The origin of detailing was Concours
d'Elégance, often the competitiveness forced restoration of a vehicle to
surpass 'mint' condition. Mint condition would be the state of the vehicle when
it originally left the factory. Concours-quality cars often are given
upholstery, paint, plating, and mechanical restoration to a standard far
exceeding that of the car when it was new.
Auto detailing is the practice of
performing an extremely thorough cleaning of an automobile, both inside and
out. Paint renovation is the removal of surface scratches and blemishes by
'levelling' the paint with a rotary machine, and the application of a wax or
paint sealant to produce a show-quality level of detail.
It can be practiced
for personal satisfaction, and it is also performed to prepare a car for a
Concours d'Elegance (often shortened to just Concours), a car show that
features the appearance of cars. Elements of exterior detailing include
claying, polishing, and waxing. Interior detailing involves the cleaning of the
interior of a vehicle using vacuums, liquid cleaners, and brushes. Engine
detailing involves cleaning the engine bay area of dirt and grease by using
degreasers and all-purpose cleaners.
A detailer combines chemicals, equipment
as well as knowledge of the materials used in automotive manufacturing (vehicle
surfaces). ‘Chemicals’, refers to the cleaning and protection products used,
‘equipment,’ refers to the tools used, for example, random orbital polishers,
high-speed rotary polishers, extractors and power washers, to name but a few.
Vehicle surfaces require a basic understanding of chemistry and how to
rejuvenate and protect each of the many and varied material surfaces,
regardless of its specific surface composition making objective observations
based upon experience, the results obtained, and adjusting the techniques and
products used as necessary.
Detailing also takes a willingness to experiment,
which usually means deviating from the product manufacturers directions, making
objectives observations based upon experience and adjusting the techniques used
as necessary, always keeping an open mind on manufacturer’s claims for their
products.
Cleaning
Is an essential part in the maintaining
the appearance of a vehicle; the objective when detailing a vehicle is to make
a vehicle look as good as it can. In many cases make it look better than it was
when new. Detailing can take a lot of time, but the results are always worth
the effort. Proper detailing will also protect a vehicle from environmental
hazards that can rob life away from your vehicle. In order to attain and
maintain an optically perfect shine, you must protect it from natural
deterioration and dullness that occurs over time as well as introducing new
defects by techniques like the 2 Bucket Wash Method.
Detailing can be very simple and fun if
you use the correct methodologies and products that work. Research other
options and products, test them and then make an objective decision based upon
factual information not hype or brand loyalty. After all, how can you fully
understand and properly use any product unless you have all the facts? It is
also recommended that you should also verify any information that anyone shares
with you. The only way to do this is a consistent three-step routine; Clean,
Polish, Protect
Proper
Technique
There is no wrong or right answer, particularly when you are
first starting out. Once you gain sufficient experience the only right answer
is ‘what works for me and meets my detailing goals’. Travelling on a learning
curve is not about arriving, it all about finding out about a product or tool
and how it works in different situations and on different finishes; the main
requirement is often patience and experimentation
Detailing isn't rocket science, but any aspects that aren't
intuitively obvious need to be researched and thoroughly thought out. There is
no `one correct way' to apply a product; the way detailing products are
customized, are what each individual finds give them their desired results,
which may or may not be in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If after watching video or reading detailing articles, buying
all the tools and products suggested and you cannot obtain similar results.
Don’t be discouraged, sure it looks easy, that’s the mark of a true
professional who has had many years of experience and practice honing his
technique
Using the same application methods and products of one
individual may or may not give you the similar results; but it’s always best to
adopt your own methodologies by experimentation with different products, after
all that half the fun of detailing
Attention
to Details
Dependent upon your detailing goals and the areas of concern you
would like to work on. You do need to understand some
of the basic chemistry behind the materials and finishes used for automobiles
to understand how to care for it.
Diagnosis is the key, not guess work; the most important thing to
find out before you attempt to clean or care for something is to ascertain what
the material finish is made from. Much the same is true if you’re trying to
remove a stain, what caused the stain (Organic stains,
Inorganic stains or Petroleum soils) and what is the material ( Finished or Synthetic
Leather, Fabrics, Wool or Synthetic
fibres) you are trying to remove the
stain from.
