Day 3: Car Preparation and Polishing

8:45 AM – 9:00 AM: Recap of Day 2

  • Review of Basic Cleaning Techniques:
    • Quick recap of the key lessons from Day 2, focusing on the importance of proper cleaning as a foundation for detailing.
    • Discussion on any challenges or questions from the previous day, with tips for improving technique.

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Preparing the Car for Polishing

  • Surface Assessment:
    • Inspection Techniques: How to inspect the vehicle’s paint for swirls, scratches, oxidation, and other defects.
    • Identifying Paint Types: Understanding different types of automotive paint (single-stage, clear coat, etc.) and how they affect the polishing process.
    • Assessing Contaminants: Identifying tar, tree sap, industrial fallout, and other contaminants that may need to be removed before polishing.
  • Pre-Polishing Preparation:
    • Tape-Off Process: Demonstration of how to tape off sensitive areas (e.g., trim, emblems, rubber seals) to protect them during polishing.
    • Decontamination Process:
      • Iron Removers: Application of iron fallout removers to dissolve embedded metal particles.
      • Clay Bar or Clay Mitt: Hands-on practice using clay to remove bonded contaminants, creating a smooth surface for polishing.
      • Solvent Wipe-Down: Use of panel wipes or isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to remove oils, waxes, and any remaining residues from the paint.
    • Paint Thickness Measurement: Introduction to paint depth gauges and how to measure paint thickness to avoid over-polishing.

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM: Break

  • Light Refreshments: Snacks and beverages provided.

10:15 AM – 12:00 PM: Polishing and One-Step Paint Correction

  • Introduction to Paint Correction:
    • Understanding Paint Defects: Types of defects (e.g., swirl marks, scratches, oxidation) and how they can be corrected through polishing.
    • Polishing Compounds and Pads:
      • Overview of different types of polishing compounds (cutting, polishing, finishing) and how to select the right one for the job.
      • Explanation of polishing pads (foam, microfiber, wool) and their specific uses.
    • Polishing Techniques:
      • Machine Polishing:
        • Dual Action (DA) Polishers: Introduction to DA polishers, their safety features, and how they differ from rotary polishers.
        • Rotary Polishers: Explanation of rotary polishers, their advantages, and when to use them.
        • Polishing Process: Step-by-step demonstration of the polishing process, including pad priming, pressure control, and speed settings.
        • One-Step Paint Correction: Techniques for performing a one-step polish that balances cutting and finishing, ideal for enhancing gloss with minimal effort.
      • Hands-On Practice:
        • Participants practice polishing techniques on demo panels and vehicles, with instructors providing guidance on pressure, speed, and pad movement.
      • Finishing the Polished Surface:
        • Inspecting the Results: How to check for holograms, buffer trails, and missed defects.
        • Jeweling: Techniques for achieving maximum gloss and clarity on the paint surface.
        • Final Wipe-Down: Use of microfiber towels and finishing sprays to remove any remaining polish residue.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch Break

  • Buffet Lunch: A selection of light meals provided.

1:00 PM – 2:45 PM: Continued Practice

  • Hands-On Polishing Session:
    • Participants continue practicing the polishing techniques learned earlier, working on different sections of demo vehicles.
    • Instructors provide one-on-one feedback, helping participants refine their techniques and troubleshoot any issues.
  • Spot Correction Techniques:
    • Isolated Defect Removal: Techniques for focusing on specific areas with deeper scratches or defects without over-polishing surrounding areas.
    • Edge and Corner Polishing: Safely polishing near edges, body lines, and tight areas where machine polishers may be less effective.
  • Introduction to Multi-Step Paint Correction:
    • Overview: Explanation of multi-step correction, where multiple polishing stages (cutting, polishing, finishing) are used to achieve the highest level of defect removal and gloss.
    • Discussion: Understanding when to use a multi-step correction process versus a one-step approach.
  • Group Discussion:
    • Participants discuss their experiences during the hands-on sessions, sharing challenges and solutions with the group.
    • Instructors provide additional tips and answer questions related to specific polishing scenarios.

2:45 PM – 3:00 PM: Break

  • Refreshments: Light snacks and drinks provided.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Q&A and Review

  • Interactive Q&A Session:
    • Open floor for participants to ask questions about the day's lessons, with instructors providing detailed explanations and practical advice.
  • Review of Key Polishing Techniques:
    • Recap of the essential polishing techniques learned during the day, emphasizing the importance of surface preparation and correct tool usage.
    • Discussion on the role of polishing in the overall detailing process and its impact on the final result.
  • Preparation for Day 4:
    • Overview of the next day's focus on Advanced Techniques and Repetition, including advanced correction methods, coating applications, and more.
    • Encouragement to review the day's materials and practice the techniques on their own vehicles before Day 4.

4:00 PM: End of Day 3