Part 1- Selecting the right products.
What makes one a Professional? Dictionary.com defines 1: Following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain.
By that definition almost any one could be classified as a professional. However, following an occupation also denotes something more. Since it includes Following as part of the definition we see it means to follow that way of living.
In other words, it involves one in research, development and experimentation in the field one is engaged in for the purpose of improving one's knowledge and skill in a particular field.
A large part of what professional details do is in maintaining a vehicle's finish. A skilled detailer will know various methods for enhancing finish properties and protection enhancement and method of application of the compounds that they are using.
Since a Professional detailer's job largely involves the maintenance of the Finish of someone's vehicle should they be skilled in the application of that finish?
No. They should not be skilled in the field of automated finish application, in order to maintain the finish; however this means that their actual experience is limited to the maintenance of the finish and so their understanding of the finish properties will be limited.
This is not a bad thing as long as the detailer knows his limitations and does not pretend to know everything there is to know about paint finishes!
The truth is most people if not all will form opinions and habits about the products and methods that use without giving any consideration to researching what else is available and whether what they are already using really is the best or are they just getting a good deal on their supplies.
However, what they are using may be very good, and of high quality and you should consider those brands if you like the results they produce.
What you will be using most likely are retail detailing supplies. What that means is the chemical manufacturers have packaged their merchandise to retail to the consumer. It is important for you the consumer to understand that these manufacturers spend more money on marketing their inventory than they do in the manufacturing process. So be aware that you are paying not just for a particular brand but for the name recognition and advertising cost that goes into that brand.
A good compromise would be "McGuire's" brand, found in many Auto Parts stores. Some Professional Detailers and Auto Body Shops use "McGuire's" and are satisfied.
However, if you want a good value from a professional manufacturer there are many Detailing supply companies on the internet that sell direct and carry many brands of chemicals which supply some of their products in small 8 oz. Egypt 16 oz. bottles.
You could ask the opinion of a professional detailer and try what they recommend. The key is; do not be afraid to do your own home work. Research what is available on the market and use that research to make an informed decision.
Do not be afraid to try new brands and remember that the professional lines for sale are superior to commercial retail merchandise because all of the cost of the production is put into the development and manufacturing of these goods. These companies sell mostly in bulk to detailing supply companies and do not do any advertising.
So the first step in becoming a Professional Detailing Do-It-Yourselfer … buy professional products. Detailing supply companies usually have some of their merchandise available in small consumer retail packages.