[BavarianBeastTamer]

I just did a massive detail on my jet black car. wash, clay, 3 step paint correction (SIP with Orange pad, 106fa with white pad, and PO805rd with Back), swissvax cleaner fluid, supernatural, with a top layer of pinnacle soveriegn. I spent 20 hours on just the outside of my car this weekend. The paint is absolutely perfect. I wish i would have taken pics with a good camera. I am really happy with my detail. I was just wondering if a great detail always takes this long? and if anyone skips the 106fa. and goes straight to PO 805rd, or just skips the Po 805rd. I personally felt the 805rd was a little better at burnishing the paint. (it may of just been the pad or my imagination). And btw thank you guys. I've learned a lot here.

[fisherbln]

I'm guessing you used a RO PC and not a rotary? It would take much less time with a rotary, but that also comes with a higher chance of damaging your paint. With the right pad selection you could likely do a two-step paint correction with a rotary and look just as nice. I'd estimate 8 hours for me to do the same process as you with a rotary and only two steps of paint correction.

Answer is always that it depends though. Paint damage, level of correction obtained, final result expectation, tools, experience, etc. all factor into the time it will take.

Congrats on the job though, I'm sure you're loving it!

[FLA 335]

detail for me which is just wash, wax, interior, exterior (MY OCD)... about 3 hours... but there isnt a spec of dirt anywhere...

when i gave my car to sheerspeed... 1 step takes about 7-9 hours depending on some panels... so with 3 step, and not detailing as often as sheerspeed that sounds about right... i think he can do 2 step in about 10-13 hours...

[chemgeek]

It took me about 7 hours to do a wash, clay, polish, sealer, wax on my white e90. That is with factory fresh paint (nothing more than minor towel marks). That includes shampooing carpets and wiping down interior, and simply washing the rims and tires. I generally do the interior and clean up the rims when the sealer and wax is drying. Oh and that is with a random orbital machine and hand applied wax coat.

[UncleWede]

After you have it done, it won't take 20 hours any more. Maintenance should run you 5-7 hours if you do it at least annually.

[Bobble]

Should take the 5 to 7 hour time frame once it's been done for the next time as maintenance. Heck it takes me longer to tape off my car then the time it takes to hand apply and remove a coat of wax.

[jopa489]

For a full detail? Maybe 10-12 hours annually. But I move at a leisurely pace and take my time. When I can finally make the time to get it done, it needs to be done right.

[john335i]

Does it really matter....... It's a labour of love and to see the finished product brings a smile to my face just thinking about it.

BTW - 5 - 7 hours

[Envious Eric]

12-15 hours...3 step, max gloss, max defect removal done once...then maintained every six months with a one step...that should be the game plan...but I havent detailed my own car in 18 months now...LOL

[Jean-Claude]

For a trashed car it can take 20+ hours to do up the inside and outside right.

[BavarianBeastTamer]

thanks guys and by the way i used a flex and it's great. Do you think its a great step up to go to a makita. the only drawback with the flex is the backing plate. Btw my car wasn't trashed, i was just being severely anal.