How to: Finish Kare 3 Step Paint Decontamination System.

Todd@RUPES

Just a regular guy
How To: The Finish Kare 3 Step Paint Decontamination System.

The Finish Kare Paint Decontamination System is a three step system that deep cleans automotive paint using a specific sequence of alkaline, acidic, and neutral cleaners. The Finish Kare Paint Decontamination System is factory authorized and approved to remove contamination beyond what can be removed by washing and claying. This includes eliminating soil and ferrous metals from beneath the paint's surface to prevent long-term paint damage. Some chemical compounds and ferrous particles, particularly those containing iron, actually penetrate the paint and form corrosive compounds that eat deep into the paint's sub-layers. Claying or surface cleaning only removes the particle, not it's effects, which continue to spread uninhibited.

The 3 Stage Finish Kare Paint Decontamination System includes:

Step 1: Finish Kare 1119 Soil and Coating Remover, which is an alkaline based cleaner that removes outer surface rust, soil coatings, iron oxides, and prepares the paint for the second stage.

Step 2: Finish Kare SIRR Steel, Iron, and Rust Remover is an acid solution that is designed to remove embedded ferrous particles and neutralize caustic compounds.

The final step in the Finish Kare Paint Decontamination System is Finish Kare 118 Shampoo Super Concentrate & pH Neutralizer a unique, highly active shampoo that is non-clogging and non-hydrolyzing. When used with cold water it will quench the paint surface, which removes any ferrous particles , as well as makes the paint pH neutral. This product can also be used as a stand alone soap to neutralize acid rain.

1.jpg


In addition to chemical products it is important to have quality plush microfiber towels, and since we are dealing with acids and strong alkalies, protective gloves. Pictured above, we used Black Nitrile Gloves and Cobra Super Plush 600 Microfiber Towels.

I was very fortunate to peel Mike Phillips from Autogeek.net away from his article writing frenzy to assist with this project. Here Mike demonstrates the first step in any project, reading the directions.
Having a firm understanding of the manufacturer's directions allows you to formulate a well informed game plan.

2.jpg


Step 1: Finish Kare 119 Soil & Coating Remover-

Note: If you car is dirty we recommend washing carefully and drying to remove any loose soiling that could cause swirl marks.

After your vehicle is clean and dry, the first step in the Finish Kare Decontamination System is an alkaline cleaner that removes topical decontamination. This product is mixed 4 parts water to 1 part Finish Kare 119 Soil & Coating Remover. I used a 64 oz jug filled with water and a 16 oz bottle filled with solution for a total of 80 oz of chemical.

3.jpg


Mike Phillips adds the Finish Kare 119 Soil & Coating Remover into the Blackfire Wash Bucket.

4.jpg


Since we working on a large Ford Expedition EL, we were initially concerned that would 80 oz of solution would not be enough. Here is what eighty ounces of mixed solution looks like in a five gallon Blackfire Wash Bucket.

5.jpg


The directions state that once the solution is mixed, apply the Soil & Coating Remover working from the bottom to the top, and work the product into the paint thoroughly then allow to dwell between 8-10 minutes. The mixed solution will have the consistency of milk and very little product will go extremely far.

Here I am working the solution into the paint from the bottom up.

6.jpg


The Finish Kare 119 Soil & Coating Remover spreads thinly over the paint with a milk like consistency.

7.jpg


Mike Phillip's (visible in the reflection) applying the Soil & Coating remover on the other side.

8.jpg


Our concerns about 80 oz of solution not being enough were completely unfounded. We had only used approximately 40 oz of solution to adequately coat the huge Expedition EL. The remaining solution.

9.jpg



After allowing the Finish Kare Soil & Coating Remover to dwell on the surface for 8-10 minutes we pulled the Expedition outside and thoroughly rinsed the solution from the paint.

10.jpg


It is important to dry the horizontal surfaces before moving onto step's 2 and 3. Here I used a Cobra Guzzler.

11.jpg


Step 2 Finish Kare 883 SIRR Steel Iron Rust Remover & Step 3 Finish Kare 118 Shampoo Super Concentrate & pH Neutralizer.

Note: Step 2 and Step 3 are carried out in tandem, 2 panels at a time until the entire vehicle has been completed.

Before starting Step 2, it is important to mix the water-soap solution in for Step 3. The Finish Kare 118 Shampoo Super Concentrate & pH Neutralizer is diluted 1oz per gallon of water. Here Mike Phillips mixes 4 oz of Shampoo Super Concentrate & pH Neutralizer with 4 gallons of water in our Blackfire Bucket.

