The BASIC NECESSITIES for a detailing garage (how to start from scratch)!

As we set up our own detailing garage, we thought it would be a good time to go over the bare essentials - the detailing basics - for your garage at home. We go over what you need, what you might eventually want, and we explain WHY. This is a podcast aimed primarily at the home enthusiast, but we also touch on strategies for professional detailers and their shops.
Products mentioned:
BEGINNER RINSELESS WASH KIT: bit.ly/RinselessWashKit
WHEEL CLEANING KIT: bit.ly/WheelCleaningKit
Here’s a video we reference about why you don’t need 2 buckets to wash your car….
The 2-bucket wash method is dead! • THE 2-BUCKET CAR WASH ...
What are your at-home garage essentials?!
Web site:diydetail.com/
Podcast:bit.ly/DIYDetailPodcast
#autodetailing #diydetail #yvanlacroix #carwash #claytowel #detailing #detalingtip #howtodetailacar #detailing101

[@drive2siva]

I have simple needs. I see Nick and Yvan on my KZbin feed and I click it😂..great vid as always and congrats on ur new home

[@diydetailofficial]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@steveclark2426]

Look forward to seeing what you do with your new building. I’m in eastern Ontario. I built my shop from scratch. Heated floors with floor drains. My walls are steel roofing ceiling is vinyl panels. I use high bay 150 watt LED lighting ( amazing for paint correction). I use portable soft box photography lighting for the sides. I’m the enthusiast that does some paying jobs ( seems to be growing) Thanks for all that you share!

[@diydetailofficial]

Very cool!

[@Cliff1029]

can't wait to watch the transformation.

[@diydetailofficial]

We are impatient as well

[@TheCarDetailingChannel]

WOW congratulations on the acquisition fellas!! It’s so cool to follow both of your journeys. I feel like I know Yvan at this point after learning from him for over 10 years and he has no clue who I am 😂. Also, look how far Nick has come from the days of Hawkpro to now running a business that is putting out solid products.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks so much!!

[@soothy69]

Ahhh I love the renovation of garages and the initial set up phase so thanks for taking us with you guys on this trip.

[@diydetailofficial]

Our pleasure!

[@kevind_53]

The detailing cart is my must have with good lights. My polishing cart had a power bar screwed to it so my machine was alway plugued in and I had a light on the side of it. It was my portable laterral wall light. Just need to connect the extension to the wall and good to go. Hope you will continu to take us along for the shop transformation. I feel lile you complicity got a level up. You are a very good team guys. Have a good week end🚀

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you

[@scottmattern482]

I have a line of double T8 fluorescent light across my garage ceiling. Then I use a couple portable bright LED work lights for polishing or coatings. I also use a headlamp and a handheld color match light to check my work.

[@diydetailofficial]

Excellent

[@timkinley1779]

Hopefully no goofy hex lights.

[@lisaogembo473]

Nick looks much better😊 and nice to see Mrs there too. Happy renovation.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you!

[@adamkwasnaza]

One of my best improvements to my home based detailing garage was moving my 60gal compressor to the basement of my home and just running an air line to the garage. It cut down on the noise, and I didn’t have this huge piece of equipment taking up valuable floor space.

[@diydetailofficial]

Excellent

[@23dothedew]

Nick with that FRESH new cut! My God!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks

[@willoverkill8461]

The Gardena retractable garden hose reel has been terrific to me. I expected it would get snagged when retracting all the time but not the case, just lay the hose out infront of the unit, use a towel in your hand to clean the hose as it retracts and let it wind itself in. Hose is good quality, reel is wall mounted and swivels. I got it at Canadian Tire here in Canada. Look forward to seeing lighting recommendations, I have 4 florescent tube lights that are bright but ugly; after 10 years I'd like to touch up the epoxy floor by the garage door, paint and do new lighting.

[@diydetailofficial]

Excellent!

[@rodautodetailing]

Congrats on the new space. Very exciting!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you!!

