Auto detailing is the practice of performing an extremely thorough cleaning of an automobile, both inside and out. Paint renovation is the removal of surface scratches and blemishes by 'levelling' the paint with a rotary machine, and the application of a wax or paint sealant to produce a show-quality level of detail. It can be practiced for personal satisfaction, and it is also performed to prepare a car for a Concours d'Elegance, a car show that features the appearance of cars. Elements of exterior detailing include claying, polishing, and waxing. Interior detailing involves the cleaning of the interior of a vehicle using vacuums, liquid cleaners, and brushes. Engine detailing involves cleaning the engine bay area of dirt and grease by using degreasers and all-purpose cleaners. A detailer combines chemicals, equipment as well as knowledge of the materials used in automotive manufacturing (vehicle surfaces). ‘Chemicals’, refers to the cleaning and protection products used, ‘equipment,’ refers to the tools used, for example, random orbital polishers, high-speed rotary polishers, extractors and power washers, to name but a few. Vehicle surfaces require a basic understanding of chemistry and how to rejuvenate and protect each of the many and varied material surfaces, regardless of its specific surface composition making objective observations based upon experience, the results obtained, and adjusting the techniques and products used as necessary. Detailing also takes a willingness to experiment, which usually means deviating from the product manufacturers directions, making objectives observations based upon experience and adjusting the techniques used as necessary, always keeping an open mind on manufacturer’s claims for their products. A detailer should posses the following personal traits • A good work-ethic • Ability to concentrate • Attention to finite details • Determination • Ability to be persuasive • Good judgment • Physical dexterity and stamina • Integrity • Mechanical aptitude Training The following courses will help you develop skills that are helpful in operating an auto detailing business. • Language skills — being able to communicate properly is essential in this business. English classes teach you how to speak clearly and directly. They also give you reading skills that are important for business endeavours. Spanish is important since some of your employees and many of your customers may be of Spanish origin. • Mathematics — you will need to have basic math skills to work out ratio’s when mixing chemicals. Math classes teach you how to analyze costs and manage accounts. • Automotive shop — any classes in basic mechanics will help you develop skills for working with cars. • Computer science — most medium- to large-sized businesses use computers. • Chemistry - understanding basic chemistry; pH values and the safe handling and disposal of chemicals is very necessary in this business. You need to understand the many chemical solutions you work with and how they function. Formal Education • Community colleges offer a variety of courses that help prepare students for careers in business. These include business administration, accounting, bookkeeping, sales, and marketing. • Manufacturers of car care products offer training seminars specifically for auto detailers. • There are also industry consultants and several Internet forums offering a great deal of valuable information. Detailing knowledge • Become active on an Internet detailing forum as they discuss detailing products and their proper application methodology. • There are various DVD available (check with a detailing forum for titles / subjects available • Some detailers have a real talent when it comes to paint renovation, some are experts when it comes to interior detailing • Knowledge of new technology and application methods also made detailer’s more in demand with both employers and clients. Don't ever stop learning On-the job training • Auto detailers should have at least three to six months of on-the-job training. Depending upon their aptitude, it can take at least one year to become a competent detailer. Most shops prefer to employ non-experienced personnel, finding these individuals easier to train. New trainees learn by a combination of observation and informal instruction. Their work should be closely supervised until they are proficient. • An important aspect of training is learning the materials to be worked on and how each of the chemical solutions will affect these materials. Most chemicals can damage as well as clean. A degreaser, for example, may be used to take off dirt and grease in an engine, but it can damage carpets, vinyl, or leather. • Learning to operate a mechanical polisher is a critical skill as improper use can damage the paint. Hours Detailing businesses are usually open 10 to 12 hours a day. Those located in business districts may open only Monday through Friday, while those in residential areas often are the busiest on weekends. In general, owners work 60 to 70 hours a week. Prospects for Success Auto detailing presents vast opportunities for motivated individuals. It is an industry in its infancy. Only about 20 percent of the population knows what auto detailing is, and less than 15 percent have purchased detailing services. Yet, auto detailing is a huge industry. The biggest challenge for the industry is educating the public. As the number of detail shops continues to grow, the public slowly is becoming aware of the service. The average price of a new car is over $20,000. That level of investment warrants maintaining the resale value by maintaining and protecting the vehicles exterior and interior. People are keeping their cars an average of nearly nine years. During this time, they need more services than washing, waxing, and vacuuming the inside i.e. specialist services such as paintless dent repair (PDR) carpet dyeing, paint surface renovation, leather dying and repair, etc
