Discussion forum for automobile detailers, amateur and professional. https://web-cars.com/phorum//list.php?1 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:01:59 +0000 Phorum 5.2.23 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44827,44827#msg-44827 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44827,44827#msg-44827 Jack Maioffer Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 22 Oct 2021 15:44:21 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44811,44811#msg-44811 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44811,44811#msg-44811 Pro-Techt Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Mon, 15 Aug 2016 17:05:33 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44746,44746#msg-44746 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44746,44746#msg-44746 concoursgarage Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Mon, 14 Jul 2014 17:09:28 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44733,44733#msg-44733 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44733,44733#msg-44733


Highlights:

60% reported better income than 2012.
70% reported that retail customers spent more in 2013 than 2012.

Read their responses to more questions, here:

[appliedcolors.com]]]> GTR Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Tue, 21 Jan 2014 19:05:35 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44717,44717#msg-44717 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44717,44717#msg-44717 I just spotted something I haven't heard of before in odour remediation. A Hydroxyl Generator...

It seems to be safer / kinder / easier than Ozone Generators but at first glance, it looks expensive.

I never really trust particle generators, whether ozone or foggers, etc. I do use a fogger but only after a targetted treating, flushing and extraction of the source of the odour wherever it may be. But some odours should not be wetted too much in case the source travels further into the surface or cracks/crevices.

Has anybody come across Hydroxyl? Or else, what is your favourite treatment for residual odours... :)

Thanks.]]> Profile Detailer Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Mon, 14 Oct 2013 19:20:30 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44710,44710#msg-44710 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44710,44710#msg-44710
The best way to wash tires is with the same car wash solution you use on the rest of the car . You may want to brush the solution into the rubber with a tire brush or other stiff plastic or natural bristle brush . Brushing the tires will reduce the amount of tire dressing you need to use on them later . You can move the car a few feet, rotating the tires, to allow you to get at the bottom part that is against the road . If car wash soap doesn't get the tires clean, move up to dishwashing liquid and finally to all purpose cleaner . Some wheel cleaners double as tire cleaners .

On selected tires, you may have to scrub and rinse up to 4 times to get them perfectly clean for dressing .

All sorts of products are used on raised white letters and whitewalls . Some, like Westley's Bleche-White, contain oxalic acid, and might be hard on wheels . I will say that Bleche-White definitely works, though .

Rocks get lodged in treads . To improve the tires' appearance, take a screwdriver and pop out as many pebbles as you can .

[ Wait to dress the tires until you have finished washing and drying the entire exterior of the vehicle. ]

Dress the outer sidewalls . Some dressings are designed for maximum shine and some for a natural appearance . Some products are for tires only and some are for use on all rubber and vinyl . There are also products intended only for interiors or only for vinyl . Read labels . Dressings can be applied with a large soft brush, sponge, foam applicator, spray bottle, aerosol can or pressure sprayer . Old towels can be used to wipe off excess dressing ; If the towel isn't old when you start, it will be once you've wiped down the tires .
Move the car again to rotate the tires so you can apply dressing to the spots you were unable to get at .

Different products require different procedures, so what follows is only a general guide to application . I can say that for many products, it pays to let the dressing soak in before wiping away excess . I like to lay the dressing on thick so it can be done in one coat . Others prefer a light coat to conserve the product . On tires with a textured surface, use a stiff brush to work the dressing into nooks and crannies . For a matte finish, wipe with a towel while the tires are still wet to dull the gloss a little . Don't forget to treat the plastic valve cap and rubber valve stem too .

Some good products I've tried include Zaino's vinyl and rubber dressing, Adam's Polishes VRT , Jay Leno's and Griot's vinyl and rubber dressing . One forum member liked an Auto Magic product the best . ....

The tires make a big difference in the overall appearance of a vehicle so take the time to do a professional-quality job .

Tire dressing source : [www.zainostore.com]]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sun, 23 Mar 2025 14:51:50 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44699,44699#msg-44699 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44699,44699#msg-44699

In case you hadn't heard.
A good friend of Bud's,
Doug Christ



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: Bud Abraham
Date: Thu, 5 Sep 2013 11:44:38 -0700
From: RossH@wcwa.org




WCA Board –



I wanted to give you a heads-up – Bud Abraham’s secretary called to inform us that WCA Board member and friend Bud had a heart attack yesterday.

She said they have put him in an induced coma and he is resting comfortably. As you know with this condition, the first 24 – 48 hours are critical.



