A question about paint chips and lighting for detailing

[Damnhor2]

Hey guys, I'm about to detail for the first time this weekend.

Got 2 questions for ya:

1. I don't have that lighting I see most of you using (the one on the stand that reflects on the car's paint), is it 100% required or can I manage without?

2. My car does have some minor paint chips (It's an MX5 and you know they get paint chips in the front bumper), is that ok for the pads or will they there the chip and make it bigger?

[king air pilot]

I am sure that just a few on here have the ideal lighting ie a paint booth. Most of us just use our garage lighting. It is not necessary to have high powered lights but I will guarantee you will seee mistakes once you bring it outside in the sun. Its still cold here in MI so I just accept them. I usually try to detail on a hazy day out side. As far as the chips go if the pads make the chip bigger chances are it would come off while driving anyway. Paint is usually tightly bonded to the primer and should not peel away easily good luck

Cheers
Mike

[Mike T]

Originally Posted by king air pilot

I am sure that just a few on here have the ideal lighting ie a paint booth. Most of us just use our garage lighting. It is not necessary to have high powered lights but I will guarantee you will seee mistakes once you bring it outside in the sun. Its still cold here in MI so I just accept them. I usually try to detail on a hazy day out side. As far as the chips go if the pads make the chip bigger chances are it would come off while driving anyway. Paint is usually tightly bonded to the primer and should not peel away easily good luck

Cheers
Mike

[killrwheels@autogeek]

when possible, purchase a Brinkmann Xenon handlight. They are cheap at under 25 bucks on Ebay and locally, and will help when your in a pinch. It has the ability to turn on one or two smaller focused beams.