Can anyone recommend a detailer in High Wycombe?

BMWSKI · 10-26-2013, 07:38 AM

Looking for a detailer in the High Wycombe area for my new toy when it arrives in 2-3 weeks!

I've googled but nothing seems to jump out at me - any recommendations people?
I had the 'paint and protect thingy' thrown in with my deal in order for the sales guy to get his commission but as it's listed on my invoice I might swap it for something else (probably a spoiler) at the last minute and go elsewhere for detailing...
If anyone knows a detailer wishing to travel to me then that would be an option too.
TIA

-AndyH- · 10-26-2013, 08:10 AM

Maidenhead isn't too far from you: http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/

matk · 10-26-2013, 08:15 AM

seal and protect is crap anyway stripped mine and put sealer and wax on it already.

BMWSKI · 10-26-2013, 11:20 AM

Thanks guys. Not sure if they will let me swap it but I will at least ask...

-AndyH- · 10-26-2013, 02:15 PM

Don't let the dealer touch your car...seriously - any proper detailer will tell you this.

They will cause more harm than good.

BMWSKI · 10-27-2013, 05:45 AM

Thanks Andy. I will have a chat with them next week. They may get a bit funny in regards to the commission but I didn't realise at the time that dealers rush this sealing process through. Spoke to someone yesterday and apparently (?) they spend a whole day detailing a new car and like to keep it overnight for the products to cure fully. A bit pricey though at around £599...

-AndyH- · 10-27-2013, 09:12 AM

Sealants like those from Gtechniq take at least 12 hours to cure, but ideally you should leave them longer.

Even a new car detail will take a whole day. To foam, wash, clay, polish and seal a car isn't a 5 min job.

BMWSKI · 10-27-2013, 05:43 PM

I spoke to a guy at http://refineddetails.co.uk earlier this evening and he seemed very nice and knowledgeable. Anyone had any experience with him? His prices seem very reasonable compared to others I've heard back from so far. I think the products he uses are by AutoBrite although he didn't say that they had to be left overnight to cure. Not sure if I should be concerned about that or not.
He said he would spend around a day completing the work depending on my exact requirements...

Hprice1099 · 10-28-2013, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWSKI

I spoke to a guy at http://refineddetails.co.uk earlier this evening and he seemed very nice and knowledgeable. Anyone had any experience with him? His prices seem very reasonable compared to others I've heard back from so far. I think the products he uses are by AutoBrite although he didn't say that they had to be left overnight to cure. Not sure if I should be concerned about that or not.
He said he would spend around a day completing the work depending on my exact requirements...

Very good prices, he's got pictures of a new f31 he done a silver detail on. Looks very nice

-AndyH- · 10-28-2013, 12:05 PM

Some of his work is on here too http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...efined+details

BMWSKI · 10-29-2013, 06:18 PM

Car detailers recommend that you collect your car unwashed from the dealership. Has anyone else done this? Seems a bit strange to collect a dirty car???

ukbeemerboy · 10-29-2013, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWSKI

Car detailers recommend that you collect your car unwashed from the dealership. Has anyone else done this? Seems a bit strange to collect a dirty car???

Basically, never let a dealer clean, wash, vacuum, your car ever!

Collect it untouched, then get the detailer to do his thing once you've got it.

RichardM · 10-29-2013, 06:29 PM

Why not get the detailer to prepare the car at the dealer before you collect it?

BMWSKI · 10-30-2013, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichardM

Why not get the detailer to prepare the car at the dealer before you collect it?

I will ask but not sure if they would let him...

BMWSKI · 11-13-2013, 02:45 PM

I'm still waiting for my effing car

to arrive so Ive been looking into other detailing companies and asking many questions.

This is the reply from the company offering G-Techniq products...

"I appreciate it is still higher than the other quote you've had with the 'autobrite' products, however, your vehicle is receiving a treatment which will outlast the other products by at least four times. A crystal lacquer will generally give you at least two years of protection compared to the average of six months from a polymer sealant."

