Wipe-down after Polishing/ Compounding:

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This allows you to inspect the surface to determine if the surface is defect free or if further work is required. When polishing or compounding to remove fine swirls or holograms, it's easy for residues to settle in the swirls, hiding the true paint finish. Wiping the finish with a Micro fibre cloth you may feel that the swirls have been removed, only to have them reappear when applying the final wax or sealant. After polishing a section, mist and wipe to fully remove residues and reveal the true paint finish.

a)Polymer sealants will not form a proper monocular bond with a paint surface if there are any oils present and it will affect durability.

b) Silicone will cause surface smearing and will affect product durability

Wipe-Down Process

a) Anhydrous Isopropyl alcohol (AIPA) - [Molecular formula C3H7OH: Proper Name: Isopropanol] contains approx. 99% isopropyl alcohol, is a colourless liquid with a pleasant odour. It is highly flammable. After the paint surface has been subjected to a chemical cleaning its protective layer (s) have been removed and the paint surface left without protection, so it is very important that a wax or polymer protection be applied immediately.

Fill a fine misting spray bottle with Anhydrous Isopropyl alcohol, spray the paint surface, and allow it to dwell for 30-45 seconds, agitate before wiping the paint surface with a clean, dry 100% cotton micro fibre towel

b) Menzerna Top Inspection (PP95) ? use to inspect your work, use this water-based cleaner that removes dust left by compounding and any lubricating oils so you can see the real results of your work. There are no silicones or fillers, just gentle cleaning agents to uncover the real condition of your vehicle?s paint.

c) Hi-Temp's Prep Wash - to prepare a paint surface for polishing, compounding, wax and / or polymer sealant application (especially if changing from a wax to a polymer product) this is a water-based paint cleaner designed to remove all traces of silicone, oil, and buffing residue from any exterior paint surface

d) DuPont PrepSol II? or Final-Klean - spray onto a 100% cotton or a micro fibre towel and clean the surface, DuPont now also sells the Sonatra Line, which are essentially wipes/towels, pre-moistened with either Prep-Sol or Final-Klean, ideal for all high tech wiping applications, excellent in use both wet and dry with high absorbent capacity

e) Prep-All is a very similar product to PrepSol and is more widely available


An extract from one of a series of in-depth ? detailing articles by TOGWT ?​
 
TOGWT said:
Fill a fine misting spray bottle with Anhydrous Isopropyl alcohol, spray the paint surface, and allow it to dwell for 30-45 seconds, agitate before wiping the paint surface with a clean, dry 100% cotton micro fibre towel


d) DuPont PrepSol II? or Final-Klean - spray onto a 100% cotton or a micro fibre towel and clean the surface,
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I've never seen alcohol(90%^) stay on the surface for more than a 10-20 seconds before evaporating?

Also, Is there any damaging effects to using a somewhat harsh solvent like PreSol on a painted surface? I've heard mixed opinions about this. I've heard that XYLENE & TOLUENE *can* harm paint, but unsure where this falls into place with PS. Please discuss...
 
David Fermani said:
Also, Is there any damaging effects to using a somewhat harsh solvent like PreSol on a painted surface? I've heard mixed opinions about this. I've heard that XYLENE & TOLUENE *can* harm paint, but unsure where this falls into place with PS. Please discuss...
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Anyone have input on this?
 
TOGWT said:
They are not listed on PrepSol MSDS (http://www.sierrachem.com.au/MSDS_Prepsol_A.pdf) and I've never heard of them doing short / long term 'harm' to a paint surface
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That MSDS sheet doesn't list ANY chemicals/ingredients in it so how can you be sure? I spoke to a Dupont Tech Director in passing at Body Shop in the past and he mentioned it's not a good idea to use Prep-sol on paint that isn't being refinished. It's meant for prepping the surface prior to painting.

I've also read that it can be aggressive to the plastizer content of a clear or a non-clear. They do a great job of cleaning the surface, but will damage the resins system. The damage is not always seen until some time passes, plus the xylene is a known carcenigenic by inhalation, skin contact etc.
 
I'm not doubting the information you were given, just its source.

In this dog sue dog world I'm very suprised a company like DuPont would not explain the risks on the Prepsol container to limit liability
 
I posted this comment in another thread but I got the Brinkman Dual Xenon light and it sur convinced me I was not removing all the polish/paint cleaner. It was not readily visible but the light show did show some streaking, etc. An 50/50 IPA wipedown sure did clean things up nicely.
 
TOGWT said:
I'm not doubting the information you were given, just its source.

In this dog sue dog world I'm very suprised a company like DuPont would not explain the risks on the Prepsol container to limit liability
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I was hoping that someone like you with your chemical engineering/detailing background would help debunk this myth. I'd hate to recommend a product that could in turn damage a finish. Are we able to push through this further to get 3rd party/independent facts?
 
When it comes to product marketing and technical specifications, it is also important to realize that all companies must keep secure their proprietary information and agreements. Without this, no business would have the incentive to develop new products, expand their market, stay competitive, and ultimately - exist.

If you can find out what chemicals the product is formulated with I will attempt to advise any pros or cons. But as youv'e stated if someone with my backround (Chemical Engineering) speculates on a products ability to damage a paint or other type surface, without knowing what chemicals it is formulated with, I could be sued for defamation of their product and could also lose my professional engineering license.
 
