How to Maintain a Satin Finish on Automotive Paint
For most people, a car is one of the most expensive purchases they will make in their lives. For that reason, keeping their car looking clean, shiny and new is a priority. With newer cars, maintaining a satin finish is very easy. Most new paint comes with a shiny coating, and the only thing the car owner has to do is keep it clean, washing and buffing it regularly. If you have an older car, however, it may be necessary to wax your car to get that satin finish look.
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Things You'll Need
- Watering hose
- Bucket
- Car wash solution
- Mitt or sponge
- 100 percent cotton towel
- Soft, clean cloth (optional)
- Wax (optional)
Instructions
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1
Using a gentle spray from the hose (avoid heavy pressure), wet the car from top to bottom, gently rinsing off loose dirt particles.
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2
Fill a bucket with water and add the amount of car-washing solution recommended on the bottle.
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3
Dip the mitt or sponge into the solution and begin washing the roof of the car in big circular motions.
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4
Rinse the roof of the car immediately and thoroughly after cleaning it with the car wash solution in order to avoid leaving any remaining residue clinging to the car.
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5
Work your way from the top of the car to the bottom, washing and rinsing immediately until the entire car is clean. Dip your wash mitt or sponge into a bucket of clear water after washing each section of the car to remove any grit or grime it may have collected.
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6
Dry the car immediately using a 100 percent cotton towel. Begin at the top of the car and move in a circular buffing motion across each surface until all the water is gone and the car is completely dry. If you have a newer car, this should be sufficient to leave it with a satin finish. If your car is older and needs waxing, move on to Step 7.
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7
Apply car wax with a soft clean cloth to the car in the manner advised by the manufacturer. Begin at the top of the car and continue to work your way down, buffing the car until it is bright and shiny.
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Tips & Warnings
In warm weather, it is best to wash your car once a month.
If you notice bird droppings on your car, try to remove them immediately. The acid in the bird droppings can severely damage your paint job.
