How To Decontaminate Your Cars Paint - Detailing Beyond Limits

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of decontaminating your car's paint, ensuring a smooth and clean surface ready for polishing and sealing. Proper decontamination is essential for maintaining your vehicle's exterior and enhancing its shine.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

Before starting the decontamination process, collect all necessary supplies to make the task efficient. You will need:

• Decon soap
• Iron remover
• Clay bar or clay towel
• Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
• Sealant
• Rinseless wash
• Glass cleaner
• Tire dressing
• Tire shine brush

You can find some of these products at the following links:

• Decon Soap
• Iron Remover
• Clay Bar
• Clay Towel
• Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
• Sealant

Step 2: Wash the Car

Start with a thorough wash to remove loose dirt and grime:

1. Use a rinseless wash solution to minimize water usage and prevent scratches.
2. Rinse the car with water to remove heavy debris.
3. Use a microfiber mitt or cloth to wash the car, starting from the top and working downwards.

Practical Tip

Always wash in sections to prevent soap from drying on the paint, which can leave spots.

Step 3: Apply Iron Remover

Iron particles can embed in your car's paint and should be removed:

1. Spray the iron remover evenly over the vehicle’s surface.
2. Allow it to dwell for a few minutes to break down the contaminants.
3. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove any residue.

Common Pitfall

Avoid letting the iron remover dry on the paint, as it may cause damage.

Step 4: Clay Bar Treatment

Using a clay bar or clay towel helps to remove remaining bonded contaminants:

1. Lubricate the surface with a clay lubricant or additional rinseless wash.
2. Take a small piece of clay and gently glide it over the surface in a back-and-forth motion.
3. Wipe off any residue with a microfiber towel.

Practical Tip

Regularly check the clay for dirt and fold it to expose a clean surface as needed.

Step 5: Final Wipe with Isopropyl Alcohol

Prepare the surface for sealing by removing any remaining oils or residues:

1. Mix a solution of isopropyl alcohol and water (50/50).
2. Use a clean microfiber towel to wipe down the entire car.
3. Ensure the paint is completely clean and ready for sealing.

Step 6: Apply Sealant

Protect your car's paint with a sealant:

1. Make sure the surface is dry and clean.
2. Apply the sealant according to the product instructions, typically using an applicator pad.
3. Allow it to haze and then buff with a clean microfiber towel.

Conclusion

Decontaminating your car's paint is a vital step in maintaining its appearance and longevity. By following these steps—gathering supplies, washing the car, applying iron remover, using a clay bar, wiping with isopropyl alcohol, and finally applying sealant—you can achieve a smooth, clean surface ready for further detailing. For continued maintenance, consider regular washes and applying sealant every few months. Happy detailing!