Paint Surface Preparation A wax or sealant can only reflect what is underneath it, so a clean, level well-prepared surface is the most important consideration (85% of a surfaces reflectivity is its preparation) along with applied product clarity. If you apply a product over a surface that is dirty or one that has surface imperfections a wax or sealant will not disguise it, only highlight them. Surface preparation is one of the most important steps when polishing to achieve a flawless finish The paint surface should be as clean as possible, this will ensure that nothing comes between the polishing pad and the surface to interfere with the abrasives and the pads will not get clogged with surface debris. After polishing a wipe down allows you to inspect the surface to determine if the surface is defect free or if further work is required. Regardless of how clean you think your paint is, there are still contaminants stuck on the paint that you need to remove before waxing or polishing your paint. Road film, oil, tar, grease, water spots and other environmental contaminants bond to the paint and glass surfaces and are difficult to remove. Glass and especially the windshield and rear window on trucks and SUVs are prone to these surface contaminants. Before polishing or the application of a paint protection product (wax, polymer or a coating) ensure the surface is free from both surface and sub-surface contaminants. This is vital; if your car is covered with metallic brake particles you will introduce new scratches in the surface whilst polishing it. One of the easiest methods of ensuring that your surface is contaminant free is the so-called ‘Bag Test’. After washing and drying your vehicle place a plastic sandwich bag over your hand or fingers, gently pass over the surface. Does the surface feel silky smooth or rough and gritty? If you felt roughness and/or grit, your surface is contaminated. Then proceed to remove both surface and sub-surface contaminants with a decontamination product like a Nanoskin surface prep towel, IronX or ValuGuard) Repeat the ‘Bag Test’ to ensure the paint surface is free from contaminants Once surface and sub-surface has been decontaminated use a chemical paint cleaner- Swissvax Cleaner Fluid Strong contains abrasive micro granules. Applied evenly using a Cleaner Fluid pad and is worked in doing longitudinal strokes under strong pressure. The friction applied by this application technique causes the innovative micro granules contained in its formula to wear away against one another diminishing for a progressively finer abrasive polish allowing you to remove any irregularities on your vehicles paintwork while only abrading the minimum required of its sensitive surface The Removal of Polymers (Silicone) Polishing is a mechanical process; silicon is a product that has been designed not to be removed by mechanical abrasion, as it causes the abrasive to hydroplane. When polishing surfaces which have been previously treated with a silicone-based product, a smear may result. It is important to understand why this occurs. • Cause - There are lots of silicon oils on the market. The properties that make silicon so popular with car detailers, and some auto manufacturers, also make it a very difficult product for the polisher to remove. During polishing, the silicon mixes with the excess paint that is being removed from the surface to form a smear. • Can you remove silicon from a clear coat completely? [It is impossible to remove silicon from a painted surface without using a chemical process so aggressive that it dissolves the paint. Wax and grease removers will chemically remove one layer of silicon off at a time but are unable to completely remove all the silicon]. [Tests at Menzerna using a spectroscope showed the layers become thinner but the silicon remains. Removing silicon completely can take place over time and involves a lengthy process of oxygen, chemicals, time and sunlight] Dr Michael Hauber Polishing is a mechanical process When a silicon-free polish works on the surface of paint it uses aluminium oxide spheres, suspended in water and hydrocarbons and a mechanical process to abrade the surface of the paint down to the level of the bottom of the scratch. Silicon cannot be removed this way. Silicon is removed by a chemical means and is designed to resist being removed by mechanical means. Instead the silicon mixes with the blend of paint dust and polish powder and it creates a smear on the paint. Many car care products contain silicone and synthetic oils. Other products cant bond properly or interact negatively with these products. When a silicon-free polish works on the surface of paint it uses aluminium oxide spheres, suspended in water and hydrocarbons and a mechanical process to abrade the surface of the paint down to the level of the bottom of the scratch. Waxes and sealants will last longer and any paint product will be easier to wipe off when you use Griots Garage Paint Prep first. Griots Garage Paint Prep is easy to use and is safe for vinyl and rubber. Overspray will not harm vinyl or rubber. Spray on Griots Garage Paint Prep, allow to dwell for 2-5 minutes, and remove debris. Copyright © 2012 TOGWT® (Established 1980) all rights reserved
Posted on: Thu, 18 Dec 2014 17:26:23 +0000
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