AUTOMOTIVE PAINT CARE

Keeping the paint clean on your vehicle can add years of life to the finish on your vehicle. The important thing to remember when performing any work to your vehicles paint is to do it whenthe metal is cool, whether washing or waxing. Washing your vehicle weekly is recommended,unless it isn't a daily driver.

Items needed to properly clean your vehicle are: car wash soap that is PH balanced and non-detergent that doesn't remove the existing wax, a five gallon bucket, a wash mit, a microfiber drying cloth or chamois, detailing clay bar or products designed to remove tree sap or tar, wax and grease remover or tar remover, carnauba car wax, poly foam wax applicator and a micro fiber polishing cloth. Always clean interior and jambs before the outside, then wash tires and wheels.

1) WASHING - Using a garden hose, completely soak the vehicle as to remove any build up of dirt and road debris. In a clean, five gallon bucket, add car wash soap, not detergent. With a clean wash mit, lightly wash 2-3 panels and then rinse off as to not let the soap dry on the vehicle. Continue until the entire vehicle is washed and rinsed.

2) DRYlNG - Using a micro fiber drying cloth or chamois, start with glass and then top surfaces and work your way down. Always remember, if any of your cleaning supplies, like the wash mit or chamois ever touch the ground, stop and clean thoroughly as they might pick up the smallest of dirt particles that will damage the paint.

3) BUG, TAR & SAP REMOVAL - After washing, if you have any road debris on the finish, this will need to be removed before waxing. Always remember to use proper products and never rub hard with pressure.

For bug and tar removal, use the appropriate liquid remover by soaking a clean 100% cotton cloth with product and hold it on area until the debris losens enough to lightly wipe off. This might take several applications.

For tree sap, use hot water soaked on a rag. Use the same method as with the bug and tar. Do this method to remove the bulk of tree sap. Next, try some liquid tree sap remover using the same technique. With any of these, if there is minor debris still on the finish, a clay bar might be the last resort. Make sure to keep the clay bar clean and damp. If the clay bar ever hits the ground or picks up any dirt, throw it away and get a new one.

First, spray the area continuously with a spray bottle while lightly wiping the clay bar over the area. When the bar flattens out too much, it may be necessary toknead or fold water into the bar as to make it a thick, flat surface. Always read directions on the usage of the product.

4) WAXING - Using the proper wax applicator, apply wax one panel at a time with a minimal amount of wax applied to the applicator. With light pressure, apply in a back and forth motion, going the same direction as from the front of the vehicle to the back. After applying one panel, allow to dry as per product information and remove with microfiber polishing cloth or one comparable. If you have molding, handles or textured parts close to the area to be waxed, make sure to use masking tape to cover, as it will be many more hours of work to clean off. Continueone panel at a time until complete. Waxing should be done at least every two to three months, or until water stops beeding off vehicle when water is applied. If you choose to take your vehicle to a car wash, be cautious in using the ones that are automated with brushes and bristles. They pick up all kinds of debris, such as metal shavings from pick up beds and very thin chrome plating that comes off of older vehicle parts. All it takes is one wash to scratch your paint finish on your vehicle. A hand wash is always preferred.

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