Help Us Get To Know You: 9 Questions For Our Readers
by Ivan RajicI feel very fortunate to be writing articles on the DI Blog for readers around the world to see, learn from and leave comments, questions or concerns. It feels great to share knowledge through this website and the feedback has been great. Lately, I started thinking about ways to improve my articles and along with that the content of the blog. I thought of how many readers can leave comments and questions for the DI authors, but it works harder the other way around. It’s easy for readers to leave questions and for authors to answer them through the article, but it’s tough to find out more about who the readers are and what they’re doing on this blog. So, with this article, I wanted to take the opportunity and ask some questions to satisfy my curiosity about the readers of this blog and I would greatly appreciate if everyone who reads this would leave a comment with your answers. I’ll just list some questions below in no specific order so please feel free to leave your replies as detailed or as simple as you’d like.
- How much experience do you have with car detailing?
- Do you work only on your own vehicles or for paid customers?
- If paid, what is the frequency of work? Full-time, part-time, weekends, etc.?
- What about Detailed Image is most appealing to you as an online store for car detailing products?
- Do you have a favorite manufacturer? If so, what manufacturer is it and why?
- Are you usually reading the blog or the detailing guide or both?
- What type of articles do you usually follow on the blog?
- Do you have a favorite author you follow? If so, why?
- Lastly, what suggestions do you have for the authors of the DI Ask-A-Pro Blog? (General and specific answers are all welcome)
I’ll be sure to leave my replies as well because as much as I work with Detailed Image on this blog, etc., I too am a consumer that orders from DI on a regular basis, reads the articles from other authors and tries to learn something new every day.
Thanks in advance for your participation!
How much experience do you have with car detailing? I’m just a weekend detailer for my own cars (2011, 2014 BMWs). I love detailing. I love transforming cars from blah to beautiful. It’s like therapy to me. I love to spend 4-6 hours a weekend after a tough week at work.
Do you work only on your own vehicles or for paid customers? Just my own
What about Detailed Image is most appealing to you as an online store for car detailing products? DI has a huge variety of products; love their Ask a Pro section; decent prices/specials; fast service.
Do you have a favorite manufacturer? If so, what manufacturer is it and why? DoDo Juice quick detailer’ makes my black Bimmers pop!
Are you usually reading the blog or the detailing guide or both? Both, almost every day.
What type of articles do you usually follow on the blog? I like checking out the paint correction articles and have used the advice in these articles a lot.
Thanks for all the great advice!
I am happy to hear that you are enjoying the Dodo Juice, and other products we carry! If you ever have any questions, concerns, or simply need recommendations please do not hesitate to ask one of the authors on the blog, or our customer service department (https://www.detailedimage.com/Contact/). We will be happy to help you asap!
How much experience do you have with car detailing? I am a paid part-time detailer working on my cars and customers. Since the shop i worked out of was sold, I am thinking of taking to mobile detailing, hence from where I started. What about Detail Image is most appealing to you as an online store for car detailing products? The products you carry are top notch and the Pro detailers, along with other users on the blogs, give a very rounded response to their experience with the products. Great turnaround on shipping! I tend to review the “how-to” detailing guides and then the blogs for insight. All of the authors are great and provide a different perspective on the same product or procedure. As far as favorite product, I use what works for me. Lastly, suggestions; articles such as this one where you get a chance to view the readers/users/detailers point of view. Keep up the good work!!!!
Thank you for the kind words and I am happy to hear you are enjoying the AAP Blog! I am happy to hear that you are enjoying the Detailing Guide and that it is helping you with your details. We will also keep you suggestion in mind and hopefully we can have more articles like this one!
i have been detailing since i bought my first car back in 2000 with otc products a few years later i worked for a production based detail shop /carwash i gained alot of exp with a rotary there i rarely get to work on my own car its a 06 subaru sti i bought brand new i just got repainted and it sits in the garage waiting to be corrected/coated for my personal project but im mostly working on customer cars out of my house on the weekend as i work a regualr office job id love to do this full time for myself if i could i wouldnt look back detailed image has great products service shipping and most of all the blog that i check daily to see whats new as far as a favorite manufactuer or brand its so hard to pick one but if i had to pick one id say rupes its by far the easiest polisher i have used it gives great results its mind boggling to me when i see detail shops and body shops using outdated polishers when they can make there lives easier and achieve better results with less time on a new rupes i am mostly on detailed image because of the blog i dont have a favorite author as you all are great i dont have any suggestions for the authors as they are full time detailers and i wouldnt want to take away from there job but since you asked id have to say more articles maybe add a video of the work performed
I love the Rupes as well! Truly an awesome machine. We are actually currently working on adding video to the AAP Blog, so stay tuned!
