Decontamination

Chemical decontamination and mechanical decontamination are two essential processes used to effectively remove stubborn contaminants from a vehicle’s paint surface. Here’s a detailed explanation of each method and what is needed to perform them:

1. Chemical Decontamination: Chemical decontamination involves using specialized products, typically referred to as “fallout removers” or “iron removers,” to dissolve and remove iron particles and other embedded contaminants from the paint surface. These iron particles can originate from brake dust, rail dust, or other environmental sources.

To perform chemical decontamination, you will need:

• A high-quality iron remover or fallout remover product: Look for products specifically formulated for automotive use.
• Microfiber towels or applicator pads: These are used to apply the chemical decontamination product to the paint surface.
• Water source: You’ll need water to rinse the surface after applying the product.

The process generally involves the following steps:

1. Ensure the vehicle is cool and parked in a shaded area.

2. Thoroughly wash the vehicle to remove loose dirt and grime.

3. Apply the chemical decontamination product to the paint surface, focusing on areas with heavy contamination.

4. Allow the product to dwell for the recommended time, typically a few minutes.

5. The product will chemically react with iron particles, causing them to change color (often from clear to purple or red), indicating that the product is working.

6. Gently agitate the surface using a microfiber towel or applicator pad to aid in the removal of contaminants.

7. Rinse the surface thoroughly with water to remove the product residue.

8. Dry the vehicle with a microfiber towel.

9. Mechanical Decontamination: Mechanical decontamination involves physically removing bonded contaminants from the paint surface using a clay bar or synthetic clay substitute. This method is effective for removing surface-level contaminants like overspray, tree sap, and stubborn dirt particles.

To perform mechanical decontamination, you will need:

• A clay bar or synthetic clay substitute: These products are designed to be used with a lubricant to glide smoothly over the paint surface.
• A lubricant: Typically, a dedicated clay bar lubricant or a diluted solution of car wash soap and water can be used.
• Microfiber towels: These are used to gently wipe the surface during and after the decontamination process.

The process generally involves the following steps:

1. Ensure the vehicle is cool and parked in a shaded area.
2. Thoroughly wash the vehicle to remove loose dirt and grime.
3. Divide the clay bar or synthetic clay substitute into smaller sections for easier handling.
4. Spray a generous amount of the lubricant onto a small area of the paint surface.
5. Gently glide the clay bar or synthetic clay substitute over the lubricated area, using light pressure. The clay will pick up contaminants as it moves.
6. Frequently fold and knead the clay to expose a clean surface for each section.
7. Continue this process, working in small sections, until the entire vehicle has been treated.
8. After the decontamination, wipe the surface with a clean microfiber towel to remove any remaining residue.

Both chemical and mechanical decontamination methods are often used in combination to achieve the best results in thoroughly cleaning and preparing the paint surface for further detailing steps like polishing, waxing, or paint protection application. It’s important to follow the instructions provided by the product manufacturers and use proper techniques to avoid causing any damage to the paint.