Every polish that uses oils or polymers for lubrication will’ fill’ surface marks with paint (including oxidation) and polish debris that are not removed will mask defects. If you don’t remove the lubricating oils with a wipe-down then you are by passing the post polish inspection and the oils and etc that are left behind will mask the defects. Note – some polishes contain specific products (i.e. Kaolin (china clay) or Diatomaceous earth) that are formulated into the product to (a) burnish the paint surface (b) mask surface defects not removed by polishing (evidenced by excess dusting) this type of filler will also be removed by the IPA wipe-down process. Wipe-Down Process The wipe down process should be carried out both before to ensure a surface that is free of any debris and after to ensure that defects have been removed as opposed to masked by any lubrication oils or fillers left behind after the polishing process Anhydrous Isopropyl alcohol [Molecular formula C3H7OH: Proper Name: Isopropanolind] contains approx. 99% isopropyl alcohol, is a colourless liquid with a pleasant odour. It is highly flammable. After the paint surface has been subjected to a chemical cleaning its protective layer (s) have been removed and the paint surface left without protection, so it is very important that a wax or polymer protection be applied immediately. Methodology - Fill a fine misting spray bottle with a solution of 1:1Anhydrous Isopropyl alcohol / distilled water, spray the paint surface, and agitate before wiping the paint surface with a clean, dry 100% cotton micro fibre towel( if it flashes too quickly (hot surface or environment) use further dilution) Note – a strong concentration of alcohol (or a strong solvent) will fill the paint micro pores and cause the majority of paint to swell and may be detrimental to its durability. Solvent Cleaning There are two main risks associated with using aromatic hydrocarbon solvents; both relating to the effects of solvent on the organic binder of the paint. There are risks associated with solvents; one is the possible extraction (leaching) of low-molecular weight components of the paint binder by the action of the solvent. The more acute element of risk in cleaning, however, is that of expansion of the paint through sorption of solvent. The polymerised urethanes dried oil network may not be truly soluble, but the polymer network may expand by sorption of solvent molecules. Depending on the degree of expansion, the paint will be more or less softened and its capacity to bind the pigment particles may be affected. In the swollen condition, there is a risk that pigment may be removed from the paint through the mechanical (friction) action of a foam pad. Note - Aromatic hydrocarbons- are the most toxic compounds found in petroleum products and include such substances as para-xylene (benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, and xylene) which are all volatile organic compounds Alternative to solvent cleaning Use an alkaline neutralising wash; using a clean dry sponge or wax applicator pad, apply the alkaline neutraliser to all polished paint surfaces and allow to dwell 5-7 minutes. Do not allow solution to dry on vehicle - ValuGard An extract from one of a series of in-depth detailing articles © TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2008, all rights reserved
thanks TOGWT I actually enjoy using GLARE products to fill in defects. when used properly it fills for over a year if not two. You are spot on about wipedown prior to and after abrasive polishing I am about to begin using De beer silicone remover after claying
Thanks for the article. Just to clarify, you said "100% cotton micro fibre towel", did you mean 100% cotton terry towel or any microfiber? Thus far, I have not found 100% cotton microfibre. Usually they are polyester based and blended. Or maybe I have not found the towel you were referring to yet. Any suggestions?
Thanks! The article came at the right time. I just bought Isopropyl rubbing alcohol and it stated 70% isopropyl alcohol by volume on the bottle so is it simliar as the Anhydrous Isopropyl alcohol but a diluted version? Under methodology, after spraying, what is use to agitate the paint surface before wiping off? Hope the I don't sound too dumb..
every polish whether abrasive or not uses oil as lubrication by what you've said, that makes your statement incorrect
That statement is included because car care vendors call their synthetic waxes 'polish' (i'e. Zaino) 90% of DB readers will know the difference between a polish and a wax (inc me although even waxes can be formulated with oils and an abrasive (i.e. Kaolin (china clay) or Diatomaceous earth) When I first started writing professionally 20 plus years ago I was told never to assume the reader has knowledge or an intimate understanding of the subject your writing about, but always remember there is a fine line between divulging knowledge and insulting their intelligent
