Paint Decontamination

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imported_etml12

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Today, I set out to do a quick clean up of a relatives SUV. The owners would willingly admit that they do nothing for it. As such, the interior/exterior hasn't seen any attempt at cleaning since it rolled off the assembly line. I proceeded to wash with CG citus wash and gloss at cleanser strength or maybe even stronger. I expected a good bit of contaminants but was surprised when the CW&G didn't completely clean the heavily soiled areas. Next I hit it with some clay. Clay Magic blue was no match and stepped up to Sonus grey. Same result, the white paint appears stained for a lack of a better way to describe. The lower panels along the running boards, rear door, and paint around the moonroof are noticeably different colors than the rest. One of the owners could even see the difference! I didn’t have any klasse with me but poli-seal did little to shift it either. Not to mention that I’m not thrilled to wreck a bunch of my pads (and possibly marring more than necessary with dirty pads) cleaning this mess with an AIO.



For now, I applied a coat of 845 to hold it over till spring when I will be visiting again.



Now I’m looking to prepare and get some ideas to tackle this issue. Any particular products that might be suggested? How about a decontamination kit? Thanks for your help.
 
etml12 said:
Clay Magic blue was no match the white paint appears stained for a lack of a better way to describe. The lower panels along the running boards, rear door, and paint around the moonroof are noticeably different colors than the rest.
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I'd try white washing it. I'd use a yellow bug brick with some APC and/or light water based compound. It sounds like the dirt & oils soaked in and stained the surface.
 
While I'd start with a decontamination system, I wouldn't expect it to really solve all the problems. IME they just don't work miracles on vehicles that are past the "new car but with issues" point.



While I've never heard the term "white washing" used in this context, I *think* I know what David Fermani means and that would be what I'd try *after* seeing what ABC (or the FK equivalent) does.



A compound with strong chemical cleaners (Meg's #2 used to be this way, dunno if it still is since the reformulation) would be the thing to use when mixing up the "whitewash" (assuming I really *am* on the same page as David Fermani).
 
Try Mark-V's Extreme Miracle Cleaner. It will clean that kind of film off the paint when mixed about 3-1 without the need to polish
 
try megs #66...cleaner wax that has helped out some white cars that I have done in the past...the chemicals in it eat away oxidation and dirt IME
 
I did a white 2003 GMC Envoy back in August that was in the same condition. Just deep down grimy looking white paint. When the CG CW didn't clean it off I pulled out the FK1 1119 Soil & Coating Remover / Wax & Detail Pre-Cleaner. That stuff just made all that grime just melt off the car. I was amazed, very strong cleaning ability. It's kind of expensive to use on every car so I save it for those really neglected cars where I just do not want to mess around with washing it countless times to get it clean enough where I won't kill a whole clay bar and trash my pads.



If it were cheap enough I would use it to prep every car. But CG CW is more than sufficient for most cars I do.
 
charger17 said:
Try Mark-V's Extreme Miracle Cleaner. It will clean that kind of film off the paint when mixed about 3-1 without the need to polish
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Seems like an interesting product. Sounds really strong, but doesn't harm the paint and is also bio-degradeable. Unlike normal high PH cleaners that I've used for this. It mentions spray it on and wash off, but I wonder if it can be scrubbed/aggitated if you water down the dilution?
 
Never heard of the stuff. Link ??? Thanks sounds interesting. FK1USA.COM makes a decon kit.



charger17 said:
Try Mark-V's Extreme Miracle Cleaner. It will clean that kind of film off the paint when mixed about 3-1 without the need to polish
Click to expand...
 
Thanks everyone for the replies.



DJBAILEY said:
I did a white 2003 GMC Envoy back in August that was in the same condition. Just deep down grimy looking white paint. When the CG CW didn't clean it off I pulled out the FK1 1119 Soil & Coating Remover / Wax & Detail Pre-Cleaner. That stuff just made all that grime just melt off the car. I was amazed, very strong cleaning ability. It's kind of expensive to use on every car so I save it for those really neglected cars where I just do not want to mess around with washing it countless times to get it clean enough where I won't kill a whole clay bar and trash my pads.



If it were cheap enough I would use it to prep every car. But CG CW is more than sufficient for most cars I do.
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Interesting, the vehicle I was working on happened to be an 03 Envoy as well.



David Fermani said:
I found it doing a Google search of Mark V Extreme Miracle Cleaner.
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I Googled the Mark V stuff as well. Are there any distributors in the states?
 
Accumulator said:
While I'd start with a decontamination system, I wouldn't expect it to really solve all the problems. IME they just don't work miracles on vehicles that are past the "new car but with issues" point.



