Auto Paint Repair and Maintenance Tips from an Expert in Seattle, Washington

Regular washing and waxing helps maintain your auto paint job, but is it enough? After washing and waxing your car, does it still feel rough? Are there tiny bumps that feel like bits of dirt and metal fragments? Don’t worry; this is not because the car came out of the factory with an inferior paint job. This is called auto paint contamination which cannot be removed by washing and waxing your car.

What is Auto Paint Contamination?

Auto paint contamination is caused by tiny metal shavings that come from brake dust, rail dust and industrial fallout which is a byproduct of the modern industrial age. Rail dust is produced by the friction of a train’s wheels against the tracks. As new cars are shipped to dealerships by train, the damage begins before your car reaches the dealership. Brake dust is particles produced from the friction of brake pads rubbing against the rotor and dispensed into the air on the highway where it comes into contact with other cars.

You cannot prevent auto paint contamination. Using rubbing compounds to remove the contamination can be abrasive; eventually it will remove the top clear coat finish from your car.

Remove Paint Contamination with a Clay Bar

Using a clay bar is the safest and most effective way to remove auto paint contamination. This process takes time, so allow yourself at least half a day. It is very important that you use a lubricant designed to work with a clay bar. As you glide the clay bar over the lubricant, it will pull out the embedded particles, without causing additional damage to your auto paint. Failure to use a lubricant can burn a hole in the finish.

Begin the process 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 continue 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 not to drop the clay bar on the ground or it will pick up dirt and transfer it to the car, scratching the surface.

Removing paint contamination with a clay bar is a lot of work so finish the project by applying a good wax to protect the surface and renew the shine.

Mike Tompkins owns and operates Collision on Wheels, a mobile auto body shop that comes to you to provide same day, on-site service: dent repair, scratch repair, collision repair, auto paint repair, bumper repair, fenders and doors for consumers and business in the Greater Eastside and Seattle area, Bellevue, Redmond, Kent, Renton, Woodinville, Lynnwood, Kirkland, Bothell and neighboring cities and communities.

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