Couldn't get off "sand" texture...
 

Hi all,

I usually quick detail once a week, but the weather has been crappy and life busy, so it's been at least two weeks since the last time when I did it today. I ran to the car wash and when I got home and started to detail, I noticed that on the driver's side only (for whatever reason) there was a "sandpaper" feeling grit on the lower panels of both the driver and passenger doors. I made a bucket of Dawn and water and washed the lower areas with a microfiber towel several times, but the "sandpaper" stuff really didn't get any better. After the 12th pass or so, I gave up and I suppose it was marginally better but I elected not to detail that section for fear of rubbing in the stuff and making things worse.

I'm new to this type of high level detailing and reading as much as I can in this forum. It's clear that I need to clay my car, but this is really the only section that feels this gritty. I was a little bothered that I couldn't wash it away, either. I am nervous to use anything more "abrasive" than a microfiber towel as well. Thoughts?

Thanks!
Shane

I watched a "How it's Made" show and they showed how a car wash works and then went into the detailing of a car. Pouring all kinds of gunk on a Porche. Eggs on top and tar on the dside. The detailer used different cleaners to remove the Sh!# off. he didn't use any abrasive stuff but the chemicals in the cleaners disolved the crsp and not the car finish.

Check with a car detailer to see what they can do or sell you to clean it.

Get you a Megs clay bar and some quickdetailer spray and go at it, as the bar gets dirty keep folding in half to expose clean clay, a few minutes on each door and it will be gone..

Are you talking about the painted portion or the plastic matte black trim areas?

The painted areas can be clayed first to remove the grit. Use lots of lubricant while claying.

The plastic area can be cleaned with a plastic cleaner protectorant.

I am curious as to how it will feel after you clay bar. I think that would be the biggest test at this point.

Are you sure the paint isn't just sandblasted and actually missing paint there? Take a 10x loupe (magnifying glass) and look at it up close to check. Once you know the problem, or think you know, you can better decide what action to take. Most people just jump right in thinking clay, or a solvent, or other type of solution is best without knowing the real problem.

Richard

I think I will try the clay bar to see.

OctaneGuy-- this is a brand new car-- I certainly hope the paint isn't sandblasted! This is the only area on the entire car that is like this, too...Hmmm.

I'll report back after I clay the section - thanks everyone!

I just discovered the wonders of a clay bar last week and I am just floored at the results. My paint no longer feels gritty anymore, it feels as smooth as glass! I'm sure the clay bar would help, like everyone else suggested. :)

Get a clay bar!!! You can get them at any auto store. Mag's is like 19.00 and then some detailer to go with it. I just picked a number of them up at a car show for 8.00 apeice so I bought a number of them for the street rods and motorcycle. Just don't drop it and pick it up and continue to use [don't asked how I know] it can get schmit from the floor in it and scratch the finish.

Unfortunately I got a 3 yr paint warranty and that included Permacoating. I was told not to use clay bars as it would remove the Permacoat. I use clay on my bike and it does make a difference in feel.

I bought a MCS this week and the dealer tried to charge me $700.00 for Peracoating. I refused to pay but did offer them $25.00 for their glorified wax job and told them to keep the 3 year warranty. What a joke this Peracoat is.

Flamewinger, First of all I would clay my car once a year and the dealer would not any the wiser, and if you wait 3 years your paint will not look near as good as you hoped it would. Basically all the dealer did was wax your car give you a 3 year warranty and charged you a boat load of money. If you take care of your car using "proven" car care techniques you won't have any issue anyway.