Automotive original equipment (OEM) technology is becoming more and more complex requiring educated and skilled technicians to work on them. As the materials used are constantly changing we must maintain our knowledge base and utilize the correct products and application methodologies to keep up with emerging technologies.



It is very important to be able to recognise the various finishes and materials used by OEM’s as they all require different methodologies and products for proper care and maintenance.



Interiors: some automobile model ranges use different materials for their vehicles interiors; finished leathers like Aniline, Pigmented, Covered and unfinished materials like Synthetics and Alcantara, and sometimes combinations of products (Alcantara seat inserts on leather seating) all of which require different products and applications methods.



Exterior: paint finish type will also vary between single stage, base coat clear coat (it’s important to be able to differentiate between these paint types as methodologies / products vary) metallic, and Tri-coat pearl paint finishes, which all vary in density (hardness)

Don`t ever stop learning: knowledge of new technology and application methods also make detailer’s an asset to both a company and its clients and increase the value of the services offered



Diagnosis is the Key



Dependent upon your detailing goals and the areas of concern you would like to work on. You do need to understand some of the basic chemistry behind the materials and finishes used for automobiles to understand how to care for it.



Diagnosis is the key, not guess work; the most important thing to find out before you attempt to clean or care for something is to ascertain what the material finish is made from. Much the same is true if you’re trying to remove a stain, what caused the stain (Organic stains, Inorganic stains or Petroleum soils) and what is the material you are trying to remove the stain from.



Formulate a detailing plan, then utilize proper detailing techniques, combined with quality products is what makes a details outcome, successful.



A detailer combines chemicals, equipment as well as a knowledge of `vehicle surfaces, ‘chemicals’, refers to the cleaning and protection products used, ‘equipment,’ refers to the tools used, for example, random orbital polishers, high-speed rotary polishers, extractors and power washers, to name a few. ‘Vehicle Surfaces’, requires a basic understanding of chemistry and how to rejuvenate and protect each of the many and varied material surfaces, regardless of its specific surface composition making objectives observations based upon the results obtained, and adjusting the techniques used as necessary



Product Application



The main priority is to ascertain the material you are trying to clean and then select a chemical that is compatible to clean it with. Do not use the product if it adversely changes the material’s colour or texture. Providing the cleaning product selected is suitable, apply product to an applicator not the area to be cleaned (the only exception to this is glass surface cleaning)

What is equally important with any towel is the way they are used; they need to be turned frequently, and don’t apply too much pressure, especially at the edges.



Fold the towel in half, then in half again, using very little downward pressure, gently wipe the surface and then flip the towel to a clean surface and wipe again. When you see the towel start to show a line of dirt, flip it around and use a different, clean section.



With it folded properly you`ll get a couple of first wipe / second wipe sections out of it. It usually takes 4 or 5 towels to wipe down an average vehicle. When you are ready to clean them, rinse well, re-wash and leave to air-dry

Do not use the product if it adversely changes the material’s colour or texture.



Focusing on one person’s methodologies or the products they use will seriously limit your detailing experience and knowledge. Most importantly - choose carefully whose advice you listen to, and more importantly what advice you act upon. The misinformation and myths that are so prevalent in the detail industry is the reason that detailers need to do research on their own. I would strongly suggest that you verify any information that I or anyone else shares with you.



Use of any information on these pages is used at the reader`s own risk. The detailing methods set out here have been adapted for special use and may not be the same as those recommended by the product manufacturer, and you may experience different results from those stated. When in doubt always use common sense



Dilution of Cleaning Chemicals



a) Under-dilution – a chemical solution that is too can damage carpets, upholstery, wheels, etc. It costs more in actual product cost and additional labour to correct any problems that occur due to improper dilution.



b) Over-dilution - a weak chemical solution can cause inadequate cleaning performance, which means you will have to re-clean the same areas. With carpet and fabric upholstery, this can lead to over-wetting, resulting in such things as mould, mildew, shrinkage, etc.



c) Spot testing to ensure chemical will not stain or damage material is also very important



Pre-test Spot Procedures



Read the product labels and manufacturers safety data sheets (MSDS) to obtain a basic idea of contents, pH levels etc. Depending on the pH of the product you use you should return the surface to neutral (pH 7.0) before you apply any dressing or protective products. Always select a chemical / cleaner that are biodegradable, environmentally friendly and safe to use by observing any precautions recommended so that they won’t harm you, your vehicle or the environment. Read the product labels and manufacturers safety data sheets (MSDS) to obtain a basic idea of contents, pH levels etc.