A mild Chemical process

For pre-polishing process to prepare a paint surface for polishing, compounding, or post-polishing to ensure there is nothing 'masking' the paint finish.

This is a water-based paint cleaner designed to remove all traces of silicone, oil, and buffing residue from any exterior paint surface, residue from polishing products accumulate in crevices, around handles, wiper arms, on trim, luggage racks, and aerodynamics. Hi-Temp's Prep Wash flows into these hard-to-reach areas and dissolves the build-up.

Prep Wash can be used to cleanse the finish before painting, and you can use it after buffing or levelling applications. It prepares the surface for the proper bonding of waxes, glazes and paint sealants. If this is not done properly, applied products may not bond, which will cause heavy streaking. It may be diluted, but is always used sparingly at any strength. Mist a cloth or sponge and wipe over the surface. Wipe dry with a clean towel.TOTL



An extract from one of a series of in-depth ? detailing articles by TOGWT ?​
 
TOGWT said:
Prep Wash can be used to cleanse the finish before painting, and you can use it after buffing or levelling applications. It prepares the surface for the proper bonding of waxes, glazes and paint sealants. If this is not done properly, applied products may not bond, which will cause heavy streaking. It may be diluted, but is always used sparingly at any strength. Mist a cloth or sponge and wipe over the surface. Wipe dry with a clean towel.TOTL



An extract from one of a series of in-depth ? detailing articles by TOGWT ?​
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So I'll take that as a "YES" to my question.:D
 
TOGWT said:
This is a water-based paint cleaner designed to remove all traces of silicone, oil, and buffing residue from any exterior paint surface, residue from polishing products accumulate in crevices, around handles, wiper arms, on trim, luggage racks, and aerodynamics. Hi-Temp's Prep Wash flows into these hard-to-reach areas and dissolves the build-up.
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Is it even possible to totally remove silicone; especially this way?

Check out this article about silicone and it's removal
http://www.aitlinks.com/products/in...ory=3&show_desc=Yes&show_fp=Yes&show_list=Yes

Here's a brief cut-out from this article:


THE REMOVAL OF SMEAR FROM POLISHED SURFACES
Polishing is a mechanical process. Silicon is a product that has been designed not to be removed by mechanical abrasion. When using Menzerna, to polish surfaces which have been previously treated with silicon, a smear may result. It is important to understand why this occurs.

CAUSE
There are lots of silicon oils on the market. The properties that make silicon so popular with car detailers, and some auto manufacturers, also make it a very difficult product for the polisher to remove. During polishing, the silicon mixes with the excess paint that is being removed from the surface to form a smear.

Can you remove silicon from a clearcoat completely?
It is impossible to remove silicon from a painted surface without using a chemical process so aggressive that it dissolves the paint. Wax and grease removers will chemically remove one layer of silicon off at a time but are unable to completely remove all the silicon. Tests by Dr Michael Hauber at Menzerna using a spectroscope showed the layers become thinner but the silicon remains. Removing silicon completely can take place over time and involves a lengthy process of oxygen, chemicals, time and sunlight.

PREPARATION
If the car has been treated with silicon, use a wax and grease remover to remove as much of the silicon as possible before polishing. You will not be able to remove it all but it helps.

THE MECHANICAL PROCESS
Polishing is a mechanical process. When a silicon-free polish works on the surface of paint it uses aluminium oxide marbles, suspended in water and hydrocarbons and a mechanical process to abrade the surface of the paint down to the level of the bottom of the scratch. Silicon cannot be removed this way. Silicon is removed by a chemical means and is designed to resist being removed by mechanical means. Instead the silicon mixes with the blend of paint dust and polish powder and it creates a smear on the paint.

We should differentiate between swirl marks in the silicon layer and swirl marks in the paint underneath. Some polishes may appear to remove the swirl marks in the paint but are really only working on the layer of silicon. So the swirl marks in the paint itself remain unaffected by the polishing and reappear after a few weeks, as the silicon is being removed by time.
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[Is it even possible to totally remove silicone; especially this way?]

Information from Menzerna [It is impossible to remove silicon from a painted surface without using a chemical process so aggressive that it dissolves the paint. Wax and grease removers will chemically remove one layer of silicon off at a time but are unable to completely remove all the silicon]. Tests at Menzerna using a spectroscope showed the layers become thinner but the silicon remains. Removing silicon completely can take place over time and involves a lengthy process of oxygen, chemicals, time and sunlight] [Dr Michael Hauber]

I don't know if this product (Hi-Temp's Prep Wash ) totally removes silicone, but it helps.

Is this a fishing expedition or do you have a better suggestion ?
 
David, I respect your research but please keep in mind that you cannot always trust what the manufacturer is saying as they have too much to gain or loose depending on what they allow us to think about their products.

Am I mistaken about that write up being produced by Menzerna? I didn't read the whole thing but I did skim through it.

Also if it makes any difference, oils are not that hard to wash off the surface. Oil and water do not mix so they should both wash off, unless the oil is sticking to the surface which in my experience is not the case.

To test it you can just poor some baby oil on the paint, rub it in, do whatever you want, then just run a hose over it and watch it roll right off.

Matter of fact I have witnessed oil/silicon evaporate overnight on many cars. I base this off of inspecting the paint with 500W after a multi step polishing process and it was flawless just to come back the next day and find very fine holograms under the exact same lighting which can be concluded that the oils evaporated.

Josh
 
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