The level of detailing is dependent upon your goals for the
vehicle in question and your experience and skill level.
Most neophyte detailers with daily drivers just want a clean
shiny car, detailing can go from this to concours level, where the car is
judged with white gloves, or a paint renovation were a paint surface is
subjected to a 90%+ correction by a professional.
Formulate
a detailing plan that is in line with the goals you have for the vehicle, and
then utilize proper techniques, combined with quality products will make for a successful
outcome.
“God is the
details” and it’s often
the small things that make the difference between a good detailer and an
outstanding one. Once your paint is polished and protected look to the finer
details; wheel wells, brake callipers, wheel lug nuts, glass surfaces, tyres
and the exhaust tips and the interior: brake pedals, control knobs, instrument
cluster, door kick-plates, seatbelts, buckles and retractors.
Detailing equates to- combining detailing knowledge, experience, and applicable
chemistry; balanced
to provide aesthetics. A detailer combines chemicals, equipment as well
as knowledge of the materials used in automotive manufacturing (vehicle
surfaces).
Chemicals-
refers to the cleaning and protection products
used, ‘equipment,’ refers to the tools used, for example, random orbital
polishers, high-speed rotary polishers, extractors and power washers, to name
but a few.
Vehicle surfaces - require a basic
understanding of chemistry and how to rejuvenate and protect each of the many
and varied material surfaces, regardless of its specific surface composition
making objective observations based upon experience, the results obtained, and
adjusting the techniques and products used as necessary.
Detailing also takes a willingness to experiment, which usually
means deviating from the product manufacturers directions, making objectives
observations based upon experience and adjusting the techniques used as necessary,
always keeping an open mind on manufacturer’s claims for their products.
·
Do you understand how differing Ph values can affect various
materials?
·
Can you identify the various types of automotive
leather/fabric/other materials and know how to treat each one?
·
Can you identify the various types of automotive paint; single
stage or clear coat, do you understand their differing treatments
·
Do you know what you should protect in an engine bay from
moisture?
·
What about all the different finishes used for wheels, and their
cleaning / care?
The Cardinal Rules of
Detailing
1.
Use and understand Protection from Potential Health Hazards,
work safe. As in all things, allow common sense to prevail and proceed with due
caution
2.
Surface preparation
is the most important step to achieving e a flawless finish The final result can
only be as good as the surface it’s applied to; so surface preparation is of
paramount importance. Any car care product to work the way its intended must be
applied to a properly prepared, clean surface.
3.
Be patient when travelling through the learning curves; as some
are steeper than others
4. It cannot be emphasized
enough ‘Apply products very sparingly’ Ease of product removal is inversely
proportional to the amount used
5.
Providing the cleaning product selected is suitable, apply product
to an applicator not the area to be cleaned (the only exception to this is
glass surface cleaning) apply several drops of the selected cleaning solution
in an inconspicuous area and rub gently with a clean, white micro fibre towel.
6. Always choose the least
intrusive product first, it is preferable to polish 2-3 times to restore the
paint film surface than to use an unnecessarily abrasive machine polish / foam
pad combination.
7.
Diagnosis is the key,
not guess work. Before using a cleaning product a detailer needs to know the
material they are working on, what they are trying to remove and wither the
product chosen is compatible with the material and will not damage it. With all
cleaning products, always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it
won't discolour or stain the surface, and ensure that the pH of the product is
suitable for the material. As can be seen stain removal requires some knowledge
of basic chemistry.
8. It is important to read and
understand the MSDS, process specification, and technical data sheet before
working with strong acids or high alkaline products.
9. Build up as much detailing
knowledge as possible, learn the correct application methods and pick your
products wisely.
10. Proper washing and paint
surface drying, these techniques are the best way to avoid the need for
polishing.
11. Become educated on what
different materials are used in vehicles and how to tell the differences
between them
12. Before using a cleaning product,
a detailer needs to know the material they are working on, what they are trying
to remove and wither the product chosen is compatible with the material and
will not damage it.
13. After checking the pH value
of the cleaner, always carry out a pre-test spot procedure before using a
cleaning product
14.