1. I just started about 2 years ago. Bought a Porta Cable XP starter kit from DI. Started detailing my lawn mowers until I learn how to us things the right way.
2. I just do my own and other family members. Once in a while I will do one for a friend but that is all.
3. I just work for beer money. sense I’m retired I don’t want any more that that.
4. A friend of my son told me about DI and that is where he gets his stuff. Never checked any place else. DI seem to have everything I need and the shipping is the best.
5. I generally buy Meg’s products long with LC foam pads.
6. I read both along with Some things on the Meg’s site.
7. No favorite author enjoy reading them all.
Happy to hear you enjoy reading the blog and there is nothing better than some extra beer money! If you ever have any questions please do not hesitate to ask!
1. Roughly 17 years.
2. just mine and a few family members.
3. No payment
4. I can find better products and more of them but the customer service is really what keeps me coming back. They will answer any question any time.
5. Probably Meguiars. Sometimes I go for Armor-All for interior cleaning.
6. Sometimes both but mostly the blog.
7. I check the blog every day but enjoy restoration and protection articles the most. EX: how to keep your paint looking great, or removing water stains from windows.
8. Always look forward to your articles, Ivan.
9. Maybe try to include instruction videos but the pictures work great too.
Meguiar’s offers some great products at a great value and we are happy to hear that you are enjoying them. More videos are coming so stay tuned!
Great responses so far. Thanks guys!
◾How much experience do you have with car detailing?
Just short of one year’s worth of weekends. Prior to that about 30 years worth of washing personal cars and trucks with Ivory Liquid and old tshirts. Then about 10 more years of using better soap but the same old tshirts and towels.
◾Do you work only on your own vehicles or for paid customers?
Only on my own
◾If paid, what is the frequency of work? Full-time, part-time, weekends, etc.?
Not paid
◾What about Detailed Image is most appealing to you as an online store for car detailing products?
Honestly one of the Todd C articles got me to the site and then I found so much good information I wanted to support DI for hosting the site. From the very first order they’ve done a fantastic job. The selection of products and the quality are amazing.
◾Do you have a favorite manufacturer? If so, what manufacturer is it and why?
I have very little experience and I don’t do it for a living but I love Menzerna, Opti and Blackfire. I picked the manufacturers after reading dozens of articles on this site. My current car is a BMX X5 and the products seem to work very well on it. All of the “my top ten favorite products” articles are great because you guys have tried more products than I will ever have the time or money to try.
◾Are you usually reading the blog or the detailing guide or both?
Both of them. I don’t think I’ve made it through all of the old blogs but I’ve read the majority of them. The Detailing Guide gave me a lifetime of information in a few weeks of reading.
◾What type of articles do you usually follow on the blog?
I read all of the new ones each week just to learn more but the ones I researched the most were the ones on all of the basics like washing, prep, paint correction, etc. I bought a lot of stuff over the past year but I didn’t use much (other than the ONR, wash buckets, Grit Guards and micro fiber towels) until I spent about 6 months reading. Since then I’ve done some minor correction, lots of polishing and little bit of interior stuff like Pristine on the leather. Last weekend I did a 22PLE application after reading DJ’s review and Greg G’s article. I cam see that I’ve got a couple of small spots to fix where I didn’t level it correctly but for a first try I was amazed at how well it turned out (just like the articles said I would be).
◾Do you have a favorite author you follow? If so, why?
In addition to you and Todd C I’ve probably read articles by Zach, both of the Gregs, Eric and Chad the most. All of you do a great job of explaining the processes and the reasoning behind what you are doing or trying. It’s scary going after the paint on a car you when you’ve never done it before. The detail you put in the articles and in the descriptions of how to use the various products makes it much easier for me to get off the couch (and laptop) and try it.
◾Lastly, what suggestions do you have for the authors of the DI Ask-A-Pro Blog? (General and specific answers are all welcome)
One thing that I really appreciate is when the article includes pictures of some process that wasn’t done properly in addition to all the pictures of how to do it correctly. One example would be Greg G’s article on 22PLE that showed areas where the product wasn’t leveled correctly. That helped me spot the places where I made that mistake on mine and explained what I had done wrong.
Thank you for the great comments, it is greatly appreciated! Detailing is about finding what products and techniques work best for you and mistakes are always going to happen. We are happy to hear that some of the posts helped you pinpoint these and better your work! If you ever have any questions, concerns, or you simply need a product recommendation please do not hesitate to ask here on the blog or via email!
