Tips for Beginners

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imported_rachelanne16

New member
It might (or maybe not) be interesting to compile a list of basic technique pitfalls that can snare beginners.



I am thinking of procedures that tend to mar the paint, but it could really be anything that you hate to see people do (and I don't mean things like never use a snow shovel to clear your car - assume the person has some basic knowledge and an interest in doing it right).



If you were helping out a person learning about detailing, what is the one thing you'd emphasize to them?



- Never, ever, use a towel/applicator after you drop it.



- Use the two-bucket wash method greatly reduces swirl potential.



- etc.
 
You might want to also download the Autopia Guide to Detailing. The first 8 chapters are free and its a wealth of info. If you want additional chapters there is a cost but you receive free updates.



Its definitely worth it and is a awesome guide to detailing :up
 
just one thing? ;)



if anything, i'd say:



- read the articles on how-to properly wash, clay, polish, and wax your car either on the bettercarcare website or in the autopia guide to detailing.



- it is important to learn the proper process and technique, especially for washing/drying and polishing/prepping (removing swirls and such) because that will determine whether your car looks just good or totally awesome.
 
My $0.02- Just *think* about this stuff more. Really give it some thought. More thinking before the job starts and more thinking during the job and after.



How does paint get marred during the wash/dry process? What can be done to avoid it? How do polishes make scratches disappear? What am I doing right/wrong when my car looks like [whatever]?
 
hallo gallo said:
If you were helping out a person learning about detailing, what is the one thing you'd emphasize to them?
Click to expand...



Plan to constantly improve the process of detailing.



Taking short-cuts may save time now, however, in many cases, it may not improve the process. Whenever you think about changing an individual step in the process, you should also consider how that change will affect the results of the total process. You may want to re-consider any individual change in the process that does not improve the overall finished appearance of the vehicle.



With experience, and the help of the good people here at Autopia, you will learn how to constantly improve the process, which in turn will help you to achieve better and better results.
 
Detailing is definitely an art and a science that you spend a lifetime learning to do correctly, but yes, just one thing. ;) Of course it's not possible to teach someone detailing in a single thread - it is the cumulative enlightenment that comes from reading the threads and how-tos, and experimentation, and (as Accumulator says) paying attention to the cause and effect of what you are doing.



But how many people, earnestly starting out on the long road to perfection, might still be using a single bucket to wash? Or not inspecting the polishing step thoroughly (removing fillers, if present) before going to the glaze step? Etc.?



I have had to work to learn patience, and MFM makes a great point about the folly of short-cuts. :)



So, what are some specific tips? If you could share just one nugget of knowledge, what would it be?



Thanks to all. :xyxthumbs
 
Click on the link in my signature panel for the Ebook Pats300zx and hirosh are talking about. The entire ebook is free, all you have to do is download it and register your copy to unlock the whole thing. It's full of great info. Here's a word from the author:



"The Autopia Guide to Detailing is a Windows executable ebook. Click the link to download and save the file to your Windows Desktop. Click the red car icon to run the book. You will need to register your copy to get a password that unlocks all chapters. The author, David Bynon, sends free updates 2-3 times a year."
 
hallo gallo said:
...Detailing is definitely an art and a science...
Click to expand...



Very good post and I don't mean to hijack the thread, but the quote reminded me of one of my first post on Autopia and thought it would be an interesting addition to this thread.



Is detailing an art form?



To add to this thread:



Detailing is not an arduous process. Allow yourself to enjoy it.
 
Use the Seach button



Excellent singlular tip, IMHO. The search feature here is very robust. I also think it is great to be able to do 3-letter terms, now (like AIO, SMR, etc.).





(edit: interesting "Is Detailing an Art?" thread, especially Mosca's posts)
 
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