Paint Cleaner question

[budman3]

Sparkie and MotorCity reminded me that an AIO type product can be used in substitute of a traditional paint cleaner, especially when there is no polishing involved or after polishing. They'll clean just like a paint cleaner but will probably add more protection and may remove light marring.

 

[conan777]

Great post, I was wondering the same thing myself. I have the Wolfgang Paint cleaner but have never used it. It came with my Pinnacle/Wolfgang kit. I personally have put a LSP sealant and wax on my cars after polishing with menzerna polishes and it did not seem to have any bonding issues? I have also used an IPA wipedown after reading a similiar post about the oils left behind after polishing and my mf towel was pretty dirty after the IPA wipedown so I guess there is definitely some validity to using a paint cleanser.

Would the XMT 360 work the same for a cleaning step?

I am still slightly confused,...should we clean after both the clay process before polishing and after the polishing before the LSP goes on?

WHat is the process for these cleaning agents... do you apply by hand or machine? do you need to buff them off or does the machine/hand application work it into the paint like XMT 360 which does not require any removal as it gets worked in with your pad?

 

[Deep Gloss Auto Salon]

^^ Conan: I do not use a paint cleaner after claying'

I:
Wash
clay
polish
501 with white pad speed 3-4 on PC
LSP

 

[budman3]

Great post, I was wondering the same thing myself. I have the Wolfgang Paint cleaner but have never used it. It came with my Pinnacle/Wolfgang kit. I personally have put a LSP sealant and wax on my cars after polishing with menzerna polishes and it did not seem to have any bonding issues? I have also used an IPA wipedown after reading a similiar post about the oils left behind after polishing and my mf towel was pretty dirty after the IPA wipedown so I guess there is definitely some validity to using a paint cleanser.

It'd be real hard to notice any issues or benefits when it comes to bonding. In most of my details I don't use a paint cleaner at all and everything works fine. But for maximum results and durability, using a paint cleaner (or IPA wipedown) will yeild the longest durability, if that is what you are looking for. If you are doing a vehicle for a customer in a short period of time you can omit the cleaner and still have great results.

Would the XMT 360 work the same for a cleaning step?

I am still slightly confused,...should we clean after both the clay process before polishing and after the polishing before the LSP goes on?

WHat is the process for these cleaning agents... do you apply by hand or machine? do you need to buff them off or does the machine/hand application work it into the paint like XMT 360 which does not require any removal as it gets worked in with your pad?

The 360 should clean the paint but I haven't used that product. That being siad I'm not sure how well other LSPs would bond to it. P21S GEPC (gloss enhancing paint cleaner) preps the paint specifically before P21S carnauba wax. Since XMT360 isn't "partnered" with another LSP it's hard to tell what will work for maximum benefits.

As for using the cleaners, it all depends on the product. The 3 paint cleaners I have used are Klase AIO, P21S GEPC, Poorboy's ProPolish. I've used all 3 by hand and with a PC. Using a machine will be faster because you barely have to work the product in. Each product will vary when it comes to removal as well. For the 3 that I've used, they usually do work into the paint and leave limited residue. 95% of the time you'll need to wipe off the residue though. The only exceptions that I know of is Zaino Z1 and Surf City Nano Glaze and Seal (not really a paint cleaner though) but there could be more ...

While you don't need to use a paint cleaner before and after polishing, the benefits are listed in my other post. It definitely isn't the end of the world if you do not use a paint cleaner at all-- just the results and workability of your polishes and LSPs may not yeild maximum results. I rarely use a paint cleaner before polishing and haven't had any issues. However I have read a few times that polishes can act up when there is a certain type of LSP left on the surface.