Too Much Time Spent

[AutowerxDetailing]

How can one learn TRUE Paint Correction?

Stick around here for a while. Grab a test panel and replicate what you read/see on this awesome forum. Ask questions. Seek info. You will pick it up in no time. rops:

Sent from my LG-VM701 using AG Online

 

[JSou]

Are you talking about a paint correction or a PAINT CORRECTION? LOL - there is a difference man. To break every 1 ft by 1 ft panel down and correct each of those panels takes ALOT of time! One can correct one panel and say, " Ok, I have the method down - Im gonna 4 step this entire vehicle!" That's not a true correction IMO.... that WILL leave imperfections in certain areas. This is what takes so long - working panel by panel and perfecting as you go - not thinking that what works for this panel will work for the entirety of the paint/clear!

This :applause:

 

[tuscarora dave]

Doing a paint correction that involves the removal of enough clear to achieve a near perfect finish, for an average Joe daily driver poses a problem in my mind, especially if this customer is going to do the washing and upkeep himself throughout the season then bring the car back to you a few times a year for you to correct all the damage that he/she inflicts while washing in his/her driveway with dishrags and drying with bath towels.

You can try to educate the average car owner's all you want but many of them are set in their ways and won't follow your instructions even though they say they will.

So you spend all this time doing a PAINT CORRECTION on a daily driver, Joe car owner swirls it all out in short order then brings it back in for another PAINT CORRECTION and the vicious cycle continues. Reminds me of a video that I've posted in several other threads over the years.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jhjb4P_jnKk]Tootsie Roll Pop Commercial 1980's Mr. Owl - YouTube[/video]

Who will be liable for the paint job when the clear is diminished to the point that it begins to fail?

My whole point of this post is not to call out Anthony for the PAINT CORRECTION comment, but just to illustrate the pitfalls of over compounding/polishing for a customer who won't/can't/doesn't care to understand the above points.

When it's too late, the customer points his finger at someone right? Your garage keepers policy isn't going to cover this scenario, you'll be paying out of pocket.

Kind of goes hand in hand with this thread... http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...31667-developing-ability-see-into-future.html

Think about what you're doing today and how it can effect you into the future and make sure you're offering the customer the service that best fits his/her habits, lifestyle, shortcomings, strengths etc. etc.

To do this you need to get to know them and their habits. If you can't get to know them, then offer a service that poses no threat to your own future dealings.

 

[statusdetailing]

I hardly ever bring up the phrase "paint correction" when it comes to basic, every day drivers.

I usually just talk about single step polishing that will enhance the shine. If they mention some scratches I will spot compound that area.

I have a paint correction option on my website. Those who need it, will find it.

 

[tuscarora dave]

I hardly ever bring up the phrase "paint correction" when it comes to basic, every day drivers.

I usually just talk about single step polishing that will enhance the shine. If they mention some scratches I will spot compound that area.

I have a paint correction option on my website. Those who need it, will find it.

:iagree: :goodpost:

 

[david11g35]

I do this as a hobby and a weekend warrior. My first paid detail job was a 2007 chevy impala 1step polish took me about 9hrs. , now that I have more experience it takes me about 5hrs for a vehicle that size.

As far as true paint correction most people with daily drivers dont care or are willing to pay for it. The average person just wants their car looking shinny and glossy

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Webb]

6-7 hours for me.Full detail,no help.

 

[Bates Detailing]

This :applause:

Thanks man - Im starting to think that there is no real detail under 15 hours - otherwise it should be called a good cleaning of the surfaces! When one takes the time to take care of every crack and crevice, take out removable parts of the interior and clean them thoroughly and even where they lay, remove to their best ability every stain from carpet and/or upholstery by working every area multiple times, and even take the time to shine and protect every inch - thats an interior detail! Exterior - polishing each panel properly and applying a wax takes ALOT of time! To perform a mediocre detail (non paint correction, non compounding, no headliners or seat belts steamed and/or cleaned) - there is no way in my eyes to do it in less than 15 hours by yourself without missing tons of things!

Detailing is not about speed and getting it done in one day - its about quality and taking as long as is needed to do an amazing job and make the client happy!

 

[duffthebluff]

First time to detail my car took me around ~5 hours just detailing the exterior by hand. Wash-Clay-Polish-Seal.

 

[dorkiedoode]

i remember the first time detailing my car it took me 15hrs in a period of 3 days. that was just the paint correction. i didn't even touch the inside, wheels, or glasses. after that i was like my goodness what have i got myself into.

