How to Get Your Paint Smooth as Glass with a Proper Decontamination

I learned this the hard way on a black Commodore years ago, if the panels are hot, your chemicals will dry instantly and leave nasty streaks. Find some shade or wait until later in the arvo.

Blast off all the loose grit, sand, and dust. If you've just come back from the beach or the outback, spend extra time in the wheel arches and lower sills.

Do a proper two-bucket wash. We want the car clean, but not necessarily dry yet. We're removing the 'surface' dirt so the decontamination chemicals can actually reach the paint.

While the car is still wet, spray your iron remover over the paint. Focus on the