I'm very much the kind of person that believes you get what you pay for and in this instance I think I might be right... What do people think? Are they talking sense or is it just sales patter?!

Cheers

-AndyH- · 11-13-2013, 03:54 PM

How much are they quoting?

There's a lot of science behind the Gtechniq products and they are very good. The products themselves look pricey, but they do go a long way (less is more when applying them).

I have a bit of an issue with getting a car detailed this time of year. You spend £300+ and by the time you get home, your car will be dirty.

The interior I would do yourself. It's straightforward and not particularly time consuming.

BMWSKI · 11-13-2013, 04:13 PM

I know it gets dirty instantly but cars always will I guess. A big part of detailing a car correctly is that it makes cleaning easier and with my work commitments this is a massive plus

I quite like the idea of getting the car 'sealed' slightly too. Not sure if I'm understanding it correctly though...
The detailing service includes pretty much everything. Please see below...

* Thorough Wash, Decontamination and Chemical bath of all exterior surfaces
* Paintwork polished by machine with Gtechniq Paintwork Cleanser
* Paintwork protected with Gtechniq C1 Ceramic Lacquer * Glass Polished and Sealed with Gtechniq G1 Ceramic Water Repellant Coating
* Alloy Wheels removed, deep cleaned and decontaminated, sealed with Gtechniq Ceramic Wheel Armour
* Tyres Dressed with Gtechniq Non Greasy Tyre Dressing * Interior cleaned, leather protected with Gtechniq Leather Sealant and all fabrics protected with Gtechniq Fabric Guard
* Engine Bay dressed with Gtechniq plastic sealant

I'm in two minds to be honest - I really want to learn detailing myself so going for the Polymer option might be good enough for now... then in the summer I can re-treat it myself and learn that way.
Decisions, decisions!

-AndyH- · 11-14-2013, 03:49 AM

The main thing to learn when starting to detail is how to wash properly using the two bucket method.

Some of the things on your list would need doing every few months. The tyre dressing doesn't last particularly long and anyone can apply that. The same goes for the leather/fabric guards (depending on usage). Every few months I top things up like the leather guards/tyre dressing/fabric guard. They are pretty good value and worth having in your garage.

There are quite a few people who teach detailing for all levels. Have you thought about that? It's going to be important that you maintain your car properly with washing it correctly.

BMWSKI · 11-14-2013, 07:29 AM

Thanks Andy.
What products can you recommend?
Do you know where to find tuition in the UK? I've looked on the web but it's a mind field! I would very much like to learn this skill and maybe have a career change at some point. Just thinking ahead

I'm in Buckinghamshire if that makes a difference.
Thanks for your help on this

-AndyH- · 11-17-2013, 01:04 PM

Hey...sorry about the delayed response.

I am a Gtechniq fan. I started using some of their products and really liked their longevity.

You are going to need to get some basic kit for general washes etc. Two buckets/grit guards/PH neutral shampoo/wash mitts/alloy wheel brushes/alloy wheel cleaner/drying towel/microfibre clothes. There are lots of videos and guides on Detailing World on how to wash a car etc. Junkman's videos are really good - well worth watching.

Most of the detailing courses are geared at paint correction - machine polishing or hand polishing/wet sanding. This is an area where you can cause damage if you don't do things properly or know what you are doing. If you want to learn this part of detailing, then there are some really good courses like with KDS in Kent.

As for money in detailing and changing careers....there isn't much money in it. Unless you can tap in to people who will pay 4 figures for regular work, you will struggle.

