Hello Detailing Enthusiast,
I am about to start detailing my AB coupe. I feel I have invested quit a bit of money into my detailing tools and supplies; but one of the tools that I lack is good lighting to inspect for swirls. I was looking into tripod halogen lights from Sears (online) but am reluctant about their line of lights due to the reviews. I appreciate your input and recommendations. Take care and thanks for your time.

 

i seen most of the detailers use the 3M sun gun

 

Go to Home Depot or Lowes and get a 1000 watt work light.

I got mine at homedepot for 40bucks. It works nothing much that can go wrong with them lol.

And they will show you swirls easily. This is also the lights many detailers use

 

i have a 500w too at home. Not bad lighting

 

Thanks to all of you that gave your input. I went to Lowes and got one yesterday only to return it this morning. (Bad reviews). I got a Husky worklight from Home Depot for 45 dollars. Hoping that it's sturdy and reliable. Thanks again for all of your suggestions. I appreciate your help.

 

You're going to need an LED light, halogens are not able to spot holograms in most cases, only swirls. The Sun Gun is good, but extremely overpriced, pick up a Fenix TK11 if you want an LED one. They both serve different purposes.

The best light of all however, is the sun in a clear blue sky. It will show you everything, but it's not good to look at it in the reflection. Use it to check your work after detailing. Also, polishes will leave behind leftover oils, which have to be removed with a diluted Isopropyl alcohol wipedown with a microfiber. Otherwise, the swirls and holograms leftover will be hidden, but show up a couple days later.