Detail Timing

M

Mayur

New member
Im looking through the click and brag forum and alot of details are done in like 5-6 hours. How is this possible? Today I spent 12 hours on a double cab silverado, granted its a bigger car but double the time? Also I didnt even clean the windows. This was also only exterior work.
 
Yeah, it sure does take a while. I have worked on jobs for 10 hours on just the paint. Some things that I find help are:



Caffeine

ONR

Claying while washing if the car isn't too heavily contaminated

Use less polish-less polish equals less working time, while the defects are still removed

Just general moving faster ie. faster claying, faster waxing, stuff like that. Just make sure you don't sacrifice quality for quantity.







P.S. The caffeine really does work on those extra long jobs
 
Phew so Im not the only one. I was getting angry at myself because I tried to speed up a little but it still took a long time. I also had someone help me for an hour or two so technically its like 14 man hours :(
 
Eh don't worry about it. We all started at the beginning. Just be patient and detail as many cars as you can and you'll notice ways to cut some time without sacrificing quality work.
 
I know the feeling im working on a car know that i will have till sunday, and i don't know how i would finsh it if i had to do it one day i must have spent 6-7 hours on it and im only half way done with the outside.
 
As you get used to detailing your cars, you'll find a pattern what to do first which will make your job more easier.



As for me, I'm getting used to using the PC, so it's taking a lot of my evening times.
 
What exactly are you doing to the car?? I've spent as little as 2 hours and as long as 9 hours detailing.



Depends on what you're doing, for me a simple wash, wax and inteior job takes about 1 1/2 hours and a full blow swirl removal may take 9-10 hours depending on the vehicle.
 
I remember the days of spending 8 to 9 hours on a detail... Now I've gotten that down to 3 to 5 hours.



The biggest difference for me is having more buffing pads.. And I still don't have enough. I got like 6 of each cutting pad, and 4 polishing pads (6.5" and 4")... If you ever have to stop and clean your pads, thats a TON of time. As well, pads get gummed up and work less effectively every time you use it.



Paint Correction with cutting pads, and then Poli-Seal on a polishing pad... Perfect finish, 2-step process, and no need to wax!
 
I did swirl removal. Swirls everywhere. Took me 13 hours for everything exterior wise and I didnt get to polish up the chrome trim and I didnt clean the windows. That obiovusly wouldnt have taken long but still. Im still getting used to the PC myself so I guess I just need more practice.
 
I spent like 5 hrs on the Tahoe or any big SUV(fair condition)...I just hated doing the roof lining(my weakest link).

As for 2-4 doors cars...I avg like 3-4 hrs.
 
It is just a matter of developing a rountine. Then again, really bad paint is going to take anyone a long time, especially on a larger vehicle.
 
I feel ya. It took me 8 hours to do a little mustang! First time detailing though. I know, no excuse. As Danse said, work smarter and faster not harder.
 
Some people just take longer than others :nixweiss



I've been doing this stuff for a few decades and (when it won't compromise my results) I move *fast* but it still takes me a long time to do stuff. Even with the rotary it just never goes all that fast for me. It takes as long as it takes *you* to do it.
 
Preparation is a big thing. If I have things prepped and organized it helps cut down on time. Just keep doing it over and over, you'll pick up tricks/techniques to help save time. Reading forums like this one helps too, lots of knowledge and experience floating around.
 
Time for me is not a problem. I get paid by the hour and due to the extra steps I do on paint, usual paint correction and enhancement time is 7 to 12 hours.

Four to six steps for those who want the ultimate markless finish and then sealant prep time and all the coats they want



I don't do shampooing inside or engine bays and interior time due to this is one hour to two
 
StumpyDetailing said:
I remember the days of spending 8 to 9 hours on a detail... Now I've gotten that down to 3 to 5 hours.



The biggest difference for me is having more buffing pads.. And I still don't have enough. I got like 6 of each cutting pad, and 4 polishing pads (6.5" and 4")... If you ever have to stop and clean your pads, thats a TON of time. As well, pads get gummed up and work less effectively every time you use it.



Paint Correction with cutting pads, and then Poli-Seal on a polishing pad... Perfect finish, 2-step process, and no need to wax!
Click to expand...



From my experience, I have found that using Poli Seal on a black truck ('06 Avalanche) left micro hazing when used with a white LC pad. I noticed it when looking at the finish under halogen lighting. Luckily I only did part of the front fender when I noticed this.
 
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