To start with the OP was talking complete defect removal and I would do a two or three step correction that would be longer then 8 hrs. My rate is closer to $60.00 per hour. If one does their research then a competent detailer could be selected and there would be no screw up. If you cannot trust anyone that your business but the OP was discussing his experience . Your solution to just do it himself and expect pro results right off the bat are unrealistic. As for the results you claim , that your opinion.

I didn't recommend this to him. I asked if you had ever used it. You are the one that brought up using the rotary for orange peel removal.

Dude what im saying is for the amount you detailers charge, the OP can simply pick up a DA polisher and product for way less and do the work himself and guess what he learns a trade.

Ive seen way to many nightmares with detailers to full trust someone with my paint. I detail on the side and have been doing it for years.

Yes new products are coming out and the market is getting flooded, let me guess your the kind of guy that buys "NEW FORMULA" products right away.....

I personally use the ATD rotary to cut down on time. I rarely use my PC anymore.

In my business time is money and I do the best I can to not waste it. Have you ever tried a 21mm stroke da ? I also gave up the flavor of the month club years ago.

No never tried a 21mm stroke. Never really needed to purchase another machine...

How do you make recommendations of one item over another that you have never tried ? That's sort of like saying " No I'm not a detailer but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night". When I come on here I limit myself to only the products and procedures that I have actually tried over a period of time. So now I'm headed to bed because I have customers to service first thing in the am. Goodnight

Dude you clearly are still missing my whole point! SMH....

Why would I recommend anything other than a beginner product.

You make absolutely no sense!

I'm making a recommendation to person that has NEVER PAINT CORRECTED BEFORE!

and you come in here talking about 2000 grit buffing pads. dude please stop!

I'm dying to know what you would recommend a Novice detailer.... PLEASE TELL ME!!!!!!

" No I'm not a detailer but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night" This makes no sense and is probably the worst analogy ive ever seen!

And why would I buy a 21mm stroke machine when I don't even need one! Dude if you been detailing for 10 years and still trying to master a technique on how to detail then please stop detailing right now!

A fucking 10 year old could use a PC!

One last time. This isn't about what someone would recommend to a beginner. This was claiming all he had to do was purchase a da and save 400 bucks and have a great results. We both know that's not realistic. You have already posted you have a great technique and have nothing left to learn.If that's what you believe then more power to you. I will continue to learn as time goes on. The original poster has read all the replies and I believe he can decide for himself the route he choses to pursue.

As for the products I mentioned in my previous post those were to show you the industry is constantly changing and one that relies on older techniques gets left behind. Not for a novice to run out and purchase right off the bat. I love it when people say you don't need that but have never tried it. Amazing.

How is that not realistic??????

Youtube is full of great videos to teach you how to use the PC. I mean shit even if you managed to screw the paint up when its damn near impossible, you can always fix it!

I clearly said purchase a DA and teach yourself how to use it but shit dude we all know a damn 10 year can use a PC.

Stop trying to make paint correction look like its so difficult when its not!

Everyone details differently and if you havent mastered your specific way dude then your lost!

Some people don't have the time it takes to do it themselves. Hell or even want to take the time it takes. Or have the means (garage) to do it themselves.

First off, I admire the skill you and other detailers have learned. Paint detail would be something I wish I have learned in my younger days, but at this point it's not practical to learn a whole new hobby/trade. The comparison of getting a dealer maintain and paint corrected by someone is pretty ridiculous. You can say that an average person can learn anything, but why stop at detailing? If you are picky about having to rely on others, why not create your own business and be your own boss? Hell, how about you learn how to build a house? Easier said than done. I totally respect that you had free time to teach yourself, but with careers and social life, the average person does not have the time to rely on themselves to learn on their own.

My detailer has almost 30 years experience detailing paint, and I know I can always count on the product and services he provides leaves me 100% satisfied, and the paint looks PERFECT and swirl free. If $50 an hour is not a reasonable price, if people can afford it why should it matter? Nobody is making me pay to get my car detailed, I assess the cost and finished product, and to me in the end it's always more than worth it. Also, are you insured? The clear on your car is as thin as a sheet of paper. I can't even grasp imagining the experience and the work that goes into leveling something that thin without removing too much clear EVENLY. The average beginner will not go as far to insure themselves in case they burn a hole in their paint.

There are hundreds of product out there, some better than others. I prefer to rely on what the dealer uses, because he has used them all and I trust them.

Lastly, aren't we all here for the same reasons? It mean something that there are people who actually cares about maintaining paint, rather than dragging a watery rag over the clear just like the average person does during a wash? I am tempted to learn one of these days, but if you maintain and protect the paint well enough there is no need to get it detailed.

I am not a detailer by any means... but after looking at products and machines and stuff... I find it hard to be able to do an extensive detail for $200.

Polisher is like what? $100?
Buckets? $10
Various polishes/waxes? $40-$50?
Claybar? $20
Other various chemicals? (Wheel cleaner, car wash soap, tire dressing, glass cleaner, etc.) Maybe another $50?

Plus a monetary value for my time, let's just say minimum wage, 8 hour job, = $80

Not sure what that comes up to, but it is definitely more than $200.