That makes for a good business model Merlin, you can't go wrong with having a passion for what you do.
2005 Pontiac GTO - Cyclone Grey Metallic - A Miracle Detailing - Cquartz Professional ceramic
- Thread starter Merlinii
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Actually my business model is not very complicated.
* Enjoy what you do and make money at it! *
To continue doing what I do, I need to have both.
Most folks do not have any idea all the steps it takes to get vehicle paint from point A to point B.
It takes materials, (tools, paint thickness gauge, etc., machines, pads, and polishes) skill and time.
Sometimes (like the 2018 Ford Mustang GT) folks appreciate the time, effort and the final result.
Many folks do not realize I have 40-60+ hours in polishing the paint and think it should cost $100.
Most detailers aggressively hammer the paint to get done quickly and remove too much clear coat.
For them, it's all about getting done quickly and the "See how good I am 50/50 Instagram picture".
I rarely do Before and After 50/50 pictures...unless it's a truly extraordinary "Extreme Makeover".
I always use a Paint Thickness Gauge (PTG) during the polishing process. Measure, polish, repeat...
I'm soft and gentle. I use the least aggressive method to get the job done. Clearcoat it precious!
My most valuable reward is when the client comes to pick up their vehicle and are totally blown away.
What PTG do you use?
I have two. A DeFelsko and a Chinese knock off.
Both work. (Even the knock off was a few $100)
NOTE: It's better to have an inexpensive PTG than no gauge at all.
Without a gauge, you are polishing paint blind.
The first time you burn through paint you will buy a PTG!
It is cheap insurance. (Don't ask me how I know)
A wise man will purchase one before he burns through the clear coat.
Will a PTG tell you the thickness of primer, basecoat, clear coat?
Mine don't. I believe, if you spend big bucks, there is a model that can.
Remember: It is only a gauge to give you an idea of the paint thickness.
Side Note: I prefer to use the microns setting rather than mils.
If I measure the front of a hood and the reading is 95 microns...
Then I measure the back of the hood and the reading is 140 microns...
I know the front has been hammered by a short guy who couldn't reach.
I also know the front is very thin and is very prone to clear coat failure.
On the other hand, if I measure a fender and find 250 it's probably a repaint.
Thanks for the info. I need to get one before I do something stupid.
Will one work on carbon and fiberglass panels?
No
You can get a ferrous and nonferrous combo that also does aluminum.
There is a version that does fiberglass (I’m not sure about carbon).
That version is Mo’ money $$$.
I have a CTSV with the carbon package, that's why I was asking about carbon.
Doing some looking online. Looks like the price range is all over the place.
Doing some looking online. Looks like the price range is all over the place.
LOL's at the short guy comment! Hahaha!
Only the uber high end models will read ferrous, non-ferrous, fiberglass, plastic, and carbon fiber. They start around $1800.00 or so.
Only the uber high end models will read ferrous, non-ferrous, fiberglass, plastic, and carbon fiber. They start around $1800.00 or so.
Well......guess I will just hope I have enough clear then on that car then cause I don't think I will be spending that much.
That information about PTGs is very interesting. I learned something new today. Keep up the good work.....Mike & Scott!
A fairly inexpensive PTG is much better than no PTG at all. 10% of something is better than 100% nothing. It’s a tool to give you an idea.
That is what I am thinking. Probably looking to spent about $250.
That’s a good place to start...
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