12.jpg


Step Two, Finish Kare SIRR is an acid based cleaner that removes remaining topical contamination as well any below the surface contamination while helping to neutralize the alkaline solution used in step 1. Apply Finish Kare 883 SIRR Surface Iron Rust Remover undiluted to a microfiber towel and rub into the paint.

22.jpg


When applying SIRR, apply to two panels at a time. Here Mike thoroughly applies Step 2: SIRR to the front fender.

13.jpg


Then apply SIRR to a second panel. Mike applies Finish Kare 883 SIRR to the door. This gives the product to dwell on the fender.

14.jpg


Now go back to the initial panel, where the product has had time to dwell, and work into the surface until you can feel the paint become smooth and the towel glides over the surface. The work the section section in a similar manner.

15.jpg



Immediately after working Step 2: Finish Kare 883 SIRR Surface Iron Rust Remover into the paint, wash the sections with Step 3: 118 Shampoo Super Concentrate & pH Neutralizer and rinse thoroughly to remove the acidic solution and neutralize the paint. Here Mike uses a Boar's Hair brush to work the Shampoo Super Concentrate into the paint and clean the acidic cleaner. Then rinse the panels clean.

16.jpg


17.jpg


18.jpg


Repeat this process, applying Step 2 to two panels at a time, working into the panels, then washing with step 3, and finally rinsing the sections until the entire vehicle has been completed.

Finally we washed and rinsed the entire truck to reveal a clean, smooth, decontaminated and pH neutral paint.

19.jpg


Final Note: Always use a high quality wax or paint sealant after using the Finish Kare Paint Decontamination System. Follow the prescribed steps in order, and use each product according to the directions on the label for best results. Wear protective goggles, gloves and appropriate clothing when using this professional system.
 
Thanks for explaining this system Todd. I've been looking at it for a while, but I didn't know exactly what it did or how it did it.
 
I've been using this system for a couple of years now. It works very well. You can really see and feel a difference on white vehicles with rust spots in the paint. A must have for any detailer.
 
What type of brush is that, is it safe to the point it will not cause scratches or swirls on polished paint? Just asking.. or was this vehicle scheduled to be polished after the wash??
 
Thanks for the write up. Considering the added cost and effort, are the results much, if any, better than using Iron X?
 
Thanks for the write up. Considering the added cost and effort, are the results much, if any, better than using Iron X?

this was also my question when i first looked up the system... its obviously much more involved than simply spraying iron x on your paint. i love my $100 boars hair brush but i only use it on my van and truck, never on my soft paint cars because of the possibility of scratches. seems to me this system is a complete paint cleansing prep for a polish and sealant....
 
What type of brush is that, is it safe to the point it will not cause scratches or swirls on polished paint? Just asking.. or was this vehicle scheduled to be polished after the wash??

Boar's hair brush. And used correctly, like any wash media should be, it's pretty safe. Nothing is mar-proof.
 
Very good write up Todd, but I need my decontamination process to turn purple...J/K

:lol2:

I'd love to see a side-by-side comparison between this system, the ValuGard ABC system, and CarPro's decontamination products.

Or better yet, Chris, you could prod Dr. G to come up with a system that does all of this in one simple step....
 
Thanks for doing this write up Todd... I always wondered how it worked. Like others I wonder how it stacks up to some of the new decon type products.
 
What type of brush is that, is it safe to the point it will not cause scratches or swirls on polished paint? Just asking.. or was this vehicle scheduled to be polished after the wash??

It is a 10 inch Boar's Hair brush made by the Montana Brush Company. I am EXTREMELY critical of boar's hair brushes because I feel that the lower quality ones absolutely compromise the surface of the paint. That said if you follow the directions (let the brush soak 3-5 minutes) and use it gently then you will not mar the paint. This is a super high quality tool and if you used properly (like any wash media) you will be shiny!

Thanks for the write up. Considering the added cost and effort, are the results much, if any, better than using Iron X?

You certaintely cannot beat the effectiveness of Iron-X for removing iron/ferrous metal particulate. Fort the price and ease of use it is an obvious winner.

The Finish Kare System is a manufacturer and dealer approved (OEM) system that is more involved in terms of application yet is effective against environmental fall out and other contaminates as well as restoring a neutral pH to the paint's surface. If your dealing with more than just iron/ferrous metal fall out (such as neutralizing acid rain damage for example) that it is a really great choice.

There is no wrong answer; they are different but overlapping products.
 
Is this a tag team or the dream team???:bow
A lot of swirls down by this duo.....
Awesome review and pics....:bigups
 
Nothing like resurrecting a 9 year-old thread.
Very interesting to see past Autopian contributors, like Chris @ Optimum & Todd@Rupes.

If you are looking for a decon process similar to this, you should try Googling (internet search) Automotive International, Inc. Valugard ABC Decon System.
 
Back
Top