I expressed to his secretary that the WCA Board’s thoughts and prayers would be with Bud for a full recovery.



We are in the process of taking care of his responsibilities for the Show.



Ross Hutchings

Ross Hutchings, CAE

Executive Director

Western Carwash Association

800-344-9274 / 916-235-4135]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sun, 13 Oct 2013 22:07:54 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44697,44697#msg-44697 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44697,44697#msg-44697
That is what tools, chemicals and process you follow to correct the damage.

Regards]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sat, 31 Aug 2013 15:48:23 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44695,44695#msg-44695 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44695,44695#msg-44695
Regards
Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 09 Aug 2013 00:25:58 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44692,44692#msg-44692 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44692,44692#msg-44692
If you use a lubricant, what do you use.

Why do you use a lubricant.

What better results to you get by using a lubricant.

Look forward to your replies.

Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Wed, 31 Jul 2013 06:09:29 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44691,44691#msg-44691 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44691,44691#msg-44691
Here the detail operations take the seats and carpets out of every car in order to "properly" clean them.

What about you, do you think this is necessary, why or why not.

Do you do it, would you do it?

Under what conditions.

Of course, you charge the customer for this "extra" service charge. Quite labor-intensive.

Regards
Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Wed, 14 Aug 2013 21:46:22 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44690,44690#msg-44690 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44690,44690#msg-44690
An electric dual action buffer/polisher that can accept either a Velcro backer plate for 9" buffing pads or the chrome attachement that will accept the 6" dual sided buffing pads.

The cost is only $99.95 with a 90 day guarantee. You can purchase a 1 year unconditional replacement for only $10 more.

This is a top quality tool.

Interested? Contact buda@detailplus.com

Regards
Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 05 Jul 2013 16:03:17 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44688,44688#msg-44688 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44688,44688#msg-44688 st. legal Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Thu, 08 Aug 2013 04:10:38 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44685,44685#msg-44685 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44685,44685#msg-44685
Organized is not the same as "clean." But clutter is not compatible when the message you want to convey is "clean."

Not only does a well-organized detail shop or mobile rig make a favorable impression on your customers, it also makes it easier to keep your shop/rig clean and to keep you and your employees working efficiently, not getting distracted looking for this and that.

Whether you work in a shop or out of a van or trailer, "everything should have a place and everything in it's place." This allows you to quickly find the tools and chemicals necessary for each detailing job.

As well, you can quickly determine if you have forgotten something when leaving for work if you are mobile or if you need to re-order for the shop. As well if you are mobile and organized you can see at a glance if you left something behind.

Based on what we see in detail shops and mobile vans keeping them organized and uncluttered would seem to be an impossible task. But it does not have to be the case. It is really up to you.

You can take advantage of suppliers who offer you a way to keep everything in its place. Shelves for chemical bottles, holders designed to fit sprayers, carts for supplies and tools.

Even when you think you have things organized, clutter just seems to show up. Compare it to a junk drawer that you have in your home. It keeps clutter "out of sight," but what a mess inside. This concept also applies to detail vans and trailers especially.

MAKING USE OF SPACE

Acquiring new detailing equipoment, tools and supplies to keep you on the cutting-edge of detailing technology is very common for today's professional detailer. But it is not long before it becomes evident that more space is needed.

If you are buying a van or pickup consider an extended length van or pickup. Same with choosing a shop, get one with enough space for an equipment and storage room.

Should you not be able to buy a new van/trailer, etc or move to a larger shop just make sure you are utilizing the space you have in a productive way.

In both a van or shop there could be wasted space on the ceiling where you can store items.

A PLACE FOR LITTER

If you eat lunch in your van or truck, have a litter bag. Empty soda cans or burger wrappers falling out as you exit the vehicle does not make for a positive impression.

In the shop have strategically located garbage cans as well as containers for dirty towels.

CONSOLIDATE

A bucket organizer or caddy of some type will help keep all your standard detail items together which helps with distraction and is a time-saver.

As mentioned a detail cart between the bays is very nice for a detail shop.

SCHEDULE A CLEANING

Have a scheduled time to clean the interior and exterior of the van or trailer every week.

If you have a shop, clean it every night, absolutely.

Remember if you are clean and organized for you it is maintenance cleaning not restoration

Regards
Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Wed, 29 May 2013 22:15:09 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44677,44677#msg-44677 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44677,44677#msg-44677
Why? How do you apply your chosen product by hand, rotary buffer; orbital or dual-action tool.