Finished Leather



Leather finishes on most automotive leather upholstery are a multi-strata; the actual hide and the surface finish. The hides used are generally bovine, which must be kept hydrated to maintain tensile strength, suppleness and prevent the hide from cracking and becoming dry. The leather is then protected with a water-based pigmented urethane.



Automotive leather upholstery is typically finished with a coating, which protects the surface from (UV) radiation, as well making it resistant to soiling and wear. Most natural leathers have a water-based pigmentation coating applied to provide colour consistency. There is no such thing as a cow with blue, red or burgundy hides.



These coatings vary in thickness;



• Aniline leather has a thin clear coating of approximately 0.2µ, thin enough to allow the colour to show through as well as to preserve the tactile feel and patina, yet thick enough to provide surface protection from abrasion.



• Covered leather has a pigmented layer of approximately 25 µ, applied to provide both an even colour and protection from wear when getting in and out of the vehicle



• Alcantara® Ultra suedeâ„¢, Ecsaine, Micro suede, etc) are not types of leather but are in fact in synthetic materials, it is made from extremely fine polyester microfibers (68% polyester and 32% urethane) it has the appearance and tactile feel similar to that of suede, and it may be incorrectly identified as such.



Synthetics -MB-Tex, Artico- this is one of the most difficult types to recognise as they often look and feel more like leather, than well leather. This non-organic material has an even, almost repeating pattern and can very closely imitate leather as they imprint a grain pattern into it; the depth of the lines within the grain on vinyl is also consistent, while the same lines on leather will vary. Vinyl usually has single stitching; whereas leather uses double stitching, as leather is thicker than vinyl



Artificial leather -It’s a non-organic (synthetic) leather-like finish material that has an even, almost repeating pattern, it also has a protective coating applied. It also has micro-pores that allow evaporation and hydration (the passage of water vapour through a membrane or pore) they are not sealed per se as some chemicals penetrate it easily; others stay on top dependent upon their molecule size.



MB-Tex and Artico [: a plastic fabric made to look like leather] are probably the best known of this type of material that can imitate leather as they imprint a grain pattern into it; the depth of the lines within the grain that also consistent, while the same lines on leather will vary widely. Artificial leather usually has single stitching; whereas leather uses double stitching, as leather is thicker.

Identifying characteristics - it is also usually smooth and soft to the touch.



The water-drop absorbency test- water drops will ‘bead’ on the surface

Absorbency rate –Low



Materials Used for Convertible Tops



The first thing to do before detailing your convertible top is to ascertain what material is used; fabric, also known as cloth, canvas, or if the top is made of vinyl.



Fabric top – (misnamed canvas top) comprises a multi-layer twill weave outer fabric; an inner will weave layer and a dyed cotton dobby weave lining fabric. These are not vinyl or canvas, but a laminate consisting of several components, a top layer of a solution-dyed acrylic textile, a middle layer of butyl rubber or urethane, and the poly-cotton headliner.



New convertible tops have stitching along the sides and around glass or plastic window that is left untreated when it leaves the factory. This is what holds your convertible top together so it’s very important to provide suitable protection.

