Pre Paint Cleaner

[twfsa]

It was always my thoughts that if washed a panel with Dawn soap to remove any wax and prior to any body work or sanding you used a wax and grease remover you were good to go as far as removing any contaminates that were on the surface prior to painting I have also read that some people are wipeing the surface with isopropyl rubbing alcohol just prior to painting any thoughts on the rubbing alcohol.

[Len]

It was always my thoughts that if washed a panel with Dawn soap to remove any wax and prior to any body work or sanding you used a wax and grease remover you were good to go as far as removing any contaminates that were on the surface prior to painting I have also read that some people are wipeing the surface with isopropyl rubbing alcohol just prior to painting any thoughts on the rubbing alcohol.

The products used in cleaning a surface can depend on what contaminants are on the surface. I usually find that washing with warm soapy water then cleaning with a good cleaning solvent usually does the trick. I've tried alcohol and found that it can work on certain contaminants but the cleaning solvent does a better job. I've also used Windex which also removes some problems but I stopped because it seemed repetitious. Just wash the surface well with warm soapy water and rinse it well BEFORE you start your prep work then use a good cleaning solvent by spraying it on with a pump sprayer and wiping it off with clean paper towels. Of course you should remove the dust before using the cleaning solvent.

[Henry]

It was always my thoughts that if washed a panel with Dawn soap to remove any wax and prior to any body work or sanding you used a wax and grease remover you were good to go as far as removing any contaminates that were on the surface prior to painting I have also read that some people are wipeing the surface with isopropyl rubbing alcohol just prior to painting any thoughts on the rubbing alcohol.

Here is a link to the CLASSROOM and the Basics on W&G removers:

http://www.autobodystore.com/ms8.shtml

You can get to the CLASSROOM by going to the HOME page from any page on this site. Click HOME in the upper left corner.

I wouldn't go crazy JUST before paint because you may add or not remove something you are using to clean the surface with too close to painting. If you cleaned and washed properly before your work and did not get grease, oil, wax or any silicone sprays on your surface you don't need to go crazy. Henry

[Mark G]

I don't do it, but I can see that the advantage of using Isopropol is that it combines with water and oil products. So, it would remove light grease AND bug crap as well.

I just wash with soapy water, rinse, let dry thoroughly, then apply a w&GR treatment before painting (not JUST before, but the recommended period before). I haven't had fish-eyes or any problems in years. I also don't keep any silicone lubricant spray anywhere near the paint area, and don't use any Armour-All type products nearby either.

Mark G