For the Detailing Experts

[golfdude]

Originally Posted by FPMartinez

Thanks Andrew, so glaze is the same as wax?

Glaze is not wax...Glaze is a liquid product that fills-in swirls and imperfections in the paint. Some of the better glazes create a much improved wet-look from their high level of oil content. I used to use 3M imperial glaze until I realized how much it sucks (really)! I highly recommend Vanilla Moose glazes because of their ease of use, great swirl-filling capability, and high oil content. So much oil is in the stuff that the oil separates from the rest of the product, just like peanut butter! Glazes are usually used to absolutely, completely remove those last little swirls that could not come out from polishing. It is ideal for new-car paints to remove those minor imperfections without sacrificing the clearcoat because a glaze is non-abrasive. If a client where to have a vehicle with a very thin clearcoat, I would prefer to use a glaze just so that the clearcoat is not cut in anyway. Here are two ways of using glaze, depending on whether or not you where to use a chemical cleaner like Klasse All In One...

Wash, clay bar, wash, dry vehicle, polish, glaze, sealant, wax (sealant would be non-abrasive, like Menzerna's Full Molecular Jacket).
or
Wash, clay bar, wash, dry vehicle, polish, chemical cleaner, glaze, wax.

I am beginning to stray away from Klasse All In One when I am using a glaze because from above you should notice how two layers of different product are used when not using a chemical cleaner instead of one on top of the glaze.

[FP]

Thanks again guys. Given the weather here, I'm considering having this work done by a local pro detailer before I cover it for winter. What should I expect to pay for this.

[golfdude]

Well, if I were to do the full wam-bam, wash, clay bar, 3-step polish, glaze, sealant, wax...look to be at around $325 and about 17hours of work. Of course I hope your car would not be needing a 3-step polish which would reduce that price quiet dramatically. You can always go down from there. I suggest you go to autopia.org, go to "forums," then go to your specific geographic location, then post a thread saying that you want your car done...I can do it for you if you want if you tell me a location.

[FP]

Originally Posted by golfdude

Well, if I were to do the full wam-bam, wash, clay bar, 3-step polish, glaze, sealant, wax...look to be at around $325 and about 16 hours of work. Of course I hope your car would not be needing a 3-step polish which would reduce that price quiet dramatically. You can always go down from there. I suggest you go to autopia.org, go to "forums," then go to your specific geographic location, then post a thread saying that you want your car done...I can do it for you if you want if you tell me a location.

I would greatly appreciate it, since you speak the lingo. I live in Crystal Lake, IL. 60014. This is in Mchenry county, a far northwest suburb of Chicago.
Thanks again, and again, and again.

FP

[golfdude]

You got it! No problem in trying to help a fellow Crossfire owner out:

http://autopia.org/forum/midwest-usa...tml#post812944

[Aero Blue]

THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS to detail a Crossfire. I'm not a "legit" business with my side detailing, but my price is $200.00 for a carwash, clay, AIO, and 2x's SG. I'd also be doing the engine bay, wheel wells, tires and wheels and complete interior and using high end products too. I wish you lived closer to one of us so we could take care of your ride!

[golfdude]

$325 is my max package offered. I thought it would be assumed, but you get dressing of all rubber, vinyl, and exterior plastics, application of rain repellant on the windows, and window cleaning. I think even at $325 what I offer is a bargain compared to what some detailers charge (>$500). Keep in mind Aero Blue that I do three levels of polish, plus a glaze, clay bar, sealant, and wax. Your $200 package does not seem to include polish, which is where most of the time goes to when I detail a car. Please don't think I am bashing you Aero Blue, because I am not, I totally respect you and I am happy that we both love to detail cars. I am just pointing out some differences between our packages, and justifying my prices. I am curious to know how long it would take you to do that package...for me it would take about 8 hours to do what you are offering, and this is where most of the additional money goes to for my $325 package...additional hours due to significant additional labor (polishing). It would probably take me 17 hours for a $325 package. MOST cars do not need my $325 package, but if a car calls for it I can offer it. Polishing is simply a pain in the butt, and I am not willing to work so long for cheap like I used to. Looking back I used to charge about $200 for a full detail, exterior and interior, about 22 hours of work, and I would get absolutely exhausted. I find it not worth it to get paid around $7 per/hr for the level of work that I do when expenses are taken into account. Plus, some say I should of charged $550 for some of my previous details! For $160 I can offer:
Package #2
- wash
- wheel cleaning
- window cleaning
- bug and tar removal
- dressing of exterior plastics and vinyl
- clay barring of exterior surface
- application of an acrylic sealant
- application of glaze
- application of carnauba wax
- estimated labor time…7.5 hours
Price $161.80

I firstly mentioned my $325 package because that is the maximum that I offer for the exterior. In the detailing business, I like to present clients with a maximum price and then work down from there since most people tend to want the "max" detail. Like I said before, most cars do not need this package. This package is for a poorly-conditioned car that is in need of absolute, full restoration. Most cars in this segment, aka "weekend cars" are usually kept in good overall condition, and a one-step polish can satisfy most owners at that point. Glaze is not a necessity after a three-step polish, but I do it anyway. Heck, most of my clients seem to be amazed at what a one-step polish can do and just a wax on top of that. I have a variety of different packages to meet everyone's needs. Lastly, I find it essential for consumers to compare what one detailer offers for a maximum detail package to others. It is at this point where one can find value. If one detailer offers a maximum package for $50 less, make sure you are getting equivalent services. I have honestly yet to find another detailer in my area that offers what I do for the price that I do.

