Why Paint Cleaners are Important

[Flannigan]

This is an exerpt from a detail write up I did. I know not everyone reads show and shines and I felt this was important, so I decided to make a thread about it. Hopefully it helps out.

I have seen a lot of talk lately about whether paint cleaners are useful, or a worthwhile step in detailing. I personally ALWAY use a paint cleaner when applying a fresh coat of wax, especially after claying. Paint cleaners will deep clean below surface contaminants, and even clean up light marring left behind from claying or some improper wash techniques.

Here is how the paint looked after claying.



I then hit it with P21S on a green BS pad, nothing crazy, just two quick passes with light pressure. Here is a 50/50



And all done



As you can see this step, which took less than 45 minutes to do on the whole truck, greatly improved the overall look of the paint, and made sure the wax will bond properly which will lead to better durability.

Obviously paint cleaners are not going to remove heavy defects or RIDS, but I think people overlook them to quickly clean up light marring and deep clean the paint.

[Mike Phillips]

Very nice article with excellent pictures that really drive home your points.

I'd say a majority of the time everyone gets all caught up in creating swirl free flawless finishes and there's nothing wrong with that but sometimes the right procedures for some cars and some people would be to keep it simple and simply use a paint cleaner or pre-wax cleaner.

I also have an article on this in my article list under the topic heading,


Compounds - Polishes - Paint Cleaners - Cleaner/Polishes - Pure Polishes - Glazes



Nice job Dave, thanks for taking the time to share this...

[swanicyouth]

Awesome example I guess P21S paint lotion then does have some abrasives... I thought it cleaned the paint chemically 100%. Maybe could even use it as a finish polish???

[SeaJay's]

Nice read Dave. I personally don't use paint cleaners as often as maybe I should. Your article has inspired me to look into a few....

Just what I need it something else to buy! lol

[rwright]

How much cut does that pad have? What pad is similar from Lake Country?

[Mobile detail]

I though cleaners didn't remove swirls, they just increased shine and bonding?.??

[Flannigan]

Thanks for the feedback guys, this product does not have cut itself, but is capable of slight correction with a polishing pad. The green BS pad is similar to the white LC flat pad.

[pcw25]

What was your tool of choice?

[rwright]

By the way Dave, the Rover turned out very nice.

[Gachrid]

Looks great! So do recommend using a cleanser before every new wax? Should it be used before a new compound and polish process as well?