviceable DA polisher is only around $60 these days. It would cost me that much to run the car through a commercial wash every couple of weeks.

Yes, this is truly a hobby I really, really, I mean really enjoy. If only I could have spent only $200.00 a year on it. Then again there's those OCD impulses at work.

Im the MANIm the MANIm the MAN

 

[cardaddy]

Is he an amateur or professional detailer trying to protect either his ego, justifying countless hours of training, labor and expertise, or his business or (God forbid) forum reputation? Then look no further, you've found your answer.

As you may have noticed, there are 'levels' of detailing forums where some are filled with people that want to help, including professionals who's heads actually fit inside the forum.

Oh as you said, "God Forbid". Never underestimate a highly strung over stressed 'professional' detailer that thinks his way is the ONLY way. Those types will never be a part of a forum (at least like this one) in any meaningful way.

No, he is just an insecure "key turner" who shoots anybody down that actually knows something. I notice he does not partake in any technical topics as far as providing any info, but he sure is good at belittling some people. .....

I'm thinking about trying one of those foam guns. As with anything I buy, I want something that has me saying, damn great product just like my Flex.

"key turners" come in all shapes and sizes. Do not underestimate a 'pro' that thinks the world is out to get him, perhaps leak untold truths, or God forbid, question his methods or 'tactics'. :dunno:

That type will be a part of threads that show off his work, and likes a lot of "back patting". But will not daily participate in topics that help fellow detailers, and/or share techniques. You may even see 'posed' photos with brand labels displayed (even if the bottles are aimed at his shirt!).

The foam gun you'll love! If you're thinking about the hose end type do a search for "Butchers Foam Gun". It's the Gilmour gun but at $20~$25 less than you'll see it on detailing forums. I've been using one for a year like that.

The foam cannon though is even more fun! :dblthumb2:
The biggest problem with that one though is cranking up the darned pressure washer to use it. With that thought I've been using a little electric pressure washer just to make it easy. I'm going to change out the orifice this summer and try it with my big gas PW just to see how much more fun it can be.

 

[wlshephard]

It's not rocket science but somethimes it feels like cosmectic surgery.Im the MAN

 

[PiPUK]

Detailing itself is not rocket science, but it does take a good dose of common sense to wade through the marketing BS. This is what makes it seem complicated to many, the marketing guys have gone to town and it is very hard for someone, with limited time, to get back to basics and see past the fact that there are 'n' different companies selling 'm' different products with different claims which all boil down to saying that it is a polish which leaves some protection behind.

If you are familiar with my posts, you will know that I am one of the chemists behind some of the products. I decided to tackle some of the marketing nonsense by trying to provide the chemical background on some products, so that the interested detailer can see through the nonsense. Even from my point of view, it is not rocket science (although, if you wanted to argue it, that is where I came from). There are a lot of good and solid principles which underpin the products themselves and which (sorry to burst bubbles) are pretty common whether you are cleaning cars or cleaning toilets.

Detailing is a high end area so I guess it is reasonable that the 'science' is more visible but the absolute key is to be able to look at a product, identify what it actually does and how it does it. Once you have that, you are golden and everything is miles easier.