Starting Out Detailing – An Easy Monthly Detailing Process To Duplicate
by Rodney TatumI really wanted to pick a system that is simple and effective for new owners in the industry starting out or for their employees to duplicate with consistent results. I do not offer this kind of monthly detail package currently (literally) but I know there is a market for those that focus on it. This system in some ways is relatable to how I have performed coating maintenance details.
I believe this is a great plan for a business, and even for a do-it-yourself person that wants to perform a mild reset on monthly or just does not wash his or her car as often as they like. I am going to assume you have a hose or pressure washer, some buckets with grit guards, wash mitts, and wheel and tire cleaning instruments.
I have always liked this soap. Although I use Gyeon Foam for pre-soak, you can also use Bathe for that role as well. Depending on the wheel type and condition, Gyeon Bathe (soap and water) and perhaps Iron for wheels, maybe all you need or want for the wheel and tire area.
Some could reasonably argue monthly treatments of Iron remover products on a car may be overkill. I could argue it wouldn’t hurt and maybe in the best interest of a daily driven vehicle to receive monthly treatments. It also is available for the break dust build up for wheels.
Gtechniq W5 Citrus All Purpose Cleaner
For specifically addressing bug carcasses and general front bumper area grime build up, I prefer Gyeon Bug and Grime. I like both but believe Gyeon Bug and Grime to be the best option available for my preferences. But I also find W5 to be a very good product and more versatile as well as practical. Currently, Gyeon Bug and Grime is not sold in a gallon size container at Detailed Image, like W5. W5 is also dilutable; 1:10 is a popular dilution for me as a pre-treatment with respect to caked on grime, bugs, tires and wheels. I have used Gtechniq W5 at full strength and at other dilutions without damaging materials. Certain situations may call for a different dilution ratio.
Jen K.O. makes for a great drying aid for those situations when hard water is a concern. In terms of not having a gallon size available at Detailed Image, this is one of the two products I recommend regardless. I assuming at the possibility you are not starting out with D – Ionized Water system, may not be able to efficiently wash vehicles with the cooperation of the sun (clouds and time of day), and working with clients who are going to have mineral deposits on their vehicle through daily driving. It is too practical of a product to not have. It can be used for doorjambs, intricate areas, wheels, and mineral deposit build up around emblems.
A good one is great. But do not forget, a good and abundant selection of clean dedicated microfiber towels is even more important.
Gyeon Ceramic Detailer (Monthly protection)
I wanted to recommend something easy, that will provide your clients instant visual feedback in (paint pop and water beading), and is practical with a monthly plan in terms of durability. Ceramic Detailer is a reliable product that provides good ease of use in most settings.
You can expand this list, but I like this good foundation.
Thanks for this list. I’ve been using Gyron Wet Coat, but not the ceramic detailer. Do you recommend both?
I would stick with staying with what works for you assuming you love your system (Wetcoat).
For me I have never been totally comfortable doing the spray and rinse, albeit incredibly convenient, of Wetcoat type products. I can see problems of even coverage and stories of high spots from likely user error. I prefer physical evidence of more uniform coverage for the extra 10 minutes. Also if someone was doing a rinseless wash??
But there are no right or wrong answers, even if you find a role for both if there are limitations with your use of Wetcoat.