Identifying characteristics – this is a solution dyed acrylic fabric



The water-drop absorbency test- water drops will generally soak into the surface



Absorbency rate -medium



Vinyl top - synthetic material that has an even, almost repeating pattern, the depth of the lines within the grain on vinyl is also consistent, it is also usually smooth and soft to the touch. Vinyl is only semi- porous, since it cannot readily absorb a dressing or protection; the products remain vulnerable to the elements



Identifying characteristics – vinyl is a non-organic (synthetic) material that has an even, almost repeating pattern



The water-drop absorbency test- water drops will generally ‘bead’ on the surface



Absorbency rate –Low



Types of Convertible Tops Fabric (by vehicle) - Types Of Convertible Tops Fabric



Paint



Almost all automotive paint systems today are clear coat systems unless stated otherwise. 2K paint is an epoxy type paint consisting of the base plus a catalyst to start the chemical reaction that the paint needs to cure. It consists of 2 components: (a) base coat (colour) and (b) clear coat. The clear coat serves two functions (1) To provide gloss and depth (2) To provide physical protection from the elements for the base coat (including ultra violet (UV) protection



Automotive coating technology is becoming more and more complex requiring educated and skilled technicians to work on them. As the materials used are constantly changing we must maintain our knowledge base and adopt our methodologies to keep up with emerging technologies.



It is very important to be able to recognise the various finishes and materials used by OEM’s as they all require different methodologies and products for proper care and maintenance. Their paint finish type will also vary between single stage, metallic, base coat clear coat, and Tri-coat pearl paint finishes, which all vary in density (hardness)



Single Stage Paint



The differences between a single stage paint system (base and a colour coat) and a urethane clear coat (base, colour and clear coat) finish is that the single stage paint is generally ‘softer’ and therefore easier to polish (this is due to the colour pigment used (i.e. White is very hard (Mohs - 7/10) - Black is softer (Mohs - 2/10) single-stage catalyzed urethane is harder than single-stage lacquer.



You’ll notice that the foam pad will pick up single stage paint colour i.e. on a black vehicle the foam pad will turn black, this is normal; it doesn’t mean you are removing all the paint. Using products that contain oils to provide a gloss is highly recommended



Wheels



There are many different finishes and materials available for rims, determine what type of rims, for example powder coated, painted, clear coated, polished, chromed , etc and then decide on an appropriate product and cleaning method.



Most modem automotive wheels have a painted aluminium base with two or three clear coats applied (on the ‘front’ of the wheel but not the back, these are usually just a primer paint surface) and are subjected to similar type contaminants as the paint film surface, including acid rain, airborne pollutants, alkaline water as well as road tar debris.



To distinguish bare (no clear coat) aluminium, by using a metal polish will turn the cloth black; otherwise they probably have a clear coat paint finish. Ensure wheels and rotors are cool before applying cold water as this may cause them to warp.



Material data sheets (MSDS)



Be aware of dangerous ingredients and request Materials Safety and Data Sheets (MSDS) from the manufacturer if there is any question. An (MSDS) is required under the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard. The MSDS is a detailed informational document prepared by the manufacturer or importer of a hazardous chemical. It describes the physical and chemical properties of the product. MSDS’s contain useful information such as flash point, toxicity, procedures for spills and leaks, and storage guidelines.



Chemicals or other ingredients that are include in a products formula that are considered non-hazardous are not required to be listed on an MSDS



The information given is designed only as guidance for safe handling, use, processing, storage, transportation, disposal and release and is not to be considered a warranty or quality specification. It relates only to the specific material designated and may not be valid for such material used in combination with any other materials or in any process, unless specified in the text.



Information included in a Material Safety Data Sheet aids in the selection of safe products, helps you understand the potential health and physical hazards of a chemical and describes how to respond effectively to exposure situations. Although there is an effort currently underway to standardize MSDS’s the quality of individual MSDS’s vary. It may be useful but it cannot substitute for prudent practices and comprehensive risk management.



An MSDS should be available for every chemical you use. Read these and follow the recommendations for safe use and disposal of the material. The target audience for information in a MSDS is the occupation worker who may be exposed to chemicals at work. However, much of the information is also relevant to consumers.



Read the manufacturers application instructions and then obtain and read the MSDS sheet to ascertain the chemicals used. Although it should be said that an MSDS is a document that contains details of the hazards associated with a particular chemical and provides information regarding its safe use. The MSDS is required to state the chemical`s risks, safety and impact on the environment.