[@BriFree100]

Really interesting vid guys! I wish you every success with your new venture! I’m sure it will look very different in a few months!! 👍

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you so much! Yes, many changes on the way…

[@peterdoherty7282]

Thanks guys! Always informative and fun to watch. I’m just in the middle of building out my shop and wash bay. And I guess I was lucky enough to think it out well from the start, as I think you suggestions were all part of the plan I drew up from the start. I can’t wait to see your build as you go… I think my build should be finished this weekend. Pete

[@diydetailofficial]

That is awesome!

[@JeanPhilippeStPierre]

Another inspiring video. Good luck with your new garage!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks

[@detailersgarage]

Congrats on new space! It will be awesome & looking forward to seeing the end results. Great info as always. Nick the haircut looks sharp buddy. Happy new year Gents 🙏

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you

[@waxmanvids5015]

X Hose Pro fabric hose from Menards work awesome! Built on shut off valve, super light and low kink. Easy storage as shrinks up when empty.

[@diydetailofficial]

Nice

[@beauschneider6848]

Wow! Omaha, NE?! I have family out there so now I can visit a physical store in the future... I hope? Haven't used your products yet but I've heard good things from Pan the organizer. Personally I can't wait to try your interior ceramic spray

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks

[@darryl_quinn]

Proud of you two.

[@diydetailofficial]

thank you very much!

[@Spirited282]

Very good tips guys. Finally having my own home and planning to build a double garage this year. Been looking at Pan's and a few other detailer's garages for ideas as well since last year, haha. The plastic you mention for the walls i remember them well having grown up on a farm. Congrats on your new place as well.

[@diydetailofficial]

Excellent

[@matthewneil6119]

I have 4 8ft sections of led lights on the ceiling, makes a big difference

[@diydetailofficial]

Nice!

[@jasoncraig7096]

I have a 20x48 shop with 16 ft ceiling and have 10 Barrina 8 ft 5000k lights. Additionally I just added 4ft lights on the sides and rear. Makes a huge difference!!!

[@diydetailofficial]

Cool

[@jiml9855]

Nice clean look Nick!

[@HawkProDetailing]

thanks!

[@erock801]

so good!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you 😊

[@martinrichard1235]

Félicitations les gars je suis vraiment content pour vous deux Longue vie et beaucoup de contrat à venir..!!! 💪🏼👍🏼

[@diydetailofficial]

Merci!

[@RaldasDetails]

Amazing video!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you

[@locar12]

Nice refreshing look, Nick 👌🏽👌🏽 Congratulations Yvan & Nick to your new workshop! If i have this huge amount of space, on top of the garage tiles, i might have a dedicated area for wash (wet) , and dedicated area for detail (dry) that can handle some wet. This way, i can manage more the dirt coming off my car, but that's just my thoughts. Cheers to an exciting new year DIY Detail crew!! 🍻

[@diydetailofficial]

Sounds great.

[@ryanl8653]

Slat walls are great, has tons of accessories available, keeps things off the floor, does not protrude into floor space, and collect clutter much like horizontal surfaces do. Also available in FRP and Aluminum. Typicaly has more load capacity than pegboard.

[@diydetailofficial]

Cool

[@neilwalker5041]

I have been really struggling about setting up my small garage because every idea in my head seemed plain. I love the idea of panels for the walls to help with moisture control. I live in Nashville and simply having a sheet and a half of drywall was being quoted at $950. I like white walls too because paint booths are white for a good reason. People laugh at this but the bucket from applying aggregate concrete sealer makes for the best buckets. I do prefer older cool buildings and your building is super cool. With those high ceilings you could install a basketball hoop and play horse. I know you can afford to go all out but I hope you stay intolerant of waste while making a cool shop. Thank you for the fun video.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks

[@user-ij1np3ql9e]

Omaha has some amazing old buildings. Looking forward to having a place close enough to grab my detailing supplies from locally.