Detail own cars a personal hobby
Love the ask a pro blogs. Read them every week. Is the reason I come to the site and reason I am loyal to buy all supplies from here (as value the info)
Most like the how to pro hints, product reviews and Car detail profiles/spotlight. Less like the general interviews (unless includes hints or better car care)
Fav products are 22ple, meguiars interior detailer, optimum no rinse as quick detailer an leatherique.
Fav pro blog Is Greg gellas.
Awesome list of favorite products! I will be sure to pass along your article suggestions to the rest of our authors!
Great post Ivan! Thank you everyone for the responses. Everyone here at DI is reading them so keep them coming!
1. My first job was at a full service car wash nearly 3 years ago, which got me into cleaning cars. I then bought a beautiful Chevy Silverado that year, which turned me into a detailing addict because I loved keeping it shiny. Since last year, I have started detailing cars on my own and hope to turn it into a successful business in the near future.
2. Both!
3. Part time
4. I like to know exactly how to use a product and how it will perform before I buy it. That’s why I love reading the ask-a-pro blog to see what the pros use, then I buy the same stuff and use it on my own truck and customer vehicles!
5. Meguiars, Poorboys World, & Chemical guys are my big 3.
6. I read the blog everyday!
7. I mainly look for articles that show before & after photos accomplished with a specific product.
8. Ill take advice from any pro!
9. I would really like it if there were more articles that describe the best possible product to buy for a specific job. For example: tire shine. There are tons of different tire shines out there that work well along with lots of positive reviews on specific tire shines, but how do I know which one to choose? An article that would compare all the best tire shines and list their pros and cons like: shine, durability, cost, etc; would be extremely helpful!
I think the authors should choose any category like the one I just described, and compare the best products in that category to give us readers an easier decision when buying our next product. Thanks!
Awesome comments! I will be sure to pass your suggestions along to our authors and if you ever have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us!
very little , went through Todd C DETAIL ACADEMY , feel I’m several steps a head of average beginner
work so far on own & family vehicles
Detailed Image appeal : product selection & pricing points (wholesale)
No favorite manufacturer but I DO LOVE my RupesLHR75E &RupesLHR21E
READ both , blog & detailing guide
read ALL articles on the blog
no favorite author, all are very knowledgeable .
suggestions for authors: review &update old blogs. : update your favorite product & equipment list
Thank you for the comments and I am happy to hear you are enjoying our products and the wholesale program! The Rupes are really great machines and they have truly changed the detailing game. As always, please do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions, concerns, or you simply would like some recommendations!
Your articles are so informative and eye opening to someone who thought get a rag wash the car wax if you absolutely have to…OK its looks good.
Now things are a little more involved.
A question I have is how to clean a touch screen, I just picked up my Tesla P85 and as you may know a massive 17″ touch screen that controls the car functions.
I just drove the car from Rochester NY to Plantation FL and while the trip was without issues by the time I got home the screen was a mess with fingerprints.
What would you suggest to clean the screen and any thoughts on screen protectors or coating that will not pick up every little fingerprint?
Thanks
Steve
Thanks Steve. I normally just use a slightly dampened towel with water or Optimum No-Rinse for such screens, but I don’t know what exactly Tesla recommends. I’d ask them if there are any issues and if they have a recommended cleaner, but you should be fine with something mild. Also, I’m not sure what’s the best screen protector (may be another thing to ask Tesla directly) but it’s definitely a good idea in order to protect the screen both from fingerprints as well as future cleaning.
■How much experience do you have with car detailing?
I’ve ‘stepped up’ my game over the last two years or so. I was taught briefly how to use a rotary buffer some time back which has helped a lot! Also will be doing Todds Detail Academy later this year which will make me want to get my hands on more cars & make them shiny!
■Do you work only on your own vehicles or for paid customers?
Started on my own vehicles & gained experience on them. I do a little work for a car importer which is great, my first car for him was an Aston Martin! For him I have also done a Ferrari F430 & other Astons, but most of the time it’s late models BMWs. Also do a few MR2s & others through the local MR2 club. Hoping to get a work mates hot rod club interested in my work after Todd’s class.
■If paid, what is the frequency of work? Full-time, part-time, weekends, etc.?
Not very frequent at the moment. Mostly some weekends & after work. Hope to take on more work with more experience.
■What about Detailed Image is most appealing to you as an online store for car detailing products?
