If you’re looking to keep your car’s paint in top condition, it’s important to regularly decontaminate it. Paint decontamination is the process of removing contaminants such as dirt, tar, and brake dust, that have embedded themselves in the paint. This not only keeps your car looking great, but it also makes it feel slick and increases the bonding strength of any protection applied after. Here are the steps to a decontamination process.
1. Wash Your Car
Before starting the decontamination process, it’s important to give your car a thorough wash. This helps remove any loose dirt or debris from the surface of the paint. Follow our Proper Car Wash Techniques article, to learn step by step how to safely wash your paint without scratching. Use a high-quality car shampoo microfiber wash mitt to gently wash the surface of the vehicle. Followed by rinsing it with a hose or pressure washer to remove any excess residue.
2. Assess the Paint
After washing your car, take a closer look at the paint to determine the extent of the contamination. Look for any surface rust spots or areas that may have a rough texture, which could indicate the presence of contaminants.
3. Use an iron remover
An iron remover is a product that is designed to remove iron particles or brake dust from the paint. Spray the iron remover onto the surface of the paint, and then let it sit for a few minutes. You’ll see the product start to turn purple as it reacts with the iron particles. After a few minutes, rinse the car thoroughly with a pressure washer to remove the remainder of the product from the surface.
4. Use a Clay Bar
Clay is a sticky, clay-like substance that is used to lift contaminants from the surfaces of the paint. To use a clay bar, take a quarter of the bar, knead it in your hands to soften it, and then flatten it out. Spray a lubricant onto the surface of the paint, whether it is a detail spray, clay lube, or rinse less wash. Then gently rub the clay bar over the surface of the paint in a back-and-forth motion, straight line only motion. Use light pressure, and be sure the surface is lubricated with your spray of choice. Once you’ve worked the entire surface of the car, wipe it down with a microfiber towel
or rinse off with a pressure washer to remove any residue.
NOTE: IF YOU DROP YOUR CLAY BAR ON THE GROUND, THROW IT AWAY!
5. Use a Tar Remover
If you still have tar or other stubborn contaminants on the surface of the paint, you can use a tar remover to remove them. Spray the tar remover onto the surface of the paint and let it sit for a few minutes. Using a microfiber towel gently wipe away the tar remnants.
6. Final Wash and Dry
After completing the decontamination process, give your car a final wash to remove any remaining residue, Rinse the car thoroughly, and dry it off with your favorite microfiber drying towel, leaving your smooth, slick, contaminate-free paint.
Overall, paint decontamination is an important step in keeping your car’s paint in top condition. By following these steps, you can remove surface contaminants from the paint and help protect it from damage. Be sure to use high-quality products and take your time to ensure you get the best results.
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