Regards]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 31 May 2013 08:40:11 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44628,44628#msg-44628 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44628,44628#msg-44628
You can register for either forum by going to www.carwash.com

REgards
Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 08 Mar 2013 07:59:14 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44627,44627#msg-44627 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44627,44627#msg-44627
Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 31 May 2013 08:42:21 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44626,44626#msg-44626 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44626,44626#msg-44626
Do you charge more for SUV's, Vans, etc.

Regards]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 24 May 2013 03:49:02 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44619,44619#msg-44619 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44619,44619#msg-44619
Do you think that is true? Is it fair to say?

Why or why not?

Regards
Bud A]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sat, 12 Jan 2013 05:14:21 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44615,44615#msg-44615 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44615,44615#msg-44615 buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Mon, 24 Dec 2012 02:15:40 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44608,44608#msg-44608 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44608,44608#msg-44608 personal touch Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 07 Dec 2012 22:31:32 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44607,44607#msg-44607 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44607,44607#msg-44607
If calling someone stupid does not make you smarter,

If making someone's life miserable does not make you happy,

THEN WHY DO IT?]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 07 Dec 2012 15:48:39 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44602,44602#msg-44602 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44602,44602#msg-44602
Among you detailers out there who have tried both products or even those who have tried or only using one or the other what is your opinion and why?

The seeming down side of the CLAY TOWEL is that it is quite expensive at this point. But claims are that you can get 50 cars from one CLAY TOWEL.

Look forward to hearing what you have to say.

Regards
Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 28 Dec 2012 17:50:36 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44601,44601#msg-44601 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44601,44601#msg-44601 These ideas are do-it-yourself oriented . The goal is to clean without dangerous or environmentally harmful chemicals .
See what you think .
Doug

Deodorizing Cars
Car upholstery and carpet : Eliminate these odors by sprinkling baking soda directly on fabric car seats and carpets. Wait 15 minutes (or longer for strong odors) and vacuum up the baking soda.

Clean Cars
( Caution : Baking soda is somewhat abrasive ! )
Use baking soda to clean your car lights, chrome, windows, tires, vinyl seats and floor mats without worrying about unwanted scratch marks. Use a baking soda solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to remove road grime, tree sap, bugs, and tar. For stubborn stains use baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge or soft brush.


Vinegar can help with a variety of cleaning tasks, since the acid acts as a disinfectant and an odor neutralizer.

Vinegar will loosen chewing gum stuck to car upholstery, rugs, and carpeting.

Bumper sticker : Remove it by spraying the decal with white vinegar to saturate the area, and the sticker will peel off in a few hours. (You might need to spray it a few times.)

Wiping down your car windows and windshield with a three-to-one vinegar-water mixture can keep them frost-free in the wintertime.

Red Wine stain : Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and liquid detergent and pour over the stain. Blot with a towel, wash with warm water, and let it dry.

Hydrogen peroxide kills mold .]]> Doug Delmont Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Mon, 26 Nov 2012 02:09:39 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44590,44590#msg-44590 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44590,44590#msg-44590
Changing your mind!!! Is that good or bad. Some in our society see a person's changing their mind about something as a sign of weakness, of indecisiveness.

But the way I see it, "changing your mind" is ok to do.

You must realize that good managers are ones who do change their minds, and move on. Being stubborn and inflexible will hamper a company's grow and a person's career.

You can look at changing your mind as a "do-over." A fresh start....a second chance, in sort a "re-do." In the detail business the word "re-do" is bad, bad, bad. No one wants to re-do a vehicle, right?

The prefix "RE" does mean to do again. But look at it this way, you have the power of the word, "DO" which is the basis of all accomplishments. And, you combine this with the safety net of "RE", do it again.

You need to get into the habit of using "RE" much more often. If you do things will work out much better. If things do not go the way you want, then you need to: RE-flect; RE-think; RE-establish; RE-build; RE-view; RE-vise; RE-new; RE-structure; RE-generate: RE-organize; RE-direct; RE-capture; RE-work; RE-cover; RE-fine; RE-arrange; RE-evaluate; RE-form; RE-create; RE-start and RE-do.

Many immediately take the opposite position on "RE."

For example, they RE-fuse any advise; they RE-frain from changing anything; they RE-sist and RE-sent any suggestions someone might have.

As a result they keep RE-peating the same mistakes and they RE-linquish any chance for success in the future.

Their choice of how they look at "RE" will RE-veal who they are.

