What Detergent to use prior to paint (Cleaning Body)?

[StRacerDuke]

I’ve got a quick question. I’m about ready to do the final wash down and tacking on the body before I paint it. My paint shop guys suggested that I used water and a little detergent to get any last finger prints off the car before I paint.

What detergent/soap should I use? I don’t want to use anything that will leave any type of residue on the body for obvious reasons. I’ve had problems in the past only using water to do the final wash down (had small fingerprints show up on the first base coat).

Any help prior to Sunday morning would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

[astroracer]

Go to your hardware and ask them for some TSP. Tri-sodium-phosphate. It is cheap, contains no lye and is used as a wash by housepainters. Mix it as directed in a couple of gallons of HOT water and wash her down. Rinse with clear water and you'll be good to go. This stuff will remove any grease and silicones that may have collected during the bodywork phase.
Mark

[73z-6sp]

I always use Bon Ami (sp?) and a gray scotch brite pad to wash it. It doesnt contain any bleach like comet or ajax. I learned it from another painter and it has always worked for me.

I am almost ready to do the final sand on my car and then its getting painted too! Cant wait! All down hill from there!

Good luck!

[vanzuuk1]

I had heard the bon ami thing also.

[Norwoodx55]

I have heard window cleaner first, to remove the organic junk(finger prints, bug poo, etc.) Then use your regular wax/grease remover. That is what I plan on using.
Brett

[SPEEDZONE]

I own a bodyshop and use liqued dish detergent and a scotch brite pad. I sometimes add Final Sand to the pad with the soap to help scuff the surface further.

[StRacerDuke]

Thank you guys!

I've got some TSP here at the house. I'm going to use it tomorrow morning to prep. With any luck I should have the paint done by tomorrow evening.

I'll see what I can do about posting some pictures and an update on it (71 Chevelle SS)

[68protouring454]

i would use a gold 3m scuff pad and some liquid scuff angent from anyone out there, usc,sherwin wiliams,sem, it leaves about a 1000 grit finish, is wax grease remover and is awesome, i would watch out for chemicals, go get some liquid scuffing agent
jake

[BRIAN]

I would use the above product if not just plain dishwash soap. Remeber primer surfaces are not 100% non permeable products. If you use a non auto body paint product there is a chance of the cheical getting trapped and effecting your top coats.


Just use a couple drops of soap and them use Prep sol and you will be fine. Do not lather it up, just enough to flow off the dirt.

[StRacerDuke]

Sorry I wasn't more specific in what products I'm using. I've done about a half dozen paint jobs now and am starting to get use to what products I'm comfortable with and which ones are not for me. I'm using a Feather Fill G2 primer, Dupont sealer, Dupont Chroma Base, and their Chroma Clear (Best clear on the market in my opinion).

I checked out the dish soap we have here at the house and saw what looked like silicates in it. Not something I want on the body prior to paint. I plan on washing it down with clean water about 4-5 times after I use the TSP. I typically use a fresh roll of blue shop towels soaked in water as a wipe down prior to primer coats and haven't had any problems with it. After using the TSP I'll do my normal wash down and see how my results are.

Normaly I wouldn't worry this much about it, as I'm doing it in the back shop and I have full control over the enviornment, but I found rust in the rear window and had to do a little surgery last night.

I'll start a update thread in the project form with pictures.

[mikey]

I use plain old wax and grease remover only. Nver had any problems in 27 years of practice.

[J2speedandcustom]

I use plain old wax and grease remover only. Nver had any problems in 27 years of practice.

Amen.