Chemical and mechanical decontamination: what they are and how to carry them out

The action of prewashing and washing does not always succeed in removing all contaminants.
Some of them, such as iron and tar particles, have the ability to penetrate the pores of the paint and thus require specific action to achieve a perfect surface.

Iron/rust particles decontamination.

1. Spray the decontamination product D1 Iron or SD1 Iron evenly over the surface.
2. Leave the detergent to work. A change in the colour of the product is a sign that it is actually acting on the iron particles present.
3. Rinse thoroughly with water preventing the product from drying on the surface.

Decontamination of glue and tar.

1. Spray D3 Tar evenly over the surface.
2. Allow the cleaner to work for 2 to 3 minutes. Glue and/or tar stains will begin to disintegrate. If the dirt is persistent, use a sponge or microfibre cloth.
3. Clean the machine with a cloth, rinse thoroughly with water and do not allow the product to dry on the surface.

Decontamination by limestone or acid rain.

1. Spray DS Scale evenly over the surface in sections.
2. Use the Micron Wash Mitt or a cotton disc to facilitate the removal and loosening of dirt.
3. Rinse thoroughly with water preventing the product from drying on the surface.

• It is important that the product does not remain on the glass for long.
• It is advisable to use the product approximately every 3 washes as a foam shampoo to maintain the sealant (e.g. SC1 Sealant or SC0 Hydro Sealant).

Mechanical car decontamination

Time to use the clay bar! The clay bar is used to remove all those impurities that are still present on the surface, even if not visible to the naked eye. In the case of a simple wash it might be useful to add a layer of sealant or wax (SC0 Hydro Sealant), or to use a quick cleaner (W1 Quick Detailer) to increase the gloss and intensity.

What is the use (and where) of the Clay Bar?

Running the clay bar over the paint will remove all the impurities (and not remove scratches and marks from the paint, as is often thought), present after washing. The result will be a perfectly smooth surface.
The clay bar can be used on all smooth surfaces (glass, headlights, wheels), to be avoided, however, are surfaces such as gaskets, unpainted plastics etc.

How much and when?

The clay bar should be used a couple of times a year or in case of particular cleaning problems on the paintwork. A good way to tell if the surface needs to be decontaminated can be the bag test:

1. Wash the vehicle.
2. Have a plastic bag like the ones used in the kitchen for storing food to use as a 'glove'.
3. Rub the surface to be analysed with your fingertips.
4. If you find a rough surface, you must act with the clay bar!

Clay Bar: How

1. Choose the most suitable Innovacar clay bar. The red clay bar (medium/hard) is the best solution in 90% of situations due to its cleaning capacity. However, there are cases, such as use on historic vehicles and particularly delicate paints, where a more gentle action using the blue Clay Bar is recommended.
2. Wash and dry the vehicle.
3. Wet with lubricant (DL Lube) and flatten the clay bar with your hands.
4. Working on small sections, approx. 40 X 40 cm, spray the clay lubricant evenly over the working surface.
5. Spray the lubricant also on the clay bar and pass it gently over the work surface in overlapping passes. Repeated passes may be necessary for particularly stubborn impurities. Try to reshape the clay in order to maintain a cool, dry surface.
6. Continue working on the same area until all impurities have been removed. When an optimal result is achieved, the clay will flow smoothly over the surface.
7. Remove excess lubricant with a microfibre cloth.
8. Repeat steps 3 to 6 until the entire car has been worked with clay appropriately.
9. When the work is finished, store the clay bar and spray it with lubricant in order to keep it soft and flexible.
10. Then proceed with a quick wash of the car before polishing or applying the sealant.