[Aero Blue]

Golfdude, I know your not bashing me and its all good. I don't use a wheel so yes, I don't get into the polishing side but I do use Klasse All in One which is a cleaner/polish. Most of the cars I do aren't that beat up so I don't need to use a wheel but sooner or later I'm going to get one. Once I do I'll see how long a pad last and then adjust my price accordingly, but I can't see charging that much though. Once your done washing the next step is clay, then the paint cleaner/polish and then the sealant and possibly a second coat or maybe sealant and the carnauba "topper". For me the max is 4 steps to the paint and my $200.00 price is for most regular cars, like the Crossfire. If you can charge and get that much money though, more power to you.

[FP]

Well guys,
I spoke to several local detailers, and all talked me out of claying. They all though my car did not need it. So I went with a polish and wax for about $100 (included a full exterior detail). It turned out nice, but it did not meet my expectations as I wanted perfection, not bad though. Oh well, I guess for winter storage it's fine.

[Aero Blue]

Why would someone be talked out of clay barring.

For cars that are driven somewhat on a regular basis you'll start to feel this light "grit", that's what the clay bar removes, period. Why would you want to apply wax/polish/sealant over that surface. It amazes me that a legit "shop" would do that to you. What did they exactly do for the $100.00, inquiring minds would like to know!

[FP]

I don't know why they would want to talk me out of claying, but it was clear to me that they thought it was over the top to do it now. So come spring, I think I will do it myself. The only reason I had someone polish and wax it now b/c the weather is too cold here to do it in my garage.

[FP]

Andrew, golfdude, and BlackLimitedCoupe, and any other experienced members, Your thoughts on the Porter Cable Orbital polisher used in the videos. I am considering it, but would like your collected opinions. I found it for $119.00 on another site, $109.00 if reconditioned.

I'm running this question also on the instructional video thread.

[blacklimitedcoupe]

Are you referring to the Porter Cable 7424? I've never used that model. My random orbital is the style that has a handle on each side and is more centered, but the porter cable is nice because you have more control and can get into tighter areas. Porter Cable is also a very high quality brand. You may want to try and find a distributor that would sell you a protection plan on it because from my experience, it will break. The power switches on a lot of models are notorious for going bad. I believe Sears sells porter cable buffers -- you may want to see if they could order that model. Which ever model you decide to purchase, make sure you can easily purchase pads for it. I've bought a few polishers in the past and later found that it was an odd size to find pads for. Good luck!

[FP]

Thanks BLC, yes I'm looking at the PC 7424. I just found one on e-bay for $95.00 plus delivery, total $102.45.

[marauderroy]

Hey guys, What do you think of this package: http://www.autogeek.net/hk7424.html
Do you think this is a good deal ?

Kit includes:
Porter Cable 7424
5 Inch Backing Plate
1 - 6.5 Inch Orange Light Cutting Pad
1 - 5.5 Inch Orange Light Cutting Pad
2 - 6.5 Inch White Polishing Pads
2 - 6.5 Inch Gray Finishing Pad
2 Cobra Microfiber Towels
1 packet of Snappy Clean

A total retail value of $235.24. Save $45.25!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Porter Cable 7424 & Pad Kit with FREE BONUS
Item #: HK-7424
Our Price: $189.99
Sale price: $179.99 - You Save $10.00 (5%)

[FP]

This link is not opening properly for me. What's the price?

[XF61]

Golfdude,

I hope you'll do it..."But, I will say that in a couple of weeks or even months, I would like to do a write-up on how to detail a car properly.

CP Automotive Detailing...pm me for more info or help with your own detailing questions!

I had a black '70 camaro that I was constantly waxing and had a difficult time feeling that I did the job correctly. It looked sweet even so, and chances are I'm the only one that noticed the little imperfections, but I always wished I could have found the "right" way to do it.

I just got a xfire. I dreamed about it for a very long time. Most of my autos have been black, but my xfire says it's blue, but looks silver and I'm hoping that might be a little easier to maintain. However I'm always looking to try different ways to see what's best. I think carnauba wax is the best, but it doesn't seem to last very long.

[FP]

Originally Posted by FPMartinez

Andrew, golfdude, and BlackLimitedCoupe, and any other experienced members, Your thoughts on the Porter Cable Orbital polisher used in the videos. I am considering it, but would like your collected opinions. I found it for $119.00 on another site, $109.00 if reconditioned.

I'm running this question also on the instructional video thread.

It's on e-bay for $102.45 delivered.

[marauderroy]

Originally Posted by FPMartinez

This link is not opening properly for me. What's the price?

Sorry about the link not working. I did an edit on my post, Please check it. I found the kit at: autogeek.com

[blacklimitedcoupe]

Originally Posted by marauderroy

Hey guys, What do you think of this package: http://www.autogeek.net/hk7424.html
Do you think this is a good deal ?

Foam polishing pads usually cost about $8.00 a piece for decent grade ones... That price doesn't seem too bad, but you can probably save some money by purchasing it on ebay as FPM stated and then buying the pads separately. Once you purchase the polisher, be sure to use quality polishing products too... they will make all the difference. I can give you some suggestions on products I use or check with golfdude. Good luck!