So You Want to Be a Detailer
Episode 2
A Word on Equipment, Tools, and Chemicals –
“You don’t need much to “start.”
One of the most common questions I hear from aspiring detailers is, “What are the essential tools and chemicals I need to get started?” or “What’s the best tool/chemical? It’s exciting to gear up for your new journey—trust me, I get it. You’re ready to go all in. But before reaching for your wallet, let me stop you: don’t splurge. Stick to the basics.
Start Simple
Here’s the real talk you need: you don’t need 30 tools or 50 chemicals to start detailing. Seriously. Start with the essentials. Why? Because when you’re just starting out, you don’t know what you’ll like, what works with your style, or how your processes will develop. Every detailer has their own preferences, and these evolve over time. Buying everything now is like throwing darts blindfolded—it’s expensive, random, and often unnecessary.
To help you begin, here’s a no-frills list of basics to get you going:
Equipment:
- 1–2 buckets
- A shop vac
- Wash media (mitt, sponge, or equivalent)
- High-quality microfiber towels (do not skimp here)
- Brushes (e.g., wheel, tire, interior)
- A couple of spray bottles
Chemicals:
- Rinseless Wash: A versatile option for cleaning almost anything.
- All-Purpose Cleaner (APC): Perfect for wheels, tires, and various surfaces.
- Iron Remover (optional): Handy for wheels and paint decontamination.
- Last Step Product (LSP): Such as a wax or sealant to finish the job.
If rinseless washes don’t appeal to you, sub in a good-quality pH-balanced wash soap and an interior cleaner/protectant like Detail.co Sword or DIY Detail Clean and Protect.
Do You Really “Need” That?
Here’s where I’ll save you a lot of money: You don’t need every fancy gadget you see online. Pressure washers? Extractors? Polishers? Nope. They’re nice to have, but they’re far from essential when you’re just starting out.
Here’s a quick example: I’m currently surviving the detailer grind without a pressure washer (mine broke), and guess what? My work hasn’t skipped a beat—because my technique matters more than any tool ever will.
Let’s talk extractors. Everyone seems to think they’re a must-have, but let me tell you loudly and clearly: you don’t need one. Brushes, cloths, and proper technique can achieve the same (if not better) results, often faster and with less hassle. Save yourself the expense and the storage headache.
Don’t Go Broke “Investing”
You don’t need to spend $3,000 to “invest” in your new venture. You can stockpile everything you actually need for under $500. The key is to spend wisely, start small, and master the basics. Once the money starts rolling in, you can upgrade gradually—and wisely.
When you’re ready to experiment, proceed with caution:
- Buy small quantities first. Don’t commit to a gallon of a product until you’ve tested the 16oz bottle and know it fits your routine.
- Add tools one at a time. Before buying anything, ask yourself:
- Do I truly need this?
- Will it make me more efficient?
- Does it solve a problem I have, or is it just another shiny object?
Let’s be real—most of the industry is built on selling you things you don’t need. Be smarter than the marketing.
The Bottom Line
Technique always wins over tools and products. A great detailer with the basics will outperform someone with every gadget in the catalog but no skill. Master your craft, focus on the essentials, and build your toolkit over time.
If you decide detailing isn’t for you after all? No harm done. You haven’t wasted thousands of dollars on tools and chemicals you’re now selling for pennies on the dollar.
Remember: fewer tools, smarter spending, and relentless dedication to improving your process will always take you further than the gear you own.
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