So what is the ‘Just Right’ clearcoat wash product? The proper and ideal slippery, soapy solution for frictionless dirt removal from a vehicles finish, including clearcoat, can be defined by a number of characteristics:
- High-foaming inherent cleaning action
- High lubricity slipperiness, like a lubricant
- Free-rinsing-a solution, in itself, leaves no residue
- pH-balance-a product with an acid-alkaline balance which is slightly alkaline to counter the acidic nature of a finish’s collected pollutant’s
So where can you find such a product? There are several available, you will just need to check the labels before purchasing them.
Clearcoats need to be washed in certain and very specific way. The tools you use must be just as critically designed for clearcoat washing. A few of these tools would be natural fiber body washing brushes, synthetic wool washing mitts, sponges, and terry cloth towels.
Whatever tools you choose to use, the basic washing techniques for washing a clearcoat vehicle are the same.
First you will hose with clear clean water and flush the vehicle to remove any loose dirt or pollutants. Then you will wash the finish with a free-rinsing wash solution. If any dirt remains after this process, then you will need to remove it with a minimal of friction. It is likely, that if there is any dirt left on the vehicle, it is probably being held there by surface tension. To remove stubborn dirt or other stick-to-surface materials such as bird droppings and tree wax, you’ve got to disturb the surface tension without creating friction enough to scratch the clearcoat.
The type of cleaner you use and the type of pressure you apply will hopefully lift the debris without causing damage. I will share more hints in the next post.