[@diydetailofficial]

Still best to buy supplies from the website, but you’re welcome to come by once we have it renovated 😀

[@FelixBouchardDetail]

Good luck guys!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you

[@massformationpsychosis7681]

Big hype for this video

[@diydetailofficial]

It will be fun

[@oRedRaider]

Exciting times!!!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks

[@dtna]

Ivan, you should create a consulting biz for developing detailing shops. You're probably the most qualified.

[@erock801]

he did. vids also on YT.

[@diydetailofficial]

I’ve been doing that for 30 years

[@DetailingMadeSimple]

Great video!!! When I get a home that’s what I really want is the FRP. I like the slight extra lighting it gives. Hopefully you make a tutorial on adding LED light for the garage door. That’ll be fantastic. Should you invest in having a drain? In the garage. Most garages don’t come with drains.

[@diydetailofficial]

We have a drain, and I consider it essential if your running a business.

[@DetailingMadeSimple]

@@diydetailofficial great. Yes because most home garages don’t have any and I would have to see a great quote for that

[@JohnBlakeJr]

My garage was designed by an old school mechanic. Two car garage and it has an aluminum pole shed (great for washing a vehicle in the shade) attached to the garage. Currently, it’s cluttered with stuff.

[@DetailingMadeSimple]

@@JohnBlakeJr that’s a great alternative too for sure 💪💪

[@TheJared1445]

As a carpet cleaner it’s funny to hear someone else a little outside my industry call fans “air movers”. I personally use both terms. But most people use the term fans.

[@diydetailofficial]

It’s a 2 way street

[@MNpicker]

FRP FTW!! I used to work at a 5500 head pig farm (sow breading and farrowing) we had FRP on every wall.. We foamed harsh chem and pressure washed (HOT water 3500 psi 6 gpm) every wall.. every week.. I put that FRP through the ringer lol.. its good stuff..if you have the funds.. You NEED FRP👌

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks

[@RCdetails203]

Wish my 1 car garage was bigger..it does have a small drain in the middle but I won’t pressure wash inside, I put the beyond bright super nova 7,000 lumen light in the existing light socket and then I hung 2 shop lights they are just cheap 4 footers from Home Depot and the combination of those 3 lights gives me really good over head light and if I need to see the sides better I have a porter cable work light I move around, I have a heat storm 5200 btu wall mounted heater but no insulation (I’m in Connecticut) so it only gets the garage to around 15-20 degrees above the outside temperature, I would invest in insulation but currently just renting this house from my uncle until we can buy our own house which having a bigger garage is going to be a must for me lol

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you for sharing.

[@stevenv9224]

Is that the new diy place👍🏻👍🏻💪🏼💪🏼

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@vincentlallo6543]

i always wanted a old fashioned wringer washer for my dream garage

[@diydetailofficial]

They are cool

[@thomasgarrity1762]

Do you still need a drain if your garage slopes outward? Also, do you recommend that the garage floor has some sort of an epoxy before laying down the tile you used in your old garage to protect the concrete from any chemicals that could end up causing it to deteriorate?

[@diydetailofficial]

Some municipalities don’t take kindly to water run off. Yes some form of sealer is good

[@argjendsalihu905]

Im 17 years old and i wanna start a detailing business i dont know if im going to get costumers i dont really have a garage right now but im into builiding one i rlly appreciate the effort u put on the videos it gives me an idea about everything u need when becoming a detailer thank you

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for watching,

[@timkinley1779]

Try punctuation. It shows where one thought ends and another begins.

[@05xrunner]

i have 24 4foot Led 4000k temp garage strips in my garage. For me 6500k is to cool for my liking and 4000k is close to natural daylight. My garage isnt very tall maybe 7foot and I still wish I had more lighting but I dont want to add anymore.

[@diydetailofficial]

Nice

[@SuperDaveguitar]

5200 Kelvin is close to daylight- not cool or warm. 4000k is fairly warm.

[@David-Godin]

Great video and congratulations on the new place. It sounds like adding levels to your kits on your websites with Amazon affiliate links is in your future. Maybe a basic wash kit like you have already but then a Plus version and then an Ultra with links for all the products that you recommend but don't sell

[@diydetailofficial]

That's a great idea!

