How to Clean Car Paint
Cleaning car paint and washing a car are two very different processes. While washing your car removes loose surface dirt, cleaning the paint removes contaminants that are set deep in the finish and can give paint a dull look even when the car is freshly washed. Before you clean your paint, wash your car with soap and water. There's no way to get to the deep-set contaminants if your paint is still covered in mud or road salt.
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Things You'll Need
- Detailing clay with spray lubricant
- Microfiber cloth
- Pre-wax cleaner
- Plastic bag
Instructions
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1
Wait for your car to dry, or wipe it down with the microfiber cloth. Spray a 12-by-12 inch area on your car with the lubricant that comes with detailing clay.
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2
Rub the clay on your car's paint over the lubricated area. Use a back and forth motion and work in rows until you've cleaned the entire area. Before moving on, put your hand in a plastic sandwich bag and feel the surface through the plastic. Feel for any remaining bumps caused by ground-in grit.
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3
Continue to rub the area with the clay until there are no more bumps. Dry the area with a microfiber cloth to remove the clay's residue.
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4
Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to clean the rest of the car. It's safe to use the clay on unpainted metal and glass, but not on the lights or tire rubber.
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5
If there are any lines or swirls on the paint when you've finished, buff them off. Spray the area with pre-wax cleaner and wipe it down again.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the clay periodically for any large debris. Remove any debris immediately, or you could scratch your car. You can use your clay for several cleanings. Mold it to get the clean clay on the surface. Once all of the clay is soiled, it's time to throw it out. If your clay didn't come with lubricant spray, use a mixture of 3 cups lukewarm water to 1 cap full of auto soap. Don't reuse the soapy water you used to wash the car.
Never rub clay on the car without lubricating it first. The lubricant keeps the clay from sticking to the paint.
