Where and how to store your detailing supplies?

[chevyman]

I am new to the detailing craft. I was thinking its probably not a good idea to keep your wax's and other supplies of that nature out in the cold. I was wondering where you guys keep your stuff? If you keep it in the garage or do you store it where it is warm or what?

[kimchiyuk]

Re: Where and how to store your detailing supplies?

I personally keep my stuff in the house, but if you have a garage that stays well above freezing, that would be ok. Also, you want to keep it away from extreme heat.

[paulcr39]

Re: Where and how to store your detailing supplies?

I keep all my supplies in three large Rubbermaid containers in my walk in closet.

[Jossy92]

Re: Where and how to store your detailing supplies?

Sometimes you can see how experienced detailers set things up in the pictures they post. The reflection on the hood in one "after" shot was flawless and I could see the storage setup in it.

I incorporated two of the ideas:

1. Gallons are kept high up on a shelf in plain view. The brackets for the shelf are the type used in closets: they provide a mount for a closet rod.

2. Trigger spay supplies are suspended from the closet rod attached to the shelf bracket for #1.

3. M/F's and other cloths are kept in clear tubs.

4. All Pads are dumped into a large clear plastic Jar. [Don't have enough to separate/store by type or size.]

[Murr1525]

Re: Where and how to store your detailing supplies?

Yeah, I have stuff everywhere. MF/pads are inside in containers. Bottles are on a shelf in the garage, regularly used spray botles are on a rod near the front of the garage. Spares are buried at the back of the garage.

But keeping your products above freezing and below 100F or so will be best for them.

[Andy M.]

Re: Where and how to store your detailing supplies?

I keep all my supplies in three large Rubbermaid containers in my walk in closet.

I do the same here. Temperaure control is key though. I keep polishes and waxes separate just to keep myself organized. Towels and pads also stored seperately.

Andy

[BobbyG]

Re: Where and how to store your detailing supplies?

Buffers stay in the garage but the chemicals are stored in plastic buckets and rubbermaid storage container. When the weather warms up a bit then everything stays in the garage. Here in New England when the weather starts to get cold I bring everything in and store it in the basement. I don't want anything to see temps under 45 degrees.

[Jossy92]

Re: Where and how to store your detailing supplies?

Not sure if I should store stuff by use:

Wheel/Tire brushes and applicators in the same clear Tub as the Wheel/Tire cleaners, dressings etc. Keep tatty towels in a bag in the same tub....."one stop shopping."

[Much more complicated for you guys. No freezing temps here.]

[Murr1525]

Re: Where and how to store your detailing supplies?

I tend to toss my wheel brushes in my wash bucket to store them.

[TOGWT]

Re: Where and how to store your detailing supplies?

Storage Temperature (Products)

[Store waxes and glazes in a cool dark place preferably refrigerated. Warm them to room temperature overnight before use] Zymöl Storing products in a refrigerator or wine cooler adds to the elitist or exclusivity factor, as far as the contents are concerned it has no merit from a chemical standpoint

Water-based car care products should not be stored at temperatures below 35 - 40oF, if they freeze they may become unstable and therefore unusable, ideal storage temperature range- 50- 75oF with an average humidity range. Most car care products have a ‘useful life’ of approximately 2-3 years provided they are stored as above.

Do not store at temperature extremes (below 40 – over 80.0F +) as heat will destabilise emulsified products (wax, polymer sealants, polishes, etc) and avoid extreme temperature swings as the chemicals will become unstable, which will create problems with the performance of the product. Some separate out; others lose their effectiveness if they are heated past a certain point. Most car care products (including Polymers) will separate and may become unusable after being subjected to freezing temperatures

The chemical composition of waxes rarely ever change regardless of what form it is in, whether it is melted to a semi-liquid or remains as a semi-solid. Temperature has little to no effect as far as inhibiting the shelf life of wax, a cool temperatures and constant humidity will slow the evaporation of solvents from the wax, thus keeping the wax softer and easier to use over a longer period of time.

Shelf-Life

a) Polymers have a shelf life of approx 3-5 years if kept in their original containers and stored at temperatures as above
b) Polish - technically 2 years, however if bottle is kept closed, and the product has not separated, there would be no problem with use for four years after sale date.
c) Waxes - will last almost indefinitely, provided that they are stored a sealed in their original containers and in the refrigerator or controlled environment once opened. The liquids should last 18 months if stored at normal room temperature.
d) If product emulsion separates it could be indicative of age (but not necessarily past its useful life) shake vigorously for 5-10 minutes and see if the product re- mixes.
Product shelf -life may vary from one manufacturer to another, if in doubt check with product mfg or vendor.


An extract from one of a series of unbiased Detailing Technical Papers, a library of educational materials that has become the #1 reference for car care on the Internet

Chances are you'll learn something about detailing if you read any of these; although these articles will not improve your detailing skills, lead to a successful business or change your life. Applying what you learn from it, however, will. That's where your commitment comes in - you need to make a commitment to yourself right now that you will take action on what you learn.

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[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Where and how to store your detailing supplies?

Garage for me. Towels pads etc, in Rubbermaid containers. Spray bottles on a shelf. I have about 6 different shelves for everything.

To me the main thing is to keep them from extreme temperatures. Never expose them to temps below freezing or over 110.

[Daniel Kinder]

Re: Where and how to store your detailing supplies?

To me the main thing is to keep them from extreme temperatures. Never expose them to temps below freezing or over 110.

Short, sweet and to the point!

[ajb39oh]

Re: Where and how to store your detailing supplies?

I have a detailing cabinet in my garage to keep my stuff organized. In winter, the products go to my basement for protection.

[Fly Bye]

Re: Where and how to store your detailing supplies?




I keep al my pads/MF's in plastic tubs in the garage. I keep ALL my chemicals locked in a closet inside my house.

[Deaner5]

Re: Where and how to store your detailing supplies?

I can't be the only person that keeps my liquid type items (mainly car was soaps, extra interior dressing or extra tire shines) in a cardboard box just for storage?

I keep my stuff literally in a few cardboard boxes in the laundry room in the basement. I have a few things in a gift box tote from a few years ago that contains my typical wash items, but that too stays inside unless I'm using them. Agreed with the towels in a rubbermaid container of sorts as well.