|
Part 1: Proper Paint Analysis.... Identifying Paint Problems
I am so sorry guys..... bad weather and then a death in the family. This should help me cope though.
Part 1: Proper Paint Analysis.... Identifying Paint Problems
In this section I will only be having you look at your paint and identify paint problems. In Part 2 I will tell you probably cause and a solution.
90% of what I deal with on a detailer basis is self-inflicted wounds from washing or waxing. (On the restoration side of things is just general decaying of parts).
The first thing you need to do is give your car an intensive wash. Don't scrub hard just be your usual thorough self. If necessary do it twice, just don't press hard.
How you dry your car at this time is up to you but when we get to part 5 I hope to change how you dry your car!
I find that some people confuse a few terms. It will be necessary that everyone uses the same terminology so that I can administer the proper advice when it comes to dealing with these problem areas in Part 2.
Clarification of a few general terms :
Etching..... When it comes to paint etching is from acids in car wash solutions that produce an overall dulling of the paint, acids from fermented bugs, or acids from bird droppings.
Scratches...... Are, typically, long(ish) and "thin-as-a-hair" blemishes.
Swirls...... Are circular patterns from an orbital buffing machine.
Blemishes..... Are wide scratches of any length.
1. Look at is the overall condition of the paint. Is the color consistant? Is there a dullness to the paint?
2. If you have a non-clear coated car and during the drying process did any pigment, even if slightly, appear on your towel?
3. Take a cigarette wrapper and put 2 fingers inside and run it over your car to check for smoothness (Do not press hard). Do you feel little bumps on the topical surfaces? Are they visible to the naked eye? What color are they?
4. Look at the outside and to the rear of all the wheel arches. Is there any tar? If there is tar would you say it is light, medium or heavy?
Do you have rock chips there too? Is there any corrosion in/around them?
5. Is there tree sap on topical surfaces ?
6. Do you have rock chips on the front/nose? If yes is there any sort of corrosion? If yes, how many layer of paint did the rock remove?
7. Around the emblems, lettering, wiper fluid outlet, tail lights, body molding, body trim and other areas of high detail is there any build up or discoloration?
8. Are there any door dings?
9. In direct sunlight do you see light scratching? If so, would you say that in general there is light, medium or heavy scratching. (This will be, of course, somewhat subjective).
10. Is there any rust in lower parts of your car? (Damn you California guys!!!)
11. Are there any scratches? This will be dealt with on a case by case basis, so make notes of each one that you don't consider to be general scratching in #9.
12. Is there any etching from bugs?
13. Is there any etching from bird droppings?
14. Is there any rust in the fuel area? Open the fuel lid to see if there is any rust or build-up on the inside.
15. Is there any white chalk in any of the emblems or high detail ares?
16. In the side window squeegie area is there any build-up or moss/mold?
17. What is the condition of the black trim.
18. What is the condition of the black/grey plastic mouldings
If I have missed any PM me with them and I will post them so this string stays focused on identifying paint problems.
I will not be posting until Tuesday at the least as I have family to attend to.
Have fun!!
Mike
|
OK, I never. :o 
Life is a ride, enjoy it ! 02 EB/Z06BLK :Born 11-19-01....Sequence #15048....Jamming, Rock'N And Running Like The Wild Man I Was Born To Be!!! 
Just having fun. 
Linear Mode
