Just started doing some side jobs and was wondering if you guys remove 100% of the swirls in a vehicle or just remove most of them? Reason i am asking is because it seems that if i look at the paint at certain angles i can almost always detect some very light marring in the paint, so i was wondering do you get this in-depth when polishing each vehicle for your customers or do you just get like 95% of the defects out to where is looks great, but not necessarily examining the paint at every angle? Wanted to hear from some Professionals on how in-depth you get polishing out defects on customers vehicles. thanks for the help. By the way, I am using the PC for polishing my customers cars, until I get better with the rotary.
Navigation
Install the app
How to install the app on iOS
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
More options
Style variation
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Removing 100% of the Swirls
- Thread starter SR77
- Start date
95%+ unless they are paying for a show car job.
99.999999% of the time, they will never keep the car like "An Autopian". When I can count the marring on my hand per panel, I usually will not step in any harder.
Another arguing point to this is how you will be finding the perfect balance between a flawless finish and prolonged clearcoat life. Since their vehicle is most likely used often (show cars are few and far between), a light polish 3 times a year is better than removing every defect and only getting 5-7 years out of a finish, when you could really get close to 15 if cared for correctly.
In the end, I'd rather leave stray marring here and there, than have to pay for repainting a panel because I wanted to remove every defect.
99.999999% of the time, they will never keep the car like "An Autopian". When I can count the marring on my hand per panel, I usually will not step in any harder.
Another arguing point to this is how you will be finding the perfect balance between a flawless finish and prolonged clearcoat life. Since their vehicle is most likely used often (show cars are few and far between), a light polish 3 times a year is better than removing every defect and only getting 5-7 years out of a finish, when you could really get close to 15 if cared for correctly.
In the end, I'd rather leave stray marring here and there, than have to pay for repainting a panel because I wanted to remove every defect.
95% removal makes a really good 2 foot car and quite honestly, most people can't maintain better than a 5 foot car (the distance where the car looks perfect). As long as you can zero in on 95% swirl removal, the average person will think the finish is perfect. Of course, if someone is paying for max swirl/defect removal, that is what you strive for. The best thing to do is to make sure you understand what the customer expects and they know what level of finish is possible for the starting point they give you.
Thanks guys for the replys. So do you tell the customer up front that the vehicle with not be 100% swirl free unless they are paying for a multi-step polish or to save their clear coat? Just wondering how you guys approach this so you don't spend all day detailing a vehicle to have the customer complain that the paint does not warrant the cost. Or do you just judge it by customer and explain only to the ones that will notice the defects? thanks again
I would say to my customers no matter what, the 100% swirl free option is not an option, in some cases its impossible on some older or more abused cars with heavy marring. 95% swirl removal is more reasonable IMO. YOU have to set the expectation for the customer. If your customer wants to only spend a 100 bucks on a full detail then let them know what that 100 bucks will entail and that all defects or swirls will not be removed. If they want a PERFECT finish, ask questions about what they mean and want out of "Perfect." As Scott mentioned 95% swirl free finish and two feet away inspections, most people will think its "prefect," then there might be some that might inspect the vehicle two inches away. Overall as I stated earlier, its very important to be aware of what skill level you have (what you know you can and cannot remove/improve detailing wise) and setting a clear expectations to customers so they know what they are paying for.