10-26-2013, 07:38 AM	#1
BMWSKI Lieutenant Colonel 167 Rep 1,919 Posts Drives: E63 AMG Saloon :) Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bucks iTrader: (0)	Can anyone recommend a detailer in High Wycombe? Looking for a detailer in the High Wycombe area for my new toy when it arrives in 2-3 weeks! I've googled but nothing seems to jump out at me - any recommendations people? I had the 'paint and protect thingy' thrown in with my deal in order for the sales guy to get his commission but as it's listed on my invoice I might swap it for something else (probably a spoiler) at the last minute and go elsewhere for detailing... If anyone knows a detailer wishing to travel to me then that would be an option too. TIA
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-26-2013, 08:10 AM	#2
-AndyH- Lieutenant 25 Rep 597 Posts Drives: F31 330d X-Drive M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Prague iTrader: (0)	Maidenhead isn't too far from you: http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/
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10-26-2013, 08:15 AM	#3
matk Captain 32 Rep 652 Posts Drives: 330d F31 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: UK iTrader: (1)	seal and protect is crap anyway stripped mine and put sealer and wax on it already.
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10-26-2013, 11:20 AM	#4
BMWSKI Lieutenant Colonel 167 Rep 1,919 Posts Drives: E63 AMG Saloon :) Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bucks iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys. Not sure if they will let me swap it but I will at least ask...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-26-2013, 02:15 PM	#5
-AndyH- Lieutenant 25 Rep 597 Posts Drives: F31 330d X-Drive M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Prague iTrader: (0)	Don't let the dealer touch your car...seriously - any proper detailer will tell you this. They will cause more harm than good.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-27-2013, 05:45 AM	#6
BMWSKI Lieutenant Colonel 167 Rep 1,919 Posts Drives: E63 AMG Saloon :) Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bucks iTrader: (0)	Thanks Andy. I will have a chat with them next week. They may get a bit funny in regards to the commission but I didn't realise at the time that dealers rush this sealing process through. Spoke to someone yesterday and apparently (?) they spend a whole day detailing a new car and like to keep it overnight for the products to cure fully. A bit pricey though at around £599...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-27-2013, 09:12 AM	#7
-AndyH- Lieutenant 25 Rep 597 Posts Drives: F31 330d X-Drive M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Prague iTrader: (0)	Sealants like those from Gtechniq take at least 12 hours to cure, but ideally you should leave them longer. Even a new car detail will take a whole day. To foam, wash, clay, polish and seal a car isn't a 5 min job.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-27-2013, 05:43 PM	#8
BMWSKI Lieutenant Colonel 167 Rep 1,919 Posts Drives: E63 AMG Saloon :) Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bucks iTrader: (0)	I spoke to a guy at http://refineddetails.co.uk earlier this evening and he seemed very nice and knowledgeable. Anyone had any experience with him? His prices seem very reasonable compared to others I've heard back from so far. I think the products he uses are by AutoBrite although he didn't say that they had to be left overnight to cure. Not sure if I should be concerned about that or not. He said he would spend around a day completing the work depending on my exact requirements...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-28-2013, 12:05 PM	#10
-AndyH- Lieutenant 25 Rep 597 Posts Drives: F31 330d X-Drive M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Prague iTrader: (0)	Some of his work is on here too http://www.detailingworld.co.uk/foru...efined+details
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-29-2013, 06:18 PM	#11
BMWSKI Lieutenant Colonel 167 Rep 1,919 Posts Drives: E63 AMG Saloon :) Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bucks iTrader: (0)	Car detailers recommend that you collect your car unwashed from the dealership. Has anyone else done this? Seems a bit strange to collect a dirty car???
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-29-2013, 06:29 PM	#13
RichardM Colonel 133 Rep 2,047 Posts Drives: G21 M340i LCI Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Essex UK iTrader: (2)	Why not get the detailer to prepare the car at the dealer before you collect it?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2013, 02:45 PM	#15
