Overspray Removal

Overspray refers to the application of any form of paint, varnish, stain or other non-water soluble airborne particulate material onto an unintended location. This concept is most commonly encountered in graffiti, auto detailing, and when commercial paint jobs drift onto unintended objects.

Auto detailing and drifting paint

Overspray is considered a negative occurrence in auto detailing or when drifting paint gets on cars, buildings, etc. during the painting of a water tower, bridge or building. There are businesses created solely to clean overspray off surfaces.

At Texas Shine Auto Detailing, we use a specialized piece of 'detail clay bar' to lift this paint from the surface of your car. It is non abrasive, and is not performing any aggressive action.

What is paint contamination?

Paint contamination is tiny metal shavings from rail dust, brake dust, and industrial fallout. This contamination affects all paint finishes and can cause serious damage when left untreated. Paint contamination can be felt as a "rough or gritty" texture on the paint's surface which lead to tiny rust spots.

There is no wax, Natural or Synthetic, or any chemical treatment that can prevent or protect against this contamination. Compounding with an abrasive polish may remove paint contamination but it can only be performed a few times before removing too much of the top, clear coat finish.

Where does it come from?

There are three major causes of paint contamination:

1. Rail dust - produced from the friction of train wheels against railroad tracks. Over 70% of new vehicles are shipped by rail. Rail dust can contaminate a new car's finish before it even reaches the dealership. Anytime a vehicle is parked or travels near a railroad it is subject to rail dust contamination.

2. Brake dust - particles produced from the friction of brake pads rubbing against the rotor. This metal on metal friction disperses tiny particles of bare metal into the air and on the highway where it collects on passing vehicles.

3. Industrial fallout - another word for pollution, industrial fallout is a byproduct of our modern industrial age.

How to test for Paint Contamination:

After washing and drying your vehicle put your hand inside a plastic sandwich bag and lightly run your fingertips over the paint's surface. It should feel smooth as glass. If the surface has a rough, gritty or pebble-like feel, it indicates the presence of paint contamination. This needs to be removed with a Clay Bar before applying a wax protectant.

Removing Paint Contamination:

The best solution is the use of a Clay Bar. Developed in Japan nearly five years ago, Clay Bars safely remove rail dust and industrial fallout by "pulling" it off the surface. It does not "cut" or perform any abrasive action normally associated with polishing or compounding.

The latest evolution in Clay Bar technologies are made in the U.S.A. of entirely man made polymers. These Clay Bars perform all the functions of traditional Clay Bars but have a number of advantages:

1. Polymer Clay Bars do not dry out with age.

2. Polymer Clay Bars do not decompose with repeated applications.

3. A single non-abrasive grade works on all paint conditions and is clear coat safe.

4. Polymer Clay Bars are easier to work with. It pulls, stretches and refolds easier that normal Clay Bars.

5. Polymer Clay Bars leaves almost no residue on the surface making clean-up very easy.

How to use Clay Bars:

Clay Bars should always be used on freshly washed, clean surfaces. Dirt on the surface could cause scratches.

Caution: Use only as directed and with Poly's Detail Spray & Clay Bar Lubricant to reduce friction between the Clay Bar and the vehicle's surface.

After claying, the surface should be as smooth as glass. Remove any remaining smudges with a clean dry towel. Microfiber towels, like our High-Quality Microfiber Towels, are perfect for removing the residues left behind by Clay Bars. Mist the surface with the lubricant if necessary to make the final wipe down easy.

Tech Note: Clay Bars will not remove scratches, swirls marks, dull or oxidized paint, or restore surface gloss. This is accomplished by polishing the surface after claying. Please keep in mind that polishing alone will not remove paint contamination.

Polishing and Finishing:

After claying the surface, you have two options. If the vehicle's paint is in like-new condition (good paint gloss and no swirls), you can finish by applying your favorite wax or paint sealant. If the finish shows any swirls or lacks luster, polish with a swirl remover or finishing polish and then apply a final coat of wax or paint sealant.

Frequency of use:

Polymer Clay Bars will not remove paint or the clear-coat finish. It can be used as often as necessary to keep the surface free of contamination and smooth.

Always apply a protective coating of Car Wax or Paint Sealant after claying the surface.