| Undoubtedly,
Surface Prep – the step often needed prior to polishing/waxing
- is the least understood area of paint care. Most people don’t
realise that the key to creating the best possible and longest lasting
gloss and protection is to ensure your paint finish is free of bonded
contaminants and any significant imperfections before polishing/waxing.
There is another reason people don’t understand this step
– it can be complicated.
Like so many other things, good preparation
is the key to maximising results. The more a paint finish is “compromised”
by not correcting surface faults or not removing a different brand
of polish/wax, the less depth of colour, gloss and durability
can be achieved. So believe us, it’s worth the effort and
may only need doing once or twice a year.
The best way to determine whether or not
your paint finish needs a separate surface prep step is to check
the surface immediately after washing. Of
course, it’s common to have a variety of problems and some
may only be noticeable in certain conditions or types of light.
In fact, most bonded contaminants are best detected by feeling
rather than looking.
There
are two types of problems to look for:
|
|
Follow
This Procedure
1.
EVALUATION
Check the paint finish immediately after washing (or waterless
washing using Quik Detailer-A3316, Final Inspection-M3416 or Speed
Detailer-G13224). Lighting plays a big part so cross-light with
strong, white fluorescents and a 150 watt portable spotlight to
highlight most imperfections. Feel for bonded contaminants by
running the face of your hand over any top surface.
2.
TESTING
Unless you have a trained eye, it’s often hard to tell the
difference between minor and significant imperfections. Our polishes
and waxes will often rectify fine or minor faults, so it’s
worth testing a section on the bonnet or bootlid to gauge the
severity of any problems. A Surface Prep step will definitely
be needed to correct anything that can’t be removed by polishing/waxing.
3.
PRODUCT SELECTION
The following surface preparation products are recommended for
use:-
- Quik Clay (G1116)
is a must-have for every car enthusiast. Unless a vehicle is
kept under wraps 24/7, at some stage the paint finish will be
affected by above surface bonded contaminants. Check out this
independent product review by Auto Salon magazine.
Applications: Completely
non-abrasive and literally grabs hold and lifts off most bonded
contaminants, leaving the finish as smooth as glass.
Tip: The clay bar should last a year
or two when stored in a clean resealable bag.
- Paint Cleaner (A3016A)
is a non-aggressive product with a unique penetrating formula
that chemically removes minor surface contaminants and mild
imperfections as well as previously applied polishes & waxes.
Applications: Removes bug splatter,
road tar, bird droppings, minor levels of water spotting and
industrial fallout as well as light levels of hallowing, cobweb
swirls, oxidation/colour fade, stains, and scuffs
Tip: Great for sharpening the clarity
of new or like-new paintwork with only minor imperfections and
surface contaminants or simply removing other brands of polish/wax.
- ScratchX (G10307)
is the most effective way to remove a variety of imperfections
by hand, while enhancing paint colour and clarity. Not to be
confused with the many “cutting compounds” on the
market, this product will not dull-off or scar the finish.
Applications: Removes mild to medium
levels of pollen/insect deposits, industrial fallout, mineral
deposits, and water spotting as well as light to moderate levels
of scratches, swirls, scuffs, hallowing, oxidation, stains and
etch marks.
Tip: Use for quick touch-ups or to
restore entire paintwork, even on the most sensitive clear coat
finishes.
|