While I've never heard the term "white washing" used in this context, I *think* I know what David Fermani means and that would be what I'd try *after* seeing what ABC (or the FK equivalent) does.



A compound with strong chemical cleaners (Meg's #2 used to be this way, dunno if it still is since the reformulation) would be the thing to use when mixing up the "whitewash" (assuming I really *am* on the same page as David Fermani).
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Who's ABC?
 
Accumulator, I looked through the autoint and did a google search and get the following result " The item does not exist." for the ABC system. I assume this means it doesn't exist for sale as a system per se. It is however listed separately (Part A = Acid Neutralizer, Part B = Alkaline Neutralizer, Part C = Ph balanced wash).



Also, additional discussion on this system can be found here .



I am still interested in either the FK or Valugard version but have some reservations. The main drawback to the valugard products is that it seems to only be available in 1 gallon sizes or larger. For a non-pro like myself I don't really see the need for so much product (especially when I have so much other stuff). The most basic FK1 kit contains a gallon of the pre-cleaner, 31 oz. of Steel & Iron Rust Remover, and 31 oz. of wash. Is the first step of either of these products so effective it can't be replaced by a through cleaning and IPA wipe down or some other home remedy? Also, I have no doubts that the Ph balanced wash offered by either manufacture is top notch. However, does it really differ from other more mainstream washes (i.e. ones that I may already have)?
 
etml12- Ah, I haven't checked out the AutoInt site lately, didn't know how they had things set up these days.



The thread you linked was probably one of the ones that prompted me to start using ABC.



(BTW, the banned Ron Ketchum has been a great resource, he's really helped me out a few times. I have great confidence in both him and AutoInt.)



I found I went through the gallons of ABc (well, the A and B..) pretty fast even though I'm not a pro. But I can understand your concern about the quantities and maybe that alone would make the FK system better for you.



I haven't tried the FK stuff...I have their "first step" product on the shelf but it'll be a while before I try it (got it for my next upcoming beater project, which doesn't IMO need the acidic step).



Yeah, the first step stuff (at least the "A", which I've used) *IS* more effective than anything else you could try, at least IME. It's a real "super detergent" that really gets stuff stripped clean.



The ph-balanced wash is nothing special, just another wash. I quit using my "C" as I prefer my regular wash. I'd just get the first two steps. And yeah, I *would* get 'em ;)
 
Accumulator: Would you recommend washing the car with whatever soap one would normally use before using the first step of the decon process? I would be concerned that, if used on a dirty car, the first step (AutoInt's A or the FK one) wouldn't have the neccessary slickness and cleaning if used on a dirty surface, and may result in some wash-induced marring.
 
Bigpoppa3346 said:
Accumulator: Would you recommend washing the car with whatever soap one would normally use before using the first step of the decon process? I would be concerned that, if used on a dirty car, the first step (AutoInt's A or the FK one) wouldn't have the neccessary slickness and cleaning if used on a dirty surface, and may result in some wash-induced marring.
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Hey, that's a good point! And one that I don't think I've ever addressed :o



Yeah, I'd do a regular wash with a *very* strong shampoo mix first, for just the reason you mentioned. The "A" doesn't have much lubricity and there's no point in marring the paint up if you can avoid it.



Just be sure to rinse rinse rinse before using the "A"/etc. and I like to really rinse well *after* it too. While the acidic step would neutralize the alkaline one, that could, IMO, compromise the effectiveness of the acid. And IME the acidic "B" step isn't all *that* potent as it is.
 
Accumulator said:
etml12- Ah, I haven't checked out the AutoInt site lately, didn't know how they had things set up these days.



The thread you linked was probably one of the ones that prompted me to start using ABC.



(BTW, the banned Ron Ketchum has been a great resource, he's really helped me out a few times. I have great confidence in both him and AutoInt.)



I found I went through the gallons of ABc (well, the A and B..) pretty fast even though I'm not a pro. But I can understand your concern about the quantities and maybe that alone would make the FK system better for you.



I haven't tried the FK stuff...I have their "first step" product on the shelf but it'll be a while before I try it (got it for my next upcoming beater project, which doesn't IMO need the acidic step).



Yeah, the first step stuff (at least the "A", which I've used) *IS* more effective than anything else you could try, at least IME. It's a real "super detergent" that really gets stuff stripped clean.



The ph-balanced wash is nothing special, just another wash. I quit using my "C" as I prefer my regular wash. I'd just get the first two steps. And yeah, I *would* get 'em ;)
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Accum,



How often do you decontaminate your car(s)? I have an 8 1/2 year old Eclipse that has been detailed (washed/clayed/paint cleansed/polished/AIO'ed/Sealed) once, last October. Could my car use a decontamination?
 
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