In my opinion, these are the top 3 mistakes detailers make when performing paint correction

[Jean-Claude]

Top 3 Mistakes Detailers Make When Performing Paint Correction (http://clearbraatlanta.com/atlanta/top-3-mistakes-detailers-make-when-performing-paint-correction/)

I am sure not everyone will agree but I would like to see a shift back towards fine paint correction, treating paint correction like a craft that takes years to master and individuals that take great pride in the areas that are not so obvious. In my opinion, these are 3 major areas holding the industry back.

What do you think?

[Eldorado2k]

Top 3 Mistakes Detailers Make When Performing Paint Correction (http://clearbraatlanta.com/atlanta/top-3-mistakes-detailers-make-when-performing-paint-correction/)

I am sure not everyone will agree but I would like to see a shift back towards fine paint correction, treating paint correction like a craft that takes years to master and individuals that take great pride in the areas that are not so obvious. In my opinion, these are 3 major areas holding the industry back.

What do you think?

It won't happen, because of the DA polisher. Maybe back in the days when rotary was the only option, but those days are long gone.

[Zubair]

Three counter arguments:

•Depends what the customer is willing to pay for-would you do a 3 step correction for under $100?
•Modern paints,compounds,pads have made multiple steps redundant-better results with fewer steps.
•Just because technology has made detailing easier doesn't take away from the craft-embrace the change.

[Mantilgh]

I agree with Zubair. It depends on the customer and what they want vs. the amount of work they are willing to pay for.

I'm not going to 2 or 3 step if the customer is not willing to pay me for my time. Of course this would be discussed before any work would be done.

And number 1, this should read something like "Not removing polishing oils before inspecting correction results". Decontamination is referring to removing bonded contaminates before the compounding/polishing step.:dunno:

[Jean-Claude]

If you're educating your client as to what they are getting and what they are not getting, there is nothing wrong with not giving a 50 hour paint correction even if the car has defects that could take advantage of that. It's about framing things for a client, communicating on an elevated level and managing expectations.

If a client wants a 1-step AIO and are paying for a 1-step AIO with managed expectations, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

But this article is striking on is the concept that paint correction is paint correction is paint correction. There are guys that cut corners and claim to have an elevated service. They are masking defects(and in some cases coating over fillers...wow) and then passing it off as an elite service.

Hope this clarifies.

[Heisenberg]

It won't happen, because of the DA polisher. Maybe back in the days when rotary was the only option, but those days are long gone.

I like it better this way anyway. There's room for everyone. Anyone who doesn't want to take the time to learn will pay someone to do it, just like literally everything else. The barrier of entry is low in this profession because of the wealth of free knowledge and tools out there, as well as the relative easy learning curve(there is no inherent danger in buffing out a car except for paying to fix any damage you cause)

I guess I understand why people that make their living doing this would be irritated by new people swiping their business that don't "deserve it" or by armchair detailers that want to give out advice without much experience, but I don't think it's going to change.

[FUNX650]

What do you think?
http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/500/medium/IMG_1744.JPG



Bob

[Mike Phillips]

Hi Jean-Claude,

I simply found it refreshing to see someone explain that polishing oils are an essential component of any quality compound or polish as they prevent the abrasives from simply scouring the paint.

I can't remember how many times some expert whined about fillers and lumping the polishing oils in as the same thing.

I think too many "experts" get so anal retentive about process that they forget the BIG picture is to make the paint look good.


Then for what it's worth, I consider polishing paint both a craft and an art form. I explain why in the introduction of my first two how-to books.

I know there's a few in our industry that disagree but that's what's so great about living in America. We all have a right to our opinions as well as a right to express them as long as we don't harm anyone or anything in the process.


:dblthumb2:

[Jean-Claude]

Hi Jean-Claude,

I simply found it refreshing to see someone explain that polishing oils are an essential component of any quality compound or polish as they prevent the abrasives from simply scouring the paint.

I can't remember how many times some expert whined about fillers and lumping the polishing oils in as the same thing.

I think too many "experts" get so anal retentive about process that they forget the BIG picture is to make the paint look good.


Then for what it's worth, I consider polishing paint both a craft and an art form. I explain why in the introduction of my first two how-to books.

I know there's a few in our industry that disagree but that's what's so great about living in America. We all have a right to our opinions as well as a right to express them as long as we don't harm anyone or anything in the process.


:dblthumb2:

It's fair to say there is more than one way to skin a cat. As long as the customer is getting what they are told they are paying for and they are satisfied, I see a happy customer. :D

But with a major push in the industry to use products designed to fill, it's also fair for some of us to feel it is disingenuous to call intentional filler work or work without removing the oils that will mask defects "paint correction".

I didn't write any of the content with an intent to offend. It is just as you say Mike. We all have our opinions. I am voicing my opinion from an honest place of what I see, not as an antagonist. I'll let it all speak for itself.

It's a pleasure as always my friend. ;)

[custmsprty]

Three counter arguments:

•Depends what the customer is willing to pay for-would you do a 3 step correction for under $100?
•Modern paints,compounds,pads have made multiple steps redundant-better results with fewer steps.
•Just because technology has made detailing easier doesn't take away from the craft-embrace the change.

:iagree::props::iagree::props::iagree::props:

[Jean-Claude]

In case it got missed. The idea is that there is plenty of room for less than multiple step beyond-concours type work(more like, on a pie chart PC would be a sliver compared to the rest). Doing the right thing for the customer does not mean doing everything possible and we all know more is not always better because most projects have a value proposition that is accounted for. The bottom line in the article is that if one says they are performing paint correction, by definition, paint is leveled to actually remove defects. Who would like to argue differently? If someone does, I will not debate with them on the matter. For if that's the case, waxing paint is paint correction because it performs the exact same end result of reduced appearance of defects in a non-permanent way. In that case, we are in the wild west era of the industry where we can misuse terms for our own benefit; less time/more money for better appearance without the real substance of what we say we will do(paint correction)....and why? Is it because we are "embracing technology" or is it that the due-diligence actual paint correction requires is more effort/time/expertise than many are willing to give?

Embracing technology/change is not exclusive to doing what one says they are doing. The water is quite muddy right now and I think the point is elusive. It is likely my fault as I am a wordy guy by nature... There is an absolute difference in things not paint correction but improve how paint looks. There is nothing necessarily wrong with those services. But calling them more than they are is not shooting straight.

Best of fortune to everyone moving forward but I must dip! I think for me to press on anymore would appear more argumentative than productive. Have at it and enjoy!

[Paul A.]

Good article Jean-Claude!