[@WillSin070685]

Are you going to do workshops? I’m in Nebraska not far from Omaha. How exciting!

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@jamesp57867]

I have the LED lights over head. Four of them. I need some stand lighting. And recommendations?

[@diydetailofficial]

Nothing specific, find what works for you.

[@garyaubin7889]

Good luck with the new location guys! Off the topic, Yvan, how do you like the battery foamer you used in your last rinseless video? Worth the money?

[@diydetailofficial]

So far so good

[@graemefeeney2256]

Nice video as always. Quick question : if my biggest concern was water spots on my black car parked at work during 12hr shifts, as well as rain/dew, industrial fallout (from concrete manufacturing plants nearby) is my best option Wax protection? I currently own an unopened tub of Bowdens Beaut Beads wax. If wax isn’t my best level of protection for my concerns what is? TIA from an Aussie fan.

[@diydetailofficial]

A ceramic coating topped with a wax

[@davidboyce6427]

Triumph TR6 👌

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes

[@AerialAdvantageImages]

Hey guys I just ordered a bunch of your products after watching almost all of your videos but specifically have a question if you have a video on how to care for the decontamination towel as I don't recall seeing that information given. If you have a video that you could point me to or if you could provide that information in an upcoming video that would be greatly appreciated!

[@diydetailofficial]

It’s quite easy, rinse it clean, allow it to dry, once dry, then roll it up with the red side out, store in a cool place.

[@wescat2]

Nick and Yvan. This was such a nice change of pace from your regular videos. Lots of great information. Are you guys cutting up the concrete to install a water drain trough?

[@diydetailofficial]

We will have it ground and sloped

[@wescat2]

@@diydetailofficial Would love to see the entire process. Hope that is in the works. Congrats on buying your own place.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks

[@SuperDaveguitar]

Congrats, Yvan and Nick, on the new space! Im curious why you would use such a cool, blue light. Blue or violet light can cause eye strain and dryness, according to a web search. It is also supposed to be harder to see details. There may be other health concerns, such as loss of sleep from that, as it is recommended to avoid blue computer screens or phones too close to bed time. As a photographer, I learned there is nothing as clear as sunlight temperature, which is a range near 5200 kelvin.

[@diydetailofficial]

6000k works best for seeing defects

[@johnfreeman440]

6000k is nowhere near cool or blue. That's more in the 2500-3000k temp.

[@SuperDaveguitar]

@@johnfreeman440 2500 to 3000 is definitely in the warm part of the spectrum.

[@CarsWithKeav]

Good luck on the new shop. I’d give some tips based on my garage build, but I don’t have time to write a novel on what not to do. 🤣🤣🤣 FRP would be my choice next time though. Vinyl sheet is too flimsy.

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for the tips!

[@JohnBlakeJr]

Checking FRP panel prices at local big box store: Sequentia 48-in x 96-in Smooth White Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (Frp) Abstract Wall Panel, $83 each. And Sequentia 48-in x 96-in Embossed (not smooth) White Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (Frp) Abstract Wall Panel $43. (North Carolina) Aluminum roofing: Union Corrugating 2.16-ft x 8-ft Ribbed Silver Galvanized Steel Roof Panel $29 each. Not sure which would be most cost effective and or durable to install and use.

[@diydetailofficial]

The galvanized finish eventually starts looking rough, a painted finish is better

[@adamkwasnaza]

What’s your thoughts on 4000k color temperature lights for a shop? My local Habitat for Humanity Restore has 15 4 foot waterproof 4500 Lumen Metalux lights for half price off retail. Was tempted to get them for my shop.

[@diydetailofficial]

It’s a little yellow, but better than no light

[@johngross1952]

I have 10,000 watt fluorescent LED lights (T8) that I got at Home Depot, about $42 each. They have 3 settings for lighting. I put 4 in each garage bay...excellent lighting. Also use a battery powered hand held light for interior places. Good luck in the new place!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks for the info!