 

[cardaddy]

I've seen details on this site that has taken up to 3 days. Depending...

Must be looking in my garage!

I did a paint correction that took 4 days. I don't think I'll ever do that again!!! Ok maybe I would pay was great!!! LOL

I must be doing something wrong then, because it takes me at least an hour just to clay... and then several hours just for a 1 step polish. I typically spend between 6-12 hours on the exterior alone depending on the size of the car and the work required.

I've heard a lot of guys say it takes at least an hour to clay, so I wouldn't think that's out of line. Even Nanoskin will take 30 minutes to get it done right. (Mine comes tomorrow)

Are you talking about a paint correction or a PAINT CORRECTION? LOL - there is a difference man. To break every 1 ft by 1 ft panel down and correct each of those panels takes ALOT of time! One can correct one panel and say, " Ok, I have the method down - Im gonna 4 step this entire vehicle!" That's not a true correction IMO.... that WILL leave imperfections in certain areas. This is what takes so long - working panel by panel and perfecting as you go - not thinking that what works for this panel will work for the entirety of the paint/clear!

Anthony, you are both preaching to the choir and wizzing in the fan all at once there brother. :laughing: Me.... I think more like you in the above statement. Which BTW makes me think me and you would really get along well! But... I don't have to do this for a living. For a profit, YES, but not day in, day out to pay the bills.

When thinking of the panel approach it reminds me of what Mike P said about doing a top down, compound to wax job. Not compounding the entire thing then polish, then seal, then wax, etc.... But finish each panel out one by one. (As he says, it takes longer but it keeps you from having to work over what you've already finished.)

Doing a paint correction that involves the removal of enough clear to achieve a near perfect finish, for an average Joe daily driver poses a problem in my mind, especially if this customer is going to do the washing and upkeep himself throughout the season then bring the car back to you a few times a year for you to correct all the damage that he/she inflicts while washing in his/her driveway with dishrags and drying with bath towels.

You can try to educate the average car owner's all you want but many of them are set in their ways and won't follow your instructions even though they say they will.

So you spend all this time doing a PAINT CORRECTION on a daily driver, Joe car owner swirls it all out in short order then brings it back in for another PAINT CORRECTION and the vicious cycle continues. Reminds me of a video that I've posted in several other threads over the years.

Tootsie Roll Pop Commercial 1980's Mr. Owl - YouTube

Who will be liable for the paint job when the clear is diminished to the point that it begins to fail?

My whole point of this post is not to call out Anthony for the PAINT CORRECTION comment, but just to illustrate the pitfalls of over compounding/polishing for a customer who won't/can't/doesn't care to understand the above points.

When it's too late, the customer points his finger at someone right? Your garage keepers policy isn't going to cover this scenario, you'll be paying out of pocket.

Kind of goes hand in hand with this thread... http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum...31667-developing-ability-see-into-future.html

Think about what you're doing today and how it can effect you into the future and make sure you're offering the customer the service that best fits his/her habits, lifestyle, shortcomings, strengths etc. etc.

To do this you need to get to know them and their habits. If you can't get to know them, then offer a service that poses no threat to your own future dealings.

Dave that hits the nail on the head for most of the general public. As he's been brought up here before, my pal "Mike", and the fact that he just doesn't "get it". He's freaking CLUELESS when it comes to really knowing how to take care of his vehicles, yet he THINKS he's taking care of them. Grab an old rag laying around in the garage, get some dishwashing soap, and he's on his way. No wax, no polish, no nothing!

Funny thing is he always has 3 to 4 cars and a big ol' Electra Glide. He recently told me he was going to sell his Corolla and even though I did a 8 hour multi-step correction on his Lexus back I March (basically for FREE) and he KNOWS how much better the car turned out (it's a garage queen) yet he's not interested in even spending more than a few quarters on the Corolla to help his resale value. He'll run NADA or KBB numbers to figure out what the car is worth, and KNOWS that if it's clean it'll more than pay for the detail cost, he just DOES NOT CARE. That my friend is where the general public is every day all day.

 

[hernandez.art13]

Stick around here for a while. Grab a test panel and replicate what you read/see on this awesome forum. Ask questions. Seek info. You will pick it up in no time. rops:

Sent from my LG-VM701 using AG Online

My questions are always answered by you guys (Thanks) and hopefully my questions and your answer's can help someone else out too.

 

[Slick773]

If you guys check out my website take look at my previous cars and mostly all of them took 4hrs or more and let me know if its too much time spent...
Platinum Automotive Detail - Home