Auto Paint Contamination: Removing It With A Clay Bar

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You just washed and waxed your car and as you move your hand across the hood you are disappointed because it feels rough; there are tiny bumps everywhere that feel like bits of dust and metal fragments. Perhaps you are thinking that the car came out of the factory with an inferior paint job. This is not the case. This is a condition called paint contamination and it cannot be removed by washing and waxing the car.
What is Paint Contamination?
Auto paint contamination is tiny metal shavings from brake dust, rail dust and industrial fallout which is a byproduct of the modern industrial age. Rail dust comes from railroad tracks and is produced by the friction of a trains wheels against the tracks. Most new cars are shipped to dealerships by train; therefore, the damage begins before your car reaches the dealership. Brake dust is particles produced from the friction of brake pad rubbing against the rotor and dispensed into the air on the highway where it comes into contact with other cars.
There is no way to prevent paint contamination. Using rubbing compounds to remove the contamination can be abrasive; eventually it will remove the top clear coat finish from your car.
How to Remove Paint Contamination
The best and safest way to remove paint contamination is with a clay bar. The process takes time so plan on spending about half a day on this project. You will need lubricant designed for use with a clay bar as well; this is very important. The clay bar slides on the lubricant as it pulls out the embedded particles; without the lubricant you could actually burn a hole in the finish.
Begin by applying a light mist of lubricant to a small section; do not try to do too large an area at one time or the lubricant will dry before you work the area. Gently glide the clay bar across the area until the surface is smooth. Wipe with a clean, dry towel and move on to the next section.
As you work and the clay bar becomes soiled, knead and stretch the clay to expose a fresh surface. Be careful; if you drop the clay bar it will pick up dirt from the ground and transfer it to the car, scratching the surface.
Removing paint contamination with a clay bar is a lot of work so you will want to finish the project by applying a good wax to protect the surface and renew the shine.

This was written by Charlie Jones, owner of Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop specializing in minor collision repair, scratch and dent repairs and paint repair. CW comes to the customer and completes most repairs in one day or less, saving the customer time and money. Learn more at http://www.collisiononwheels.com

About the Author:
Collision on Wheels will bring a fully equipped van & trained collision repair technician right to the home or workplace where the work is done on-site to their satisfaction. We service a growing market of consumers who don"'t have time to take their car to a body shop for small collision repairs or may be reluctant to make an insurance claim.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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