[@mikezupancic2182]

For anyone watching, they sell the FRP at Home Depot or Lowes and is a decent expense. The glue is even worse. But, its what you need at a minimum in commercial restaurants and other places prone to water use.

[@diydetailofficial]

True

[@nopiatl]

Never thought about that "stuff"

[@diydetailofficial]

Hope it was helpful!

[@SlowDiscoFourOneNine]

I am getting my shop around now to open for business. I have been out of the detailing game for 20 years. I ordered a boatload of stuff from DIY Detail to use. My question is on cars that have on baked on brake dust on the rims. Do you recommend an acid to release it? Unfortunately from past experience not everyone takes care of their vehicle. I did get a bottle of the “All Clean” in my purchase. Is that strong enough to break the year old baked on crap off? lol thanks for all the great info you provide.

[@diydetailofficial]

A combination of DIY Detail All Clean and DIY Detail Iron Remover will get them clean. Acid works but it’s too much of a risk. If the customer let them get that bad, they may not care as much as you do.

[@SlowDiscoFourOneNine]

@@diydetailofficialthanks for the guidance! Should I use the All clean 1st then the iron remover?

[@Burtannia]

For someone considering starting their own detailng shop, how much space would you suggest?

[@diydetailofficial]

A 20x 30 foot space is comfortable

[@bishoprain9287]

Sorry to bug you guys, but I'm hoping you guys do a video that no one is doing, which is, explaining the topic of surfactants vs polymer and which is better and why and how they work and differ from each other, because you guys are the only ones who seem to know what time it is!!! 😆

[@diydetailofficial]

Thanks, we use a combination of both, as they each serve a purpose.

[@davidboyce6427]

Surfactants : Degreaser,Soaps and APC’s those products have foaming capabilities when it comes to cleaning Polymers on the other hand clean/shine but are giving you the foaming capabilities. Example: Waterless washes and it seems majority rinseless washes give little to no foam.

[@davidboyce6427]

Now here are some exceptions to rinseless foaming soaps: ADG Fuzion, DIY Rinseless, . Detail POPO and McKees has one as well. Good luck in your decisions👍

[@leftyo9589]

a bucket of flat white paint(brightens things way up), some decent lights, and a cheap ceiling fan.

[@diydetailofficial]

Agreed

[@papachaps]

Getting a new shop “make sure to have 2 buckets” hmmm that’s crazy no way!

[@diydetailofficial]

One for washing, one for wheels

[@papachaps]

@@diydetailofficial For anyone cleaning a car that might be a good idea. I figured there would be some more shop oriented suggestions? Such as reels? Air compressor? heat? water? How to properly set those things up? Shop vac or central vac stuff like that...

[@papachaps]

suggestions on shop security or the levels of safety acceptable/ recommended ? Can you coat a car in any shop or no because of dust etc? How to maybe increase income when you now have shop.

[@diydetailofficial]

That will come

[@MarctheBikeWasher]

The best hose is a Flexzilla

[@diydetailofficial]

Cool

[@AndrewTa530]

got rid of the mullet?

[@diydetailofficial]

Yes!

[@gspam154]

Yeti buckets aren't insulated. They are an excellent, far sturdier, ridiculously expensive bucket. The Rolex of buckets. Needed for car detailing? No. Ice fishing or on the boat? Yes.

[@diydetailofficial]

Cool

[@derekbelton5932]

Personally I think heat is a necessity can have all the lights in the world but if it’s a refrigerator ain’t spending much time in there

[@diydetailofficial]

So true

[@jonsmail8082]

On my he got a hair cut😎😎

[@diydetailofficial]

lol yes

[@jonsmail8082]

@@diydetailofficial LOL per Nick.....LOL

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

First!!!

[@diydetailofficial]

Thank you

[@1stfrompuertorico568]

​@@diydetailofficialclearly remembered when you rebuilt Nick's Garage 👌👌👌