Proper Paint Prep

The most important thing of any polishing job or hand wax is the prepping. If you're vehicle is not prepped well, you are limited in what you can achieve. If you plan on using wax, it will not last more than a couple of weeks if the paint is not completely cleaned and prepped. So how do you clean and prep a vehicle properly?

1. Start off by rinsing the vehicle thoroughly. You don't want to rub dirt, sand, salt, and other junk into your paint; this will create more imperfections.

2. Use a degreaser or other cleaner that is safe for clear coats. Spray this on the tires, wheels, and wheel wells. With a soft brush, gently clean the same areas. Rinse thoroughly when finished.

3. For vehicles with heavy buildup on wheels, use a solvent that is clear coat safe. Spray on, let sit for 30 seconds, gently brush, and rinse.

4. Use a concentrated degreaser (clear coat safe) and spray in wheel wells, on doors, and sides of the rear bumber. Let this sit for about 5 minutes. Use a pressure washer starting at the bottom to remove the tar. A soft cloth will also work. Rinse when finished.

5. Remove tar using an enamel safe solvent. A small amount of lacquer thinner (believe it or not) on a soft cloth works well. Rinse throughly when finished and make sure to use gloves.

6. Hand wash the vehicle using a soft mitt (not a brush). Pressure washing will still require a hand wash to remove all film.

7. Use a good clay bar (clay magic or 3m brand) to remove surface rust. Water works fine as a lubricant.

8. Rinse and towel dry!

If you have any questions, feel free to call Kyle Brown. 616-540-0126