Overwhelming variables in detaling

[ALLMAN BROS FAN]

Hey guys

I've just have to say that I'm looking forward to getting my new Porter DA and learn how to use it with as little mistakes as possible. But my enthusiasm has really taken a blow here as of late and I must say it's because of the high expectations most of the pro detail men out there have me thinking that no matter how I try I will always fall short of there true perfection. There seems to be so VERY many variables in product, technique and just plane knowledge , that it is all so very overwhelming. I know that I have a touch of OCD in my personality but some of these perfectionist on these post almost make me seem normal. I'm semi retired now and I don't think I'll ever be able to compete with these hard working folks out there that do that for a living and really....I don't want to. My goal is to be able to pull as much info as I can away from these post so I can keep my family and friends cars and my 2010 Taco in as good a condition as I am capable of doing. I'm not out there trying to make a lot of money doing this, (although I could use it )
I must admit that I would like to be as good as there is out there but because of time limitations , health ( knees have been replaced) and just plane old priorities I'm beginning to loose my zest (for me) the hobby. I also must say that there is NOTHING I enjoy more than seeing a car brought back from the dead because of a dedicated detail man. I can't even stay in the house for long periods of time after I have finished hand detailing my Taco, I have to keep going outside just to admire it and feel of it I just LOVE doing this. Come on now and admit it, how many of you have stood back and said " Darn I'm good"
The post have made me realize just how very hard it is to be a paint finish expert. I can truly say that I have an incredible amount of respect for these guys.
With all this said maybe when my DA gets here Fri. I will regain some of my lost zest for the work, but I'm going to have to see some pretty good results first. I think the biggest thing I've learned is don't go with a product thats to aggressive to begin with and MAKE A TEST BUFF FIRST. I've seen that not testing first can cause a lot of grief. I'll see what happens....let you know later........thanks

[Murr1525]

Re: Overwhelming variables in detaling

You'll be fine.

[Flash Gordon]

Re: Overwhelming variables in detaling

You'll be fine.

You sound perfectly normal to me

[smack]

Re: Overwhelming variables in detaling

Dont worry about it. Go outside and go over the taco with your new machine when you get it. You learn something new from these posts everyday. If you were to just sit on here reading post after post you would never get around to doing your truck. Dont be afraid of anything. Gather all the information you presently have and go outside and relax with the tool. After youve gone over it and finished it, you will think what a great job you just did but you could improve your skill next time. Its a viscious cycle.
Go outside and have some fun.

[HealthyCivic]

Re: Overwhelming variables in detaling

You're thinking too much. Detailing is not that hard. All you do is use clean materials and follow the instructions and you'll be fine. That's really all there is to it. And besides, do you not trust the people on this board to be able to help you out if you have any problems!?!? True, there may be a lot of listed variables here, but there really aren't. Why? Because detailing is only relative and subjective. If you and/or your family is impressed with your job, you've done a good job. If you're detailing professionally, it just means the client should be satisfied. And do you really think your clients will be the type of people on here? Nope. If they were so picky, they'd be doing the detailing themselves. End of discussion.

[Chris Thompson]

Re: Overwhelming variables in detaling

This is such a funny line of work. Just as soon as you think that you "have arrived", you see something or read something and think, "wow, I am going to try that next time." As long as you enjoy what you are doing and keep learning, you are going to do well. Thats the biggest thing, enjoy what you do.

[ALLMAN BROS FAN]

Re: Overwhelming variables in detaling

Smack.......Thanx for the kind words and encouragement ...its tough to want something so bad that you seem to be dominated by the constant thoughts of causing a problem that you can't fix. My wife says I should " get a life " but what does she know about it .......she watches " Martha Stewart"

[SVT Lightning]

Re: Overwhelming variables in detaling

Hey ABF....don't worry about messing up your paint with the DA. It's pretty much next to impossible! Just follow the advice you have read here and jump in. After your first detail with the DA, you will think..."WHY didn't I get one of these sooner?" When I first got mine, I couldn't wait. Unfortunately, we were having a stretch of rain. So I took the tailgate off my truck, washed it on the back porch and then brought it inside to detail it. I was blown away with the results!!! I really wasn't worried at all about screwing it up because I saw a post here from Mike Phillips where he described the DA as "pretty much Bubba-proof!" Have fun and take some pics if you can.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Overwhelming variables in detaling

It does seem overwhelming at first. Just as soon as you get the d/a, it will start to come together. It will not all fall into place at once. Each time you will get better and better. The info that is jumbled in your head, will make a lot of sense.

Have no fears about the d/a. It is just about impossible to mess up your paint. (unless you drop the machine on the car. lol)

After you break out the d/a your enthusiasm will return in earnest.

[smack]

Re: Overwhelming variables in detaling

Smack.......Thanx for the kind words and encouragement ...its tough to want something so bad that you seem to be dominated by the constant thoughts of causing a problem that you can't fix. My wife says I should " get a life " but what does she know about it .......she watches " Martha Stewart"

LOL! Martha Stewart! That cracks me up. When you first hit the Taco, do your test spot. I dont know what products you have on hand, but Swirlx/205 with a polishing pad should be more than enough to take care of your taco. Follow that process with another aplication of 205 or Colorx with a finishing pad and you will be golden. Then grab whichever wax you prefer and lay it down. A second pass with any above step dosent hurt either.

[kiwiatlarge]

Re: Overwhelming variables in detaling

Smack.......Thanx for the kind words and encouragement ...its tough to want something so bad that you seem to be dominated by the constant thoughts of causing a problem that you can't fix. My wife says I should " get a life " but what does she know about it .......she watches " Martha Stewart"

I feel your pain brother... I know that feeling... that smirk, that rolling of eyes, that mockery that occurs behind your back as you reach for your car detailing utensils for the third time that week.. as you reach for your spray detailer bottle or yellow foam pads and pre-cleaner/wax/polish of choice.

Be strong brother, be strong.. ... women will never understand us and our cars...

[Joe Dragon]

Re: Overwhelming variables in detaling

Man oh man, it happens everywhere. Just the other day my wife gave me a passing shot - "I guess you'll be working with the cars again" - instead of WHAT? I felt like saying but kept my mouth shut. The nagging stops after I get her car sparkling clean but it's like I have a mistress on the side or something. It's my hobby for cryin' out loud!

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Overwhelming variables in detaling

First off, don't put any pressure on yourself to be perfect first time out of the gate with the new tool. It takes time to become proficient with any process and you're going to learn as you go. For now, just stick with the basics and you'll be fine. Remember, any and all recommendations found here and elsewhere are just starting points. Even going through the 5 Step Paint Care Cycle is a starting point. As you get the basics nailed down then start thinking about expanding your horizons, experimenting with different product combinations, etc.

If you're OCD in a good way then you'll take the time to think through what you're doing, observe what's really going on when you work on the paint, and you'll be able to adjust from there.

Detailing can be very hard work from a labor perspective, but don't make it overly complicated by overthinking things. Get the basics down first and you'll be miles ahead of the game. There's plenty of time to try new things later on. Walk first, run later.

[smack]

Re: Overwhelming variables in detaling

Very Inspirational words Mike.