Is there a course for someone looking to get into detailing?

[Phooey]

Asking for a friend..

Firstly, Is there a course and if so which is the best to learn how to detail a car from start to finish? A quick Google brings up the Autofinesse course. A mate of mine isn't sure which direction he ultimately wants to take with this, but wants to learn how to do it properly from the start and then decide if to make a business out of it... He's not expecting to be the next Topaz overnight, but likes the thought of getting some training and see where it takes him. He has in the past mentioned franchises (Chips Away?) so appreciate he needs to do a bit of homework before committing to anything that big!

[Glassman]

I'm amazed at how many detailers picture, or video themselves polishing a car whilst wearing jewelry. One of my first experiences of working in the motor trade was to be read the bodyshop commandments by the boss. One of them was never to wear jewelry or clothing with a zip/metal fasteners or a belt.

They're not all guilty; the boss at Auto Curators for example, and Nick at Detail My Car.

As long as your friend doesn't feel the need to conform an image, or take lessons from one of those stereotypes, it'll be a good start IMHO.

[Podie]

Plenty about - depends where in the country they are.

Auto Finesse do them, as do Dodo Juice I think (both Essex), Gtechniq certainly do (Northants) as do Autobrite (Stoke)...

Do they want to learn for themselves, or dive into the whole qualification malarkey. Costs will vary from low hundreds to nearly a grand. Also a huge variety of course that are either groups or one to one.

Edited by Podie on Saturday 26th December 14:07

[Phooey]

Thanks for replies

He lives in Nottingham / East Midlands but distance won't be a problem to him. I know him quite well and I know if he goes down this route he would want to invest in the best tutoring, and if that means travelling to somewhere like London for example then he will be up for it.

Podie said:

Do they want to learn for themselves, or dive into the whole qualification malarkey. Costs will vary from low hundreds to nearly a grand. Also a huge variety of course that are either groups or one to one.

I think he's definitely thinking along the lines of learn for himself first. But learn from the experts. He's mentioned wanting to rent or buy a small modern unit, kit it out eg put a ramp etc in there so he can work on his own cars and maybe family and friends etc... and just see where it takes him. Nothing too ambitious at first, and has the money to not to need to rely on it but also if he sees it as a career then I think he would take it up to the next level.

Edited by Phooey on Saturday 26th December 14:33

[Podie]

Phooey said:

Thanks for replies

He lives in Nottingham / East Midlands but distance won't be a problem to him. I know him quite well and I know if he goes down this route he would want to invest in the best tutoring, and if that means travelling to somewhere like London for example then he will be up for it.

Podie said:

Do they want to learn for themselves, or dive into the whole qualification malarkey. Costs will vary from low hundreds to nearly a grand. Also a huge variety of course that are either groups or one to one.

I think he's definitely thinking along the lines of learn for himself first. But learn from the experts. He's mentioned wanting to rent or buy a small modern unit, kit it out eg put a ramp etc in there so he can work on his own cars and maybe family and friends etc... and just see where it takes him. Nothing too ambitious at first, and has the money to not to need to rely on it but also if he sees it as a career then I think he would take it up to the next level.

Edited by Phooey on Saturday 26th December 14:33

I’d look at Autobrite Direct near Stoke. Will do a one to one lesson for a day for circa £200.

[Phooey]

Podie said:

I’d look at Autobrite Direct near Stoke. Will do a one to one lesson for a day for circa £200.

Thanks again mate. I've just had a look myself and it looks like they have a few options from beginner to advanced so should be something in there for him! They seem a decent company

[Podie]

Phooey said:

Podie said:

I’d look at Autobrite Direct near Stoke. Will do a one to one lesson for a day for circa £200.

Thanks again mate. I've just had a look myself and it looks like they have a few options from beginner to advanced so should be something in there for him! They seem a decent company

I learned by reading forums, but a few years ago went on one of their one to one courses - primarily because I wanted to know how to use a machine polisher.

Spent some time speaking to them on the phone to discuss my requirements and then had a full day with them. Learned more than I expected, some useful tips, better ways to do things and how to use machine polishers (and practice on spare panels).

[Phooey]

Podie said:

I learned by reading forums, but a few years ago went on one of their one to one courses - primarily because I wanted to know how to use a machine polisher.

Spent some time speaking to them on the phone to discuss my requirements and then had a full day with them. Learned more than I expected, some useful tips, better ways to do things and how to use machine polishers (and practice on spare panels).

Sod my mate. Actually quite interested to go and do the course myself now


I genuinely would be interested in how to 'properly' use a machine polisher, but equally learn how to do the the prep *before* getting to the machining bit. I quite like the thought of being able to whip it out on a nice day and polish my own vehicles

[Podie]

Phooey said:

Sod my mate. Actually quite interested to go and do the course myself now


I genuinely would be interested in how to 'properly' use a machine polisher, but equally learn how to do the the prep *before* getting to the machining bit. I quite like the thought of being able to whip it out on a nice day and polish my own vehicles

I learned a lot and some useful techniques.

When you get to specialist ceramic coatings you’re into days and all sorts, but for the person who wants to keep their own cars nice it’s really worthwhile.

Correcting mistakes and how much product to use were the two big takeaways for me.

[anonymous-user]

Just to throw another option in to the pot, Slim's detailing do a range of courses at their training centre in Coventry, some including IMI accreditation etc...

https://www.slimsdetailing.co.uk/pages/slims-detai...

I did look in to it myself at one point but I decided to just practice at my own pace.

[LordGrover]

Contact Rich at UK Detailing Acadamy (PoshTwit on here).
01285 770090

[Phooey]

Cheers guys for the above links - will pass them on