How to Evaluate Above Surface & Below Surface Defects - Meguiar's Quik Tips
Channel: Meguiar's
Date: 15/05/2020

So, you’ve decided you want to detail the paint on your car, but what exactly does that mean? It can be a little confusing because this can mean different things to different people. In addition, there are a lot of opinions and products to sort through when talking to people and researching online. Before you go out and buy a bunch of products, we suggest asking yourself a few questions first. 

How much time do you have? What is it that you want to accomplish? And what does the surface you’re working with actually need? You want to carefully evaluate the paint carefully so you can get the best results with maximum gloss and depth of shine. So, how do you fully evaluate above surface contaminants and below surface defects?

Wash and dry with a premium car wash, like Meguiar’s Ultimate Wash & Wax, to remove any loose dust, grime and debris from the paint. Also, be sure to use clean, premium microfiber accessories so you don’t accidentally put more swirl marks into your paint. 

EVALUATING ABOVE SURFACE DEFECTS OR ABOVE SURFACE BONDED CONTAMINANTS 

Run your clean, dry fingertips over the paint. If it feels rough this tells you there are contaminants bonded on top of the paint. These are things that land on & stick to your paint, like rail dust, tree sap mist, industrial fallout, paint overspray, bug droppings, brake dust, and other pollutants from the environment. If you don’t remove these, they can inhibit depth of shine, diminish the lifespan of your wax and stain the paint which then turns into a below surface defect. Worst case, if contaminants aren’t removed, over extended periods of time, they can actually start to damage and degrade your clear coat.

Meguiar’s currently has two consumer clay bar kits quickly remove above surface bonded contaminants without swirling or scratching, make the paint as smooth as glass, and allow for the next steps to work quicker and better. Meguiar's Smooth Surface Clay Kit and Meguiar's Hybrid Ceramic Quik Clay Kit. 



EVALUATING BELOW SURFACE DEFECTS 

 
For this step, it’s essential to do a thorough visual inspection of the paint for below surface defects. These include swirls (sometimes called “holograms”), scratches, oxidation, etchings, water spots and stains. These defects are in the paint… below the surface… and something you can typically see but can’t feel. Ultimately, if these paint defects aren’t removed, they can prevent you from getting the maximum shine and depth of gloss. If there's a scratch you can feel with your fingernail, this is typically something that has removed too much paint and will require either touch up or repainting. 

Examine the paint from different angles, from different distances and with multiple types of light sources since different light sources and different paint colors will show defects differently. The key is to take your time and be thorough, so you get an accurate representation of the paint. In the end, this will ensure you get the most gloss, clarity and reflectivity from your paint. 

If it’s in your budget, one of the best ways to find below surface defects is to invest in a paint inspection light, like Meguiar’s MT 103 Sunlight 3+. This is an ideal tool that can help you quickly find swirls and defects you may not otherwise be able to see. Different paint colors react differently to different types of lighting and different light temperatures. 
If you do come across any swirls, scratches, oxidation, etchings, water spots or stains, a Meguiar’s Compound will be needed to remove these defects without hazing or marring the surface. Most of our compounds can be applied by hand with a Soft Foam Applicator or with a Dual Action Variable Speed Polisher like, Meguiar’s MT300 Dual Action Polisher and a foam cutting disc. 

Once you’re done with claying &/or compounding as needed, you’re ready to apply your favorite Meguiar’s polish for maximum shine, and/or wax or sealant to ensure you have plenty of protection on the paint. Polishing is an optional step that produces deep, wet-look reflections. Typically, darker paints, along with reds & yellows benefit from polishing before waxing.

So, the next time you go to detail your car you now know exactly how to evaluate for above surface and below surface defects. This will help you to identify the type of defect you have AND the type of products you’ll need to correct the paint and ultimately get the best results!
 
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