Attn: All detailers

[Suareezay]

Im starting my own mobile detailing business (im not going to have a business license or anything, but it will be close to a legitamate business) and I wanted to see how other people wash their customers cars.

Basically what im asking is for you to describe the steps you take when washing, drying, polishing, waxing, doing the interior etc. You dont have to go into too much detail or anything, just a general guideline.

Also what commercially available products you use, if any, because I plan on using Meguiars Quick Detailer.

Also any tricks of the trade, or things youve picked up along the way.

Thanks:thumbup:

[Joe]

Pretty much how you take care of your own vehicle, only develop a system to use product and your time more efficiently.

You should checkout some of the online resources as well as talk to local business owners :D

http://www.carwash.com/
http://www.automotivedetailing.com/

Good Luck! One day I'll get off my a$$ and do something like this too :(

[rjwms]

Instead of duplicating everyone else, why not do something different to seperate you for the pack?

[thrlride]

I do this on the side and I usually wash the car by hand then dry it. Next I do the interior so the extra water in emblems and stuff has time to dry. I use black magic on the interior and tanners on the leather seats. I vacuum the carpet and use carpet cleaner on spots. Then I clean the wheels really well and put on tire gloss. I also use tire gloss in the wheel wells to give them the deep black gloss. Next I rain-x the windows and then wax the car. After I am done waxing I clean all the seams and door jams.

That should have it covered for you.

I'm cheap, I charge $50 for small cars up to $80 for large SUV's. That price includes me picking it up and returning it. I charge $20 extra for the motor. I also color sand small scratches on the cars and buff them out for an extra fee.

[Suareezay]

Originally posted by thrlride
I do this on the side and I usually wash the car by hand then dry it. Next I do the interior so the extra water in emblems and stuff has time to dry. I use black magic on the interior and tanners on the leather seats. I vacuum the carpet and use carpet cleaner on spots. Then I clean the wheels really well and put on tire gloss. I also use tire gloss in the wheel wells to give them the deep black gloss. Next I rain-x the windows and then wax the car. After I am done waxing I clean all the seams and door jams.

That should have it covered for you.

I'm cheap, I charge $50 for small cars up to $80 for large SUV's. That price includes me picking it up and returning it. I charge $20 extra for the motor. I also color sand small scratches on the cars and buff them out for an extra fee.

Damn, you ARE cheap

[wolfdog]

if you have'nt yet, pm 02Silverado. i just went full time with my pressure washing service, it includes fleet vehicles like tractor/trailers, buses etc. good luck! :thumbup:

[thrlride]

Yeah, I'm cheap but I don't pressure wash and I don't shampoo. I don't use a buffer, I just hand wax. What should I be charging?

[BIGBADSILVERADO]

I've been using GRIOTS GARAGE (http://www.griotsgarage.com) products for years with very very good results!

http://www.griotsgarage.com/images/products/lg/11127_LG.jpg

I highly recomend these to everyone who asks me how I keep my truck so clean!!!

http://www.rockwarrior.com/DSCF0007_657x494.JPG

Their site has many, many tips that WILL help you!

My process has always been to start with the wheels! Why? Well I like to do all the cleaning of the wheel & tires while the ground isn't flooded with water from me washing the rest of the vehicle. When I wash the truck, Start on all the HORIZONTAL surfaces then move to the vertical surfaces. I DO NOT use a spray nozzle on the end of the hose. Instead I use a running stream of water to "FLOW" the soap off of the vehicle. Once all is clean, I dry the truck with a shammy and do all the detailing last!

This is all done IN THE SHADE!!!!!!!!! never in the SUN!!!!

I detail the frame and suspension with some ARMOR-ALL every now and then as well. I NEVER use ARMOR-ALL on the tires....I use a gel-type product and apply with a small sponge.

[Suareezay]

Originally posted by BIGBADSILVERADO
II NEVER use ARMOR-ALL on the tires....I use a gel-type product and apply with a small sponge.
I used to use that gel $hit too....takes all day. Now I use this silicone spray from a company called Ardex, a professional detailing company (where I get all my stuff from now)