Before applying paint protection, remove polishing oils and light surface films with a suitable paint preparation cleaner. Our Ultra Degreaser is sprayed undiluted onto the prepared surface and wiped off with a soft, dry microfibre towel after a short dwell time. The surface should then be dry and streak-free.
This step is particularly important after polishing. Glossy paint can still carry a thin film of oil. Remove it before applying a ceramic coating so you can see the true polishing result and apply the coating to properly prepared paint.
Why is wiping off the polish not always enough?
Wiping removes the visible excess polish. Oily ingredients can still remain on the paint and temporarily hide fine marks. After degreasing, you can judge more accurately whether the finish is as clear as you want it to be.
Before applying a ceramic coating, this cleaning step is part of the preparation. To decide whether polishing is needed in the first place, see Which polish should you use before a ceramic coating?.
Silicone-free does not automatically mean residue-free. Even a silicone-free polish can leave other ingredients on the surface. That is why we degrease after the final polishing stage and before applying the ceramic coating.
How to degrease paint: step by step
- Finish preparing the car. The paint must be washed and free of loose dirt. First remove visible polish residue with a separate towel. Allow panels warmed by polishing to cool down.
- Prepare fresh towels. Use soft, clean towels without dried coating residue. Our 300 GSM Coating & Allround Microfibre Towel is also suitable for wiping off cleaners and degreasing. Keep at least one fresh towel ready for the final check.
- Shake the bottle and test a small area. Test Ultra Degreaser in an inconspicuous area. This quick check is particularly important on unknown or repainted surfaces.
- Spray one section at a time. Use Ultra Degreaser undiluted and wet a manageable area. Do not spray the whole car at once. This allows you to wipe off the cleaner before it dries.
- Allow a short dwell time, then wipe gently. Pick up the loosened film with a soft, dry towel without rubbing hard. Turn to a clean side regularly. If the towel is damp or loaded with residue, use a fresh one.
- Inspect the dry surface. Check it under a light from several angles. If streaks remain, address them with fresh towels. Apply paint protection only once the surface is dry and streak-free.
Towel cleanliness matters more than choosing the highest possible GSM. Even a soft towel can leave marks if it contains dirt particles. For correct care, see How to wash microfibre towels properly.
What should you do if streaks remain after degreasing?
The film moves as you wipe
The towel is often already too damp or is spreading residue around. Use a fresh, dry towel and light pressure. If there is a heavy film of polish, remove the bulk of the residue before degreasing again.
Fine lines remain on the dry paint
These may be actual wiping or polishing marks. More cleaner will not remove them. Check the appearance under light and inspect the towel instead of rubbing harder. For sensitive black paint, Perfect Finish with a suitable finishing pad can help you choose the next step.
The polish was already difficult to wipe off
Then check the pad, the amount of product and the temperature. Our article Polish smearing or difficult to wipe off helps you identify the cause.
Does a degreaser also remove wax or an old ceramic coating?
Ultra Degreaser removes oils and light residues from maintenance products and surface films. It is not a universal remover for every existing paint protection product. Repeated spraying will not reliably remove an old, durable coating.
Before recoating, the existing protection must be compatible with the planned application or be removed appropriately. For cured coating defects, follow the targeted approach in Removing ceramic coating high spots.
Degreasing does not replace washing, tar removal or the treatment of bonded contaminants either. More cleaner is no shortcut for missing preparation.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to degrease the whole car after every polishing stage?
Not necessarily. For checking the result, you can clean the test spot and individual treated areas. Before applying a ceramic coating, degrease the entire area to be coated after the final polishing stage.
Can I just use glass cleaner instead of a paint preparation cleaner?
Not as a general rule. Some cleaners leave additives behind or are unsuitable for the paint and the planned protection. Use a surface preparation cleaner intended for the job.
Does Ultra Degreaser need to be diluted?
No. Use it undiluted, allow a short dwell time and wipe off with a soft, dry microfibre towel.
How long should I wait before applying paint protection?
The surface must be completely dry and free of visible residue. A fixed number of minutes will not suit every temperature and amount of product. Also follow the application instructions for your chosen paint protection product.
Can I degrease the paint before polishing?
This can be useful for suitable residues. However, it does not replace cleaning again after polishing if you intend to apply paint protection afterwards.
Efterlad en kommentar
Alle kommentarer er modereres, før de bliver offentliggjort.
'Denne side er beskyttet af hCaptcha, og hCaptchas Politik om beskyttelse af persondata og Servicevilkår er gældende.