Great range of products. Sadly though I don’t order very often as I have to get the products into New Zealand & the conversion rate plus extra shipping drives the prices up. Also doesn’t help when some of the products I want won’t run on our voltage!
■Do you have a favorite manufacturer? If so, what manufacturer is it and why?
I like using Meguiars mainly because the supplier is ‘just around the corner’ & always have a full range as well as being a reliable brand. I also get wholesale which helps! I have been getting in some Blackfire & Chemical Guys as well.
■Are you usually reading the blog or the detailing guide or both?
I read both. When I first discovered DI I spent hours reading & picking up hint & tips from the guides. Now I look forward to the articles as there’s always something new to learn from the pros!
■What type of articles do you usually follow on the blog?
I like reading the ones about coatings. It’s not a common thing here in New Zealand & something I would love to be shown how to apply properly. Also the articles that detail how a car has had a paint restoration & the steps involved along with products used & the explanation of problem areas.
■Do you have a favorite author you follow? If so, why?
I have to say it all started with Todd. I read a quite a few of his articles from Googling the net for Ferrari pics (I build models) & from those I found the Ask A Pro blog. Looking at the cars he has worked on inspired me to take cleaning cars that journey further forward.
■Lastly, what suggestions do you have for the authors of the DI Ask-A-Pro Blog?
No suggestions that I can think of. But I would like to see an article about paint depth gauges. How the work, how to use them etc.
Thanks Ivan for this article. It is great to read what other readers do. It’s been great to share!
Brae
Thank you for the comments and for reading the blog all the way from New Zealand! If you ever have any questions please let us know. We will be sure to take you suggestions to heart and hopefully we have a paint gauge article out in the future!
1. How much experience do you have with car detailing?
Thirteen years total, full time detail business the last 4.
2. Do you work only on your own vehicles or for paid customers?
Paid customers
3. If paid, what is the frequency of work? Full-time, part-time, weekends, etc.?
Full-time
4. What about Detailed Image is most appealing to you as an online store for car detailing products?
Haven’t purchased from you guys yet, mainly come here to read.
5. Do you have a favorite manufacturer? If so, what manufacturer is it and why?
Couldn’t choose just one. Have a favorite for different situations. Mirka, Megs, Menzerna, Adam’s, etc.
6. Are you usually reading the blog or the detailing guide or both?
Blog
7. What type of articles do you usually follow on the blog?
I enjoy reading about others success in business.
8. Do you have a favorite author you follow? If so, why?
Not as of yet, only been visiting for a few months.
9. Lastly, what suggestions do you have for the authors of the DI Ask-A-Pro Blog? (General and specific answers are all welcome)
Thank you for the comments and we are happy to hear that you are enjoying the AAP Blog! I noticed that you mentioned you have a full time detailing business and have never purchased from us before. We do actually have a wholesale program that might be of interest to you. In our wholesale program the more you spend, the more you save. You will not be able to use coupon codes in this program, however this program will allow you to save big on every purchase without having to wait for the use of sales and coupon codes. If interested, all you need to do is fill out a simple form on our Wholesale page (https://www.detailedimage.com/Wholesale/), and I will set up your account asap. We hope that this is simply a small way for you to save on your detailing supplies for your business!
Perfect, had no idea you had a wholesale program.
Thanks!
How much experience do you have with car detailing? -Not much, I’ve just done some claying and waxing
Do you work only on your own vehicles or for paid customers? -My own and family
What about Detailed Image is most appealing to you as an online store for car detailing products? -While I haven’t ordered anything yet, the site seems like an excellent resource to get everything I need in one place
Do you have a favorite manufacturer? If so, what manufacturer is it and why? -I tend to lean towards Meguiars, that’s all my family has ever used, so theres a fair amount of loyalty there
Are you usually reading the blog or the detailing guide or both? -Just digging in, and I plan to read bot, a lot!
What type of articles do you usually follow on the blog? -Everything so far
Do you have a favorite author you follow? If so, why? -None, yet, although Ivan’s articles have provided some good reading so far!
Lastly, what suggestions do you have for the authors of the DI Ask-A-Pro Blog? (General and specific answers are all welcome) -None yet. I have lots of questions though. I just bought a tuxedo black F-150, and I want to make her shine!
1. I have been detailing since 1978
2. I have was an owner operator of a shop for over 25 years. Professional Car Wash and Detaing had done an article on my shop back in 2004.