An MSDS is a fact sheet developed by manufacturers describing the chemical properties of a product. Material Safety Data Sheets include brand-specific information such as physical data (solid, liquid, colour, melting point, flash point, etc.), health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, handling, disposal, personal protection and spill/leak procedures.



How to Read a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) How to Read a Material Safety Data Sheet | CMHC



Chemical Information (MSDS) A-Z- The Most Complete Free Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) list of chemical information on the Internet



Definitions of Terms Used in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) - Definition of Terms Used in Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS`s)



Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS)



Each Chemical Abstracts Service registry number (often referred to as CAS #) is a unique numeric identifier that designates only one substance; it has no specific chemical significance, but is a link to a wealth of information about a specific chemical substance. Since CAS Registry Numbers are not dependent upon any system of chemical nomenclature, they can provide a reliable common link between the various nomenclatures terms used to describe substances. And serve as an international resource for chemical substance identifiers used by scientists, industry, and regulatory bodies



Chemical Abstracts Service Registry - CAS REGISTRY and CAS Registry Numbers



Environmental Commitment



Contamination of surface waters arises from the residues discharging to storm drains, which in turn most commonly drain to rivers and lakes. Chief pollutants include phosphates; cleaning chemicals (degreasers, acids, solvents etc) oil and grease. This is almost exclusively an issue for home/driveway washing.



You should never assume that aqueous solutions can be disposed of untreated via the storm drainage system. Pending regulations are in place (Clean Water Act and Ground Water Pollution and various city ordinances) to limit the amount of contaminated water that is allowed to be discharged into storm water systems (i.e. street vehicle washing) always dispose of all non-biodegradable materials from your vehicle cleaning in a responsible manner.



Waste management is a serious concern for water authorities in most states and cities. It is no longer acceptable to allow chemicals into the storm drainage system. This means that a detailer must have a containment and water reclamation system when using any chemicals that are not biodegradable and safe for aquatic life.



California uses a two-gallon rule; if a detail requires more than two gallons of wash water, the water must be contained. Waste run-off must be disposed of in accordance with federal, state and local environmental control regulations.

Be sure you are compliant when washing cars; check with your local government municipal office or the EPA regional office in your area to see what you need to do to be compliant when washing vehicles at businesses and residential neighbourhoods.



Disposal of Aqueous Solutions



You should never assume that aqueous solutions can be disposed of down the drain. Water drainage is not all treated the same; in fact, some water isn’t treated at all.



The storm drain system takes all the water from outside homes and businesses (rain, overwatering of lawns) and sends it untreated straight to our local creeks, rivers, bays and eventually the ocean. Storm drains are the openings you see along curbs, in streets and parking lots. The storm drain system is designed as a flood control system to allow water from heavy rainstorms to flow quickly to our waterways to avoid flooding of our streets, homes and businesses. However rainwater can pick up pollutants such as car care chemicals, acids and etc and flush it all into our waterways damaging the fish, plants and other living things in our eco-system.



Only water that enters the sewer system (from sinks and toilets) is sent to water treatment plants to remove pollutants and be treated before entering our waterways. With few exceptions, The Federal Clean Water Act deems it illegal for anyone to throw, dispose of or allow anything other than rainwater into the storm drains. Try to divert car wash water to a landscaped or planted area.



Be cognizant that some State or local guidelines forbid discharging water on to the grass and into the flower beds; their contention is that it pollutes the ground water table, always check before discharging soiled water. Your local water treatment authority or publicly owned treatment works will have information on treatment and disposal of these cleaners. Adjustment of pH and dilution are usually required before disposal to a drain. Always comply with current water usage and disposal regulations / water usage restrictions.



A car care product may be biodegradable and environmentally safe but it’s not about what’s in the wash per se; just remember the dirt, oil and road grease you are cleaning with it are not, once rinsed off the vehicle paint surface the resultant solution is no longer biodegradable or environmentally safe and once rinsed from the paints surface will be sent to the storm water system unless a containment system is used