A Comprehensive Guide for Lasting Shine and Protection
People are always discussing wax, coatings, and various forms of protection to achieve that coveted shiny and sleek look for their vehicles. However, many fail to grasp the fundamental understanding of what truly imparts shine to the paint and how to effectively enable the protective measures to carry out their intended function.
That being said, there are crucial steps within the preparation stage that must be undertaken to facilitate the proper bonding of any protective product to the paint surface. Among these steps, claying and decontaminating the paint are of paramount importance. It is advisable to perform these procedures on any vehicle at least 2 to 3 times annually. This not only serves to safeguard the integrity of the painted surfaces but also serves to amplify the overall aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.
With this in mind, let’s discuss the four steps that will ensure you are executing the task of cleaning your vehicle with meticulous precision, thereby yielding the most optimal outcomes.
Step 1: Always Pre-Wash and Safely Wash
Superior Auto Mobile Detailing firmly advocate for an effective pre-wash that addresses bugs, tar, iron fallout, and various forms of contamination originating from the diverse range of elements present in Dallas. Our initial focus involves eliminating the bulk of grit and grime during the pre-wash stage without making any direct contact with the vehicle's surface. Subsequently, we shift our attention to the wheels and tires, recognizing them as the most heavily soiled areas of the vehicle. In the last, we execute the contact wash, a meticulous process in which we employ the 2-bucket system featuring grit guards. This strategic approach prevents dirt accumulation on our wash mitts and ensures that our water remains clean, thus promoting a secure and effective cleaning procedure.
Step 2: Iron Fallout
After completing the washing phase, we proceed to the next step, known as the "purple action." It's crucial to exercise caution when working with potent chemicals like iron-based ones. Always ensure you are wearing appropriate protective clothing. Upon application, the iron-based chemical initiates a reaction that transforms its color to purple. This process effectively addresses iron fallout, including the subtle ingrained contaminants that often remain unseen to the naked eye due to their deep penetration into the paint's pores. After allowing the iron-based product to work its magic for approximately 5 minutes, we introduce a layer of foam using our specialized foam cannon. This foam acts as a lubricant during the subsequent clay treatment.
Step 3: Clay Treatment
Including claying in your vehicle's decontamination stage is important. Allowing even the tiniest particles to linger over extended periods can result in damage to your painted surfaces or the accumulation of contaminants. This build-up can, in turn, hinder the proper bonding of any protective products applied subsequently. Engaging in the claying process effectively eliminates deposits like water spots, tree sap, and protein residues from insects and bird droppings.
Step 4: Finish and Protect
Once you have completed the thorough decontamination process, essentially leaving your vehicle in a pristine state, it is highly advisable to apply some form of protection. This could involve polishing or opting for a straightforward hand wax application. Having meticulously removed all traces of contamination from the vehicle and applied your preferred finishing product, your vehicle's surface should now be as smooth and gentle as a baby's skin.