3. I had a full time shop with anywhere from 8-12 employees
4. I wish they had a detailed image back in the day it would have helped all of us in the industry back then
5. Manufacture’s since I am in manufacturing now, I manufacture a synthetic sealant and interior protection products for a national company. Manufacture’s an products the thing I learned a long time ago don’t put all your eggs in one basket, you need to be open at looking at and trying everything you will the products and company’s you like working with and the products that give you the best results.
6. I go through it all the Blog, and detailing guide there is some good info out there from all of you guys, anybody that wants to be the best at his craft should be in here everyday. I have learned a ton just by reading a listening to all of you. YOU R NEVER TO OLD LEARN!
7. I think the best stuff for somebody of my experience, but not being in the day to day detailing of vehicles is equipment, you guys reading these guys blogs need to pay close attention to the equipment, I think one of the biggest things is the use of DA’s this has revolutionized our industry. Remember detailers the ones that make this a career need to know what we do is a craft, this is an art form it is something you believe in a live it, it is not a job.
8. Everybody that is an author on this site has something good to provide we should all take it in.
9. As far as suggestions let’s all keep bringing the best of our world on all phases, equipment, technic, and products to front for all of us to be the best at our craft.
Ivan I thank You and all the others that take the time to provide all of us part timers, full timers, and weekender’s with the most up to date info in our industry, over he last 3-4 month’s I have followed this site very closely and it has made me want to get back in to opening up my shop again, even at 56 I still do paint correction for clients I have had for over 30 years, doing this full time again has become a reality again because of all the fun I am missing out on.
10. Since being in manufacturing the last 7- 10 years I have come across many different products in sealant, and paint coatings world. It’s funny how we used to talk about Wax and Sealants, now it’s paint coatings and sealants, how the times have changes in our industry over the last 35 years.
Thanks Again to all the authors and readers in Detailed Image.
Steve Winfield formerly Eastwind Auto Detail
1. How much experience in car detailing? I have detailing cars for 18 years.
2. Work on own or paid? Both.
3. If paid. weekends or full/part time, frequent? I work part time at my house for paid customers.
4. What about detailed image that is most appealing? The range of professional products.The blog and the how to guide.Customers service is great also.
5. Favorite manufacturer and why? Blackfire, Great sealant. Chemical Guys, great detail sprays, Meguiars M105 and M205.
6. Read the Guide or the Blog: I read both the guide and the blog.great information. It is like having an instructor at your house.
7. What articles do you follow on the Blog: Mainly paint correction.
8. Favorite author and why?; I like all of them. But Todd Cooperider is amazing and I Iike watching is videos.
9. What suggestions for authors?: I don’t have any. But. when I read an article on correction and the paint meter comes up. I would like to know how to read one.What micron number is safe and not safe .
.
1. Been “washing and waxing” my own cars for about 20 years now. Just recently got into using better methods and better products, thanks in part to Detailed Image.
2. I only work on my car and my wife’s car. I do help out on friends cars with advice and elbow grease.
3. I’m no pro, I don’t get paid.
4. The most appealing aspect of DI for products are the descriptions and reviews by pros.
5. I’ve used Meguiars almost exclusively, mostly because they are readily available at the local store and are comparatively inexpensive. If I had more expertise and time, I would definitely try out LOTS of other products just for comparisons sake.
6. I read the blog and re-read the detailing guide when I need to brush up on something.
7. I follow most of the blog topics; product reviews, how-to’s, pro detailing jobs.
8. No favorite, although I like Todd’s writing style.
9. I’d like to see more articles tailored for the “every man”. I like taking care of my car and love when it looks good. But my cars are daily drivers and they encounter daily dirt, mud, water, rain, snow, dust. I’m lucky if I get to do my version of a complete detail every 6 months or so. Teach me how to make it easier.
(1.) 25 years w/a buffer (an ancient heavy Sioux awaiting repair/restore) I have a single speed Milwaukee, 2 Flex rotaries (one w/a 3″back-4″ pad) 1 Flex orbital.(2) All. (3) Many of the products here are new to me. Still reading feed back and evaluate each one. (4) The high end cars/correction stories. By using them as a basic guide, regular el cheapo jobs are easier to make tremendous improvements. (5) Just needing a simple answer: 3M’s polish 6064 is compared to what other polishes? Glaze primary is Malco Plumb Crazy. What is better? Sealant is Wizards. No wax, does not last. (7) Follow a majority of articles. (8) None, still very new here. (9) I too would like more hardcore everyday refurbished cars & truck to go w/the high end. I also do Semi-Tractors p/time for a fellow a county away, on call weekends, holidays, ect. That is some hardcore correction.