Hawkeye_TDI -
Welcome to Truth in Detailing !
Sounds like you are getting more than a casual interest in this, and that is great!!!
You are right - there is an incredible amount of awesome information just here alone, from the greatest bunch of guys/gals that you could ever ask for.
I dont know about the rest, but I came to love this because of my Dad who taught me at a very early age about it, and let me run with it. I was lucky enough to also learn how to work in his auto body shop and paint on my own for awhile, but I always liked Detailing more than anything else, primarily, because I like to keep things neat and clean, and I really like the challenge of taking something that is in need of professional help and straightening it all out, so that it exceeds expectations of the Client.
I personally have never read a book on the subject, and I believe there are some out there, but I have never taken the time to read one. I will look around and if I find one that is really good and accurate, I will send you a link to it, ok ?
I think, that even after one does read and study, you still need to develop your own "style" of how to accomplish the tasks involved, and there is no better way than the hands-on approach.
Many Detailers around here started out experimenting on their own vehicle/s, family vehicles, friends, etc., and those that wanted to go farther did.
It is certainly not for everyone, but those that do it, day in and day out, are really good and keep on improving, and developing better methods, and researching all the time, to find newer and better products, machines, methods, to make this particular Craft the best it can be.
We are also so very lucky to have the incredibly talented, people behind this particular Website, who are also car/detailing/etc., people, that have been totally committed to making this particular Site one of the best you will ever find. The amount of sacrifice they all make so that we can post here and share all our experiences in the Detailing world, is huge ! We are all so grateful for them and their world-class efforts.
So, enjoy your time, know that you are in great, great, hands of the people at Proper Auto Care, who will never steer you wrong, and will try really hard to help you understand and work through whatever issue you may have.
And that also goes for all the awesome individuals, whose names you have read and will yet read, who will work days, take pictures of their work, edit them and post them, and somehow still have time to stop and help someone who needs a question answered or advice..
Enjoy your stay, look around, ask questions, give us feedback, it's all good here !
Dan F