Always select a chemical / cleaner that are biodegradable,
environmentally friendly and safe to use by observing any precautions
recommended so that they won’t harm you, your vehicle or the environment
A few thoughts
·
Invest in a proper
machine polisher to get the most out of your time and effort.
·
Be very mindful of
your washing/drying techniques and media.
·
Be ready to allocate
a lot of time to keep your vehicle in top shape.
What
should a neophyte do to become a good detailer?
Neophyte [: a novice; a
beginner in anything]
A
good way to start is by doing your own research and reading for more in-depth
answers to get a fundamental understanding of WHAT works and WHY it works and a
products correct method of application. You’ll be surprised and the amount of
useful information that can be gained by just doing simple research
Understanding
what products are, what they're designed to do, how they're designed to be
used, and the best ways to use them will not only give you better results, it'll
save you money as will be purchasing products that have been proven to do what
they say they will
Detailing
is both "Art and Science." The science includes such elements as
chemicals, equipment, and knowledge of vehicle surfaces, industry standards, and
customer requirements. The art of detailing is the activity of combining these
elements into products and their proper application methodologies that produce
an aesthetically pleasing outcome for each specific situation.
Become
educated on what different materials are used in vehicles and how to tell the
differences between them. Learn about different car care products and how to
apply them.
There
are major differences in the proper care of different finishes, i.e. single
stage paint as opposed a paint system with a clear coat, clear coated wheels as
opposed to unfinished, polished wheel surfaces, leather upholstery that has a
polyurethane covering as opposed to an unfinished, natural leather
Become
active on a Facebook detailing page as they discuss detailing products and
their proper application methodology Read and seek opinions of experienced
detailers, there is no ‘dumb question’ forum contributors are usually more than
glad to help answering questions.
Always
remembering to research others opinions and products, test them and then make
an objective decision based upon factual information not marketing hype or
brand loyalty. I have always thought that the more facts and information you
have at hand the easier it is to judge what information you are being given.
After all, how can you fully understand and properly use any product unless you
have all the facts? In the final analysis; it’s your vehicle, your hard earned
money and your choice.
Detailing
relies on the correct preparation procedures and the correct methodology to
obtain pristine results. Methodology and technique constitute 95%; the
reasoning behind the choice of quality products is to eliminate any limiting
factors, thus enabling you to place emphasis on technique used.
Focusing
on one person’s methodologies or the products they use will seriously limit
your detailing experience and knowledge. Most importantly - choose carefully
whose advice you listen to, and more importantly what advice you act upon. The
misinformation and myths that are so prevalent in the detail industry is the
reason that detailers need to do research on their own. I would strongly
suggest that you verify any information anyone else shares with you.
Car
care chemicals are the most misunderstood component auto detailing, they should
work on their real merits, not ‘smoke and mirrors'. Proceed with this in mind;
the products you use constitute a very small factor in the equation.
Learn
how to find and read material data sheets (MSDS) the information included aids
in the selection of safe products, helping you understand the potential health
and physical hazards of a chemical and describes how to respond effectively to
exposure situations. Learn how to identify and what is needed to protect you
from health hazards and how to work safely
A detailer should be able to
answer these questions; what are your procedures for the removal of the
following-
1.
‘Water spot’ damage
2. Sintered rail or brake dust
3. Carpet cleaning and what equipment,
tools and chemicals do you use?
4. Can you name the various types of
leather, the properties of each and what leather is most commonly used in
automobiles?
5. Glass surfaces (how can you determine the
location of any streaking)
6.
Removal of bird excrement and tar spots
I would like to
think that these articles become an asset to anyone who is new to detailing and
to professional’s alike, as well as industry experts who seek to advance their
knowledge.
I hope the above article was informative. By having some
understanding of the ‘What’ and ‘Why’ as well as the ‘How’ along with a little
science to help you understand how the chemicals we use react, you can achieve
the results you desire.
I would appreciate it if you
would share this article as it helps other detailers further their knowledge.
Questions and/ or constructive
comments are always appreciated.
Copyright © 2010 - 2016 TOGWT® (Established
1980) all rights reserve
No comments:
Post a Comment