Any thoughts, tips on my first correction this weekend?

[Show 'N' Shine Car Detailing]

I'll be doing my first correction on a customers vehicle this weekend. Actually starting tonight after work. I'm doing a full in and out detail plus the paint correction. Any good tips, shortcuts (without sacrificing quality of my work, which I will not do) or whatever comes to mind?

It's a 1998 GMC Yukon with Victory Red paint, color code WA9260. I don't know if this paint is hard or soft or in between.

I'll be using the DA polisher with the Microfiber correction system (first time use with MFCS)

Wash
Clay with Nanoskin 6" pad on the DA polisher.
DA MF Correction System with D300 then Ultimate Polish followed by the D301 Finishing Wax then either White Wax (first time use) or something else.

[Murr1525]

Re: Any thoughts, tips on my first correction this weekend?

No reason to use two cleaner/waxes after each other, unless the paint seems to need it.

May as well use the Finishing Wax and then a regular wax like Nxt, Ult, etc.

[thepanchmx]

Dont use more speed than 4 on mf or the heat will be enough to peel off the velcro away from the foam.

Also make sure to clean the pad every pass that way you ensure the maximum cut.

[wifpd4]

Re: Any thoughts, tips on my first correction this weekend?

Mr. Stoops mentioned once that a Porter-Cable runs a bit differently than say the Meguiar's DA and suggested using speed 5 for correction and speed 4 for finishing. Of course, experimentation on a test spot will tell best.

If weather in Peoria is anything like the accursed rain we continue to have over on the other side of the Mississippi, I would recommend using Ultimate Wax as your final. Better longevity for your client and a awesome reflection obtained on your prep work.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Any thoughts, tips on my first correction this weekend?

Since you have no clue what the paint is like on this vehicle do yourself a huge favor and bring along more than just the DAMF System. If the paint turns out to be really soft the DAMF compound step could leave a noticeable haze. If that is the case then you'll want to follow with something like Ultimate Polish or M205 on a foam finishing pad to remove that haze, or you may even find that D300 from the microfiber system, but used on a foam polishing pad, gives you a better result. If the paint is hard, however, the DAMF system on it's own should be a great choice.

It's the great unknown in detailing - the paint - that will trip you up more than anything. Going into a project with a preset plan can be a recipe for failure if you don't bring along a backup plan, alternatives, etc.

[Show 'N' Shine Car Detailing]

Re: Any thoughts, tips on my first correction this weekend?

I've got UC, UP, SwirlX, Scratch X 6 yellow foam and 4 black foam pads as well with all the needed backing plates. So I thought of that as well. I'll probably only take a few photos since I tend to get "caught up" in the process and forget, lol. I'll try to remember to take a few before and after shots of a few panels. Then you won't see any pics until all finished up.

NXT, White Wax (need to run and get the UW still)

Of course have others goodies but over 36 products from Meg's, so I'm NOT naming them all, lol

[s word]

Re: Any thoughts, tips on my first correction this weekend?

My tip is to list out every single thing you are going to do to not miss a beat, check them off as complete. A full correction/detail has a lot of parts and timings that can be woven to minimize time but it is up to you to figure out what works for you. Just plan. Don;t jump into this without one. Then when complete review your plan and note possible tweaks for the next time. Also note that you may have a different plan for large SUVs, trucks, large cars, small cars...
Focus on improvement

Example
Interior
-Clean interior windows
-vacuum carpet
-clean carpet
-dry carpet
-clean dash
-clean vents
-clean radio buttons
-move seats to clean everything possible
-clean seat belt buckle handles
-clean seat belt if stained
-clean rear view mirror

My last tip comes from my ADHD habits, I can't do the same thing for too long or I get antsy.
Perfect solution is to work the car in halfs. Depending on the process this has helped me stay focused and I can work on optimizing timing because I can time doing the same job on each half and see what is best and tweak my habits/processes.

[Show 'N' Shine Car Detailing]

Re: Any thoughts, tips on my first correction this weekend?

Oh I've done full details on vehicles before. This is just reference to the paint correction mostly. But I do know what you mean with those, as far as tips for helping to reduce time. I always go through a car in my head before I even get it. I do do them in almost the same order you listed. He's bringing the vehicle tonight, so I'm doing the interior first to get that out of the way. Then I can concentrate on the paint tomorrow.

As far as timing and working each section, yes I have that problem with way too long on areas that even most people won't even see I did. I have GOT to STOP when it's clean. Not OVER clean, lol.

[Show 'N' Shine Car Detailing]

Re: Any thoughts, tips on my first correction this weekend?

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, I'm SOOO bummed. My customer called to cancel. Man I hate the month of May. 2 weekends now in a row and cancellations! BAD BAD MAY!! Go away!! I was all prepped and ready to go tonight to start. I'll give him this one though, since he broke his steering knuckle/nut and can't steer. He re-booked for the 18th, should he have it fixed.

Just again bummed, I really love what I do and love doing this for others. I can't stand twiddling my thumbs another weekend without a detail.

I guess the only upside I can think of is I won't be sore after it's all done and I get to watch Undercover Boss and Shark Tank tonight now. lol

[ffboy]

Re: Any thoughts, tips on my first correction this weekend?

Don't use White Wax after D301 Finishing wax, White wax is a cleaner wax and will remove the finishing wax.