Does anyone take their car to a professional detailer or do most DIY? I really don't know much about detailing, products, techniques, etc and while I'm reading to learn, it'll take some time.

I've got some swirls, etc that I want out. I was considering taking my car to 'Fine Details' to get them to do a high speed polish on it. Any thoughts? Comments? Alternative recommendations? With the weather looking nice these last few days, I'd like to get it lookin good and don't have a lot of free time to do it myself right now.

Thanks

 

ah black car is the worst. Living with it, I got most of the swirls with meguire fine polish and used a porter cable to buff it out. Next I applied ziano by hand and it looks great. Mind you if you look at it super close you will still see some fine swirls but this is what we get for purchasing a black car.

hehehehe

 

I usually do my car myself, not as good as the detailer or ppl in this forum, but it is fun and happy to do everything (cleaning, wax, etc...) yourself eventho it's not the best work I did.

Kcc

 

i would love to have a place that does this if they used the product of my choice (wolfgang, atm)

 

I do detailing in the summer mostly as a hobby, but also to make some cash and because I like it. I'd be happy to do anyones car for a case of beer here as long as you're willing to come into the city. Heck, you don't even have to get me a case of beer, just take me out for a few. I've done a few cars for folks on G35driver. I'm also happy to let people watch, show them what stuff does etc... Of course as I mentioned in that other thread we'll likely have a "detailing get together" sometime soon.

As for actual pro/shops in the city Dave's Detailing on Yonge & Eglington has always gotten good word of mouth from people I've talked to. I've never been there personally though.

Fine Details is a toss up since it's a chain. Some folks seem to get great jobs done there, others seem kind of underwhelmed.

 

I wouldn't mind driving out and learning the right way to get the job done.

Yeah, I've had a civic done there, and I wasn't really too impressed. But, I know others that have had good service.

I emailed with Larry from Burlington (I guess he's a Zaino guy) and he was looking for about $175 for a full job, which seemed to be very thorough and extensive. I think about 4 hours worth.

 

porter cable? Links? Is it worth it?

 

If I have the time and the weather is nice, its nice to work on the car, its relaxing, its like yoga but more productive :P

If you want your car done professionally, this is the guy who does our cars:
http://www.finetouchautoclean.com
His name's Simon and he's owesome.

When I bought my truck, it got some Simon time It's a good base to start with, plus it gave the truck some protection over the winter. Makes the job of keeping the truck looking good over the summer easier.

 

I accidentally put a few fine scratches on my bumper is there any way of making them less noticable? Man, why does black have to be so sexy! I just can't say no to black!

 

Like I said, always happy to help out. I enjoy detailing, kind of theraputic. Just let me know.

That sounds very reasonable.

Definitely. If they're not through the clear they can be removed entirely with compounding, or if they are they can be touched up than polished.

I'm on a business trip for the rest of the week but if you pm me a picture I can let you know what I think.

 

http://www.porter-cable.com/index.asp?e=547&p=2805

$99 from Lowes, $189 from Canadian Tire (on sale sometimes). It's the best couple hundred bucks you'll spend on the appearance of your car as long as you learn to use it correctly. You can find out how to here:

http://autopia-carcare.com/inf-porte...-polisher.html

 

we should have a detaling meet this summer i would definatly be interested just got my 04 black coupe and want to make the paint swirl free

 

is this the simon on s2k board?

 

Thanks Picus112, very informative link. Good of you to offer to help us Novices with detailing assistance.

 

I'm part owner of a detailing shop in Thornhill with my brother. I don't work there anymore, but have ten years experience in detailing before I moved on to a much less "physical" job.

My first recomendation would be to anyone that is considering buying a "porter cable" or any other type of high speed buffer.....BE VERY CAREFUL!

It is VERY easy to burn right through the clear coat and continue through the paint in a matter of seconds.

It's alot cheaper to have your car professionally done then to have a hood or bumper re-painted.

Believe me I know! Even after years of buffing, I still encountered the odd vehicle with extremely thin clear, that burned right through in a matter of seconds.....in one particular incident it was a 2002 M5(that was a costly bill for the re-paint of the passenger door.)

I'm not saying don't try it yourself, but in my professional opinion it's a very risky proposition.