We vehicle users and owner sometimes neglect the condition of paint of our vehicles. We usually think that having a car wash and a wax is enough to protect our paint. But now a day’s people become more and more sophisticated on the look and class of their vehicle. Usually we just brought our vehicle to a detailer shop to rejuvenate the look and shine.
But actually we can do it by our self, with the proper tools, materials, knowledge and experience. We would like to share some of the knowledge on how to do it so that you yourself can have an experience and idea with regards to taking care of those stubborn paint defects.
Tools, we need to have the right proper tools for each job to have an outstanding result. Here are some needed tools; microfiber towels, brush, rotary buffer, bucket, wash mitts dual action polisher or random orbital polisher some pads and bottle sprayer.
Materials, we need to have proper materials as well so that we can tackle each defect efficiently. Materials needed are good car shampoo, clay bar, quick detailer, paint cleaner, compound, polishes, sealant and wax.
Now here are some steps on how to do it:
Wash the vehicle from top to bottom, use 2 bucket method as possible.
Rinse the vehicle
Inspect for paint surface of the vehicle, if you feel some rough spot, clay that area with a clay bar and clay lub, quick detailer.
Rinse again the vehicle and wipe it dry.
If the paint has some stain that has not been removed by the wash and clay, you might want to use paint cleaner. You can use the random orbit polisher or dual action polisher to apply and remove the paint cleaner using polishing pad.
Now wipe clean the whole vehicle and try to check the paint condition. If you see scratches or swirls try to check how deep it is. To check it, use a tooth pick. If the tip of the tooth pick cannot run across the scratch then that means the scratch went all over the top coat. This kind of scratches will not be removed unless repainted, but can be hidden or improved by a compound and polishes.
Now do a test spot. A test stop is needed to determine how to tackle the paint. Always use least abrasive compound and polish. You can use a rotary buffer or a dual action polisher. Normally if you do a test spot on a vehicle, after discovering the right technique on how to correct the defect, then the next step is to do it all over the vehicle.
After correcting the paint, you might want to protect it. You can use a paint sealant or a wax, or you can apply both for better protection. Be reminded that paint sealant has a curing period so you might want to wait till the paints sealant to cure before applying waxes.
You can do paint correction annually or depending on the condition of the paint. But usually it will depend on how you maintain and take care of your paint. A good car wax and proper materials and a clean environment will help a lot to preserve your vehicle and its finish.
We hope this article would be helpful not only to the enthusiast but also to owners and just users.