BMWSKI Lieutenant Colonel 167 Rep 1,919 Posts Drives: E63 AMG Saloon :) Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bucks iTrader: (0)	Car detailing update... I'm still waiting for my effing car to arrive so Ive been looking into other detailing companies and asking many questions. This is the reply from the company offering G-Techniq products... "I appreciate it is still higher than the other quote you've had with the 'autobrite' products, however, your vehicle is receiving a treatment which will outlast the other products by at least four times. A crystal lacquer will generally give you at least two years of protection compared to the average of six months from a polymer sealant." I'm very much the kind of person that believes you get what you pay for and in this instance I think I might be right... What do people think? Are they talking sense or is it just sales patter?! Cheers
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2013, 03:54 PM	#16
-AndyH- Lieutenant 25 Rep 597 Posts Drives: F31 330d X-Drive M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Prague iTrader: (0)	How much are they quoting? There's a lot of science behind the Gtechniq products and they are very good. The products themselves look pricey, but they do go a long way (less is more when applying them). I have a bit of an issue with getting a car detailed this time of year. You spend £300+ and by the time you get home, your car will be dirty. The interior I would do yourself. It's straightforward and not particularly time consuming.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2013, 04:13 PM	#17
BMWSKI Lieutenant Colonel 167 Rep 1,919 Posts Drives: E63 AMG Saloon :) Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bucks iTrader: (0)	I know it gets dirty instantly but cars always will I guess. A big part of detailing a car correctly is that it makes cleaning easier and with my work commitments this is a massive plus I quite like the idea of getting the car 'sealed' slightly too. Not sure if I'm understanding it correctly though... The detailing service includes pretty much everything. Please see below... * Thorough Wash, Decontamination and Chemical bath of all exterior surfaces * Paintwork polished by machine with Gtechniq Paintwork Cleanser * Paintwork protected with Gtechniq C1 Ceramic Lacquer * Glass Polished and Sealed with Gtechniq G1 Ceramic Water Repellant Coating * Alloy Wheels removed, deep cleaned and decontaminated, sealed with Gtechniq Ceramic Wheel Armour * Tyres Dressed with Gtechniq Non Greasy Tyre Dressing * Interior cleaned, leather protected with Gtechniq Leather Sealant and all fabrics protected with Gtechniq Fabric Guard * Engine Bay dressed with Gtechniq plastic sealant I'm in two minds to be honest - I really want to learn detailing myself so going for the Polymer option might be good enough for now... then in the summer I can re-treat it myself and learn that way. Decisions, decisions!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-14-2013, 03:49 AM	#18
-AndyH- Lieutenant 25 Rep 597 Posts Drives: F31 330d X-Drive M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Prague iTrader: (0)	The main thing to learn when starting to detail is how to wash properly using the two bucket method. Some of the things on your list would need doing every few months. The tyre dressing doesn't last particularly long and anyone can apply that. The same goes for the leather/fabric guards (depending on usage). Every few months I top things up like the leather guards/tyre dressing/fabric guard. They are pretty good value and worth having in your garage. There are quite a few people who teach detailing for all levels. Have you thought about that? It's going to be important that you maintain your car properly with washing it correctly.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-14-2013, 07:29 AM	#19
BMWSKI Lieutenant Colonel 167 Rep 1,919 Posts Drives: E63 AMG Saloon :) Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Bucks iTrader: (0)	Thanks Andy. What products can you recommend? Do you know where to find tuition in the UK? I've looked on the web but it's a mind field! I would very much like to learn this skill and maybe have a career change at some point. Just thinking ahead I'm in Buckinghamshire if that makes a difference. Thanks for your help on this
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-17-2013, 01:04 PM	#20
-AndyH- Lieutenant 25 Rep 597 Posts Drives: F31 330d X-Drive M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Prague iTrader: (0)	Hey...sorry about the delayed response. I am a Gtechniq fan. I started using some of their products and really liked their longevity. You are going to need to get some basic kit for general washes etc. Two buckets/grit guards/PH neutral shampoo/wash mitts/alloy wheel brushes/alloy wheel cleaner/drying towel/microfibre clothes. There are lots of videos and guides on Detailing World on how to wash a car etc. Junkman's videos are really good - well worth watching. Most of the detailing courses are geared at paint correction - machine polishing or hand polishing/wet sanding. This is an area where you can cause damage if you don't do things properly or know what you are doing. If you want to learn this part of detailing, then there are some really good courses like with KDS in Kent. As for money in detailing and changing careers....there isn't much money in it. Unless you can tap in to people who will pay 4 figures for regular work, you will struggle.
	Appreciate 0 Quote