For those of you reading this post, quit being RE-luctant and RE-lax and move forward.

Do not live with RE-morse; RE-gret; and began to RE-claim the same positive outlook you had when you started your detail business.

You got to RE-energize yourself and RE-claim your self-esteem and confidence and RE-ject any notion that cannot RE-gain what might appear to be lost, and even make it better.

RE-fuse to be defeated.

*Taken from an article by Robert Stevenson]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Fri, 16 Nov 2012 02:12:55 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44578,44578#msg-44578 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44578,44578#msg-44578 personal touch Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sat, 24 Nov 2012 19:05:05 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44577,44577#msg-44577 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44577,44577#msg-44577
And what do you do?

Regards
Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Mon, 26 Nov 2012 21:55:09 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44573,44573#msg-44573 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44573,44573#msg-44573
Remember they last up to 50-60 vehicles


Bud Abraham
buda@detailplus.com]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sun, 21 Oct 2012 01:28:00 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44567,44567#msg-44567 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44567,44567#msg-44567
There's car events year-round (many more in the summer) all around you full of deep pocket guys who need clean shiny cars:

-Car shows. Your local newspaper will announce carshows. They run radio advertising. Auto parts stores announce car shows with flyers.

-Car clubs. Most have monthly meetings in public places like coffee shops. Google "[your city] car club." You'll find Ford clubs, Mustang clubs, Vette clubs, Porsche clubs, Audi clubs, and Italian clubs.

-Race events. Check the website of your local race track. I prefer what's called "track days" where owners of street-legal sports cars (sometimes the cars they drive every day), rent the race track for the day. Think: Corvette, GT-R, BMW M3/M5, Mustang, Quattro Club, and Porsche 996/997.

Of these, I've found parking lot "meet ups" to be the best for acquiring new customers. Owners are accessible, relaxed, and importantly...secretly want to have the cleanest, swirl-free car in the parking lot.

*Find their detailing "sore spots" and offer yourself as a solution to their problems.*

First, don't be that guy: the one scrambling around handing out business cards to half the people there! Those cards will go straight to the garbage. Don't even wear a company t-shirt: it says "I want to sell you something." Big turnoff.

Just be social, be friendly...be a car guy:

-Break the ice: talk about his car, not your detailing service. Point out things that are different and unique about his car. Ask about who built it, painted it, etc.

-Prove you're a car guy too. You probably got into detailing because of your love for cars. Share your passion, your knowledge of the specifics of the cars at the event. Prove to that you're one of them, and you might become the one they trust with their car.

-Listen for these hints he needs your help. You'll find many owners take pride in their own detailing. You won't convert them into a customer, so don't make a fool of yourself trying to. But if you talk to enough, you'll hear a few cries for help: "I just don't have the time to detail my cars" or "I can't get that shine I see on the show winning cars" These are your best prospects!

-Offer advice: be generous. You'll spot dull rubber, water spots, dry vinyl, fading leather and more. Offer solutions to these "problem areas." But be conversational about. Don't sound like a "know it all."

-Asking for the sale: be specific. Here's the most common "pitch" I hear at car events: "If you ever want your car detailed, here's my card." That never works! Instead, point out something specific on their car--a greasy engine, heavy brake dust build up, oxidized or swirled paint--and offer yourself as the specific solution.

-Talk product....talk brands. Car guys put a lot of trust in brands. Emphasize the brands of polish and wax that you use. Names like "3M, Menzerna, P21S, Swisswax, Zymol" etc. People associate brands with quality, and you, as a stranger, want to be associated with quality.

*Selling is brutal, but a little goes a long way.

When my detailing business was young I absolutely hated selling. But I was persistent enough to get a just enough car crazy strangers to trust me with their car. And just enough of them loved me enough to tell their 5 more car crazy friends about me. And just enough of them loved me enough to tell 10 car crazies, and eventually reputation spread on the Internet, which made the whole project a full time enterprise!

Original article:
[appliedcolors.com]]]> GTR Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sat, 13 Oct 2012 16:51:42 +0000 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44564,44564#msg-44564 https://web-cars.com/phorum//read.php?1,44564,44564#msg-44564
800 Grit Heavy Compound
1200 Grit Medium Compound
2000 Grit Light Compound
FINE FINISH - Microfine Compound

SWIRL-AWAY/POLISH

DIAMOND Shine PLUS Sealant

Regards
Bud Abraham]]> buda Auto Detailing: Secrets of the Experts Sun, 07 Oct 2012 15:23:04 +0000