Car detailing? Worth doing yourself?

[Brian McGee]

Hi Chaps,

Looking at getting a my car detailed (around 200 pound).

However, you can buy various kits for circa 50-100 pound which in various waxes, and cloths etc.

I am ok a polishing the car with t-cut etc. I dont mind spending a day getting it done myself (my elbow greese). But will I get anything like the finish of the pros?

Do they actually have special products which cost a lot, and only make sense in commerical terms?

BM

[Super Slo Mo]

You can do it yourself, it depends on how much attention to detail you're prepared to make.

Get over to www.detailingworld.co.uk, there's loads of info there, but be warned, if you get 'into' the whole detailing thing, you'll end up spending a small fortune on fancy products with nice flowery smells!

[SystemParanoia]

and be terrified of getting you car dirty ... so you'll walk everywhere instead!

[pmanson]

I find it good fun and have done a number of cars in the past.

It's very easy to spend £200 on kit (without even really trying) but you will obviously be able to do multiple cars for that price.

A lot depends on how much patience you (and your partner has). Do it properly can take an entire weekend.

[Shaw Tarse]

PH has it's own Washing the car section
Have a look there. It may be worth buying the stuff & DIY, or if it's a one off to sell the car, you may be better getting a man to do it for you.
Edited due to dyslectic fingers KO

Edited by Shaw Tarse on Tuesday 17th August 14:14

[pmanson]

dibbers006 said:

The cleaning aspect just requires diligence and patience.

The Machine Polishing does need some practice and skill so try on an old car before you try on your Pride & Joy.

Even then with a DA polisher as long as she start with the least abrasive polish/pad combo and follow the instructions you shouldn't have any problems.

OP - I have used cleanyourcar a lot in the past to buy stuff and never had any issues

[TEKNOPUG]

I only bother prior to selling a car. But then the car looks the best it has in my ownership and makes it harder to part with

[Spiritual_Beggar]

SystemParanoia said:

and be terrified of getting you car dirty ... so you'll walk everywhere instead!

I curse loudly everytime it rains now........black cars and dirt do not mix.

[Exige77]

There are a lot of products that detailers use that are good for everyday use also.

You don't need to take it the whole hog.

Snow foam is good as are various specialist wheel cleaners, wheel wax, clay bars etc.

Ex77

[Brian McGee]

Cheers Chaps,

I will start a thread over in body the body work section.

I want to get my new car detailed, and get my old car looking fresh ready for sale.

By the sounds of it, I may go down the self-detail way, although I have no idea where or how to start.

Time to get some advice!

[Shaw Tarse]

Brian, I'd do the "math" which is cheaper?
Cost of materials + your time.
Or hiring a "pro"?

[Brian McGee]

dibbers006 said:

If you are in the South East I know someone who will do a £200 job for <£100

Hi,

It just so happens I am South East (near Bluewater, Kent).

Can please provide details of said person?

Thanks,
BM

[Welshbeef]

It is very enjoyable however spending what 2hrs doing it or letting BMW do it for £12... Special offer while you get main dealer service really makes me think.

I have too much to do so doubt ill do it very often.

[douglasr]

I used this stuff and it was brilliant. Lasted for ages on the car and most of the contents didn't need replaced for 5 years.

http://www.vertar.com/zymol/zymol-kits/zymol-start...

Edited by douglasr on Tuesday 17th August 16:31

[Spiritual_Beggar]

Welshbeef said:

It is very enjoyable however spending what 2hrs doing it or letting BMW do it for £12... Special offer while you get main dealer service really makes me think.

I have too much to do so doubt ill do it very often.

I wish it only took me 2 hours

More like 20 hours if I doing the whole hog. But that's only if I get proper anal about it.




I wouldn't dare let the dealers do it though.....but that's just me

[Rockatansky]

Welshbeef said:

It is very enjoyable however spending what 2hrs doing it or letting BMW do it for £12...

My sister just succesfully rejected her brand new 330 coupe after BMW 'protected' the paintwork. Full money back and will not be darkening their door again.

£12 wouldn't even pay for a decent valet let alone a decent detailing job.

[Brian McGee]

Shaw Tarse said:

Brian, I'd do the "math" which is cheaper?
Cost of materials + your time.
Or hiring a "pro"?

Short term- Pro
Long term- Self (once a year detailing? Two cars).

Satisfaction: Massive if I get a decent job done myself. However, I will be uterly miffed if I can not and I am stuck with 100 pounds worth of products.

My free time is at a premium; but I guess I am making excuses if I can not spare a Sunday with the 996.

BM

[Original Poster]

I recommend doing it yourself, up until about 6 months ago I was very much into detailing my own car.

Be careful though, I have well over £1000 worth of products, it can be very expensive.

[g3org3y]

I actually find the whole detailing lark quite relaxing and satisfying. Meguiar's and Auto Glym fan here.

Can get a bit addicted with it though (check out detailing world). Once you start going outside post rain to check your beading, you know you've gone too far.

[srappy]

dibbers006 said:

If you are in the South East I know someone who will do a £200 job for <£100

I'd be interested also. If you can supply me with the details, it'd be most appreciated. Thanks.