Detailing cost?
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
Detailing cost?
How much would a complete detailing job cost clay, removing the swirls ,minor scratch etc...? Trying to see if it's cheaper to have the professional do it or do it my self.
#4
Lexus Test Driver
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: FLORIDA
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Hard to say, different parts of the country has different prices. A true detailer who is going spend 10-14 hrs on your car who will take almost 90-95% of them off the surface (swirls) and knows his/her work, I would think $300 plus to start or charge by the hour starting at $35 per hour. You will get different answers from everyone.
#5
Bucket
Wash Mitt
Automotive Soap
Chamois or Waffle Weave Towel
Clay Bar and Lubricant
Microfiber Towels
Working by hand or machine (buffer $125+)
Foam applicator(s)
Swirl removal product
Sealant or Wax
Your initial cost will be high, but evens out each time you detail otherwise you've got a bottle of product that sits on the shelf for years.
Although you can work by hand, using a buffer is more efficient and you'll obtain excellent results. However it requires practice.
The $85 stated in this thread is not out of line for anywhere. My dealership will perform a complete detail for $140.
#6
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (17)
Have you determined your own costs? I would think the basic list for an exterior detail would be something like this:
Bucket
Wash Mitt
Automotive Soap
Chamois or Waffle Weave Towel
Clay Bar and Lubricant
Microfiber Towels
Working by hand or machine (buffer $125+)
Foam applicator(s)
Swirl removal product
Sealant or Wax
Your initial cost will be high, but evens out each time you detail otherwise you've got a bottle of product that sits on the shelf for years.
Although you can work by hand, using a buffer is more efficient and you'll obtain excellent results. However it requires practice.
The $85 stated in this thread is not out of line for anywhere. My dealership will perform a complete detail for $140.
Bucket
Wash Mitt
Automotive Soap
Chamois or Waffle Weave Towel
Clay Bar and Lubricant
Microfiber Towels
Working by hand or machine (buffer $125+)
Foam applicator(s)
Swirl removal product
Sealant or Wax
Your initial cost will be high, but evens out each time you detail otherwise you've got a bottle of product that sits on the shelf for years.
Although you can work by hand, using a buffer is more efficient and you'll obtain excellent results. However it requires practice.
The $85 stated in this thread is not out of line for anywhere. My dealership will perform a complete detail for $140.
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#10
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (17)
Well, you got that price because you are friends with the guy. Something you didn't mention. Keep in mind, a full correction (after the vehicle is properly prepped and decontaminated) can take upwards of 10 hours easily for a top job. That's why a good detail cost good money.
#12
lexus paint is pretty soft so you can get pretty good results doing it yourself. Get some OTC clay and lube $15, a Porter Cable buffer $125, the Megs DA MF starter system $90, and a bug sponge $5 (to clean the pads), and for less than the cost of a paint correction, you can take care of your car, and your friends/families cars. You can charge nominal rates too and even make back your initial investment.
#13
^That's what I've been getting into lately. Learning about all the different products and their uses. It's been definitely more than a hobby for me, to the point where I'll just start detailing family and friends' cars. They always ask how much I charge, and I honestly tell them that I don't want anything because they're all family to me. But it's nice to get paid to do something that's enjoyable.
#14
Custom detailer who works specifically with high end cars lambo's,Ferrari, etc and comes out to you.
The Gold - 3 Step Rotary Detail Package
Starting at $449.99*
• Full service hand wash using reverse osmosis water and Poly's Clear Tech Detailers Fluid.
• Air blow drying of all surfaces and crevices.
• Removal of all bonded above surface contaminants to include paint, glass, and plastic lenses using our specialized clay method.
• Measure painted panels with digital paint gauge meter for paint thickness evaluations.
• Rotary cut/polish (step 1) all surfaces to remove fine to moderate hairline scratches and most surface imperfections which will add depth and clarity to the paintwork.
• Orbital polish (step 2) all surfaces to remove swirl marks and holograms which will add luster and maximize gloss.
• Orbital wax/seal (step 3) all surfaces using a premium wax or sealant to fully protect and maintain all surfaces.
• Clean and detail door, hood, and trunk jambs.
• Clean wheel face and barrels, polish and wax.
• Clean and detail brake calipers.
• Clean, degrease, and condition wheel wells.
• Clean, strip old tire dressings, and apply a rich conditioner to tires.
• Restore all black mouldings, trim, and window seals.
• Clean, vacuum, and shampoo the complete interior and crevices using a ph balanced cleaner.
• Clean, vacuum, and shampoo all carpets and mats using a ph balanced cleaner.
• Condition all leather and vinyl surfaces.
• Clean and polish all glass, gauge clusters, radio and navigation screens.
• Clean and polish all interior wood or carbon fiber accents and trim.
• Eliminate interior odors without leaving an artificial smell.
• Additional fee's apply for engine detailing.
The Gold - 3 Step Rotary Detail Package
Starting at $449.99*
• Full service hand wash using reverse osmosis water and Poly's Clear Tech Detailers Fluid.
• Air blow drying of all surfaces and crevices.
• Removal of all bonded above surface contaminants to include paint, glass, and plastic lenses using our specialized clay method.
• Measure painted panels with digital paint gauge meter for paint thickness evaluations.
• Rotary cut/polish (step 1) all surfaces to remove fine to moderate hairline scratches and most surface imperfections which will add depth and clarity to the paintwork.
• Orbital polish (step 2) all surfaces to remove swirl marks and holograms which will add luster and maximize gloss.
• Orbital wax/seal (step 3) all surfaces using a premium wax or sealant to fully protect and maintain all surfaces.
• Clean and detail door, hood, and trunk jambs.
• Clean wheel face and barrels, polish and wax.
• Clean and detail brake calipers.
• Clean, degrease, and condition wheel wells.
• Clean, strip old tire dressings, and apply a rich conditioner to tires.
• Restore all black mouldings, trim, and window seals.
• Clean, vacuum, and shampoo the complete interior and crevices using a ph balanced cleaner.
• Clean, vacuum, and shampoo all carpets and mats using a ph balanced cleaner.
• Condition all leather and vinyl surfaces.
• Clean and polish all glass, gauge clusters, radio and navigation screens.
• Clean and polish all interior wood or carbon fiber accents and trim.
• Eliminate interior odors without leaving an artificial smell.
• Additional fee's apply for engine detailing.
#15
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: FL
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I would be oh so happy to get that type of job for only $450. Please post if anyone knows of this kind of service offered in South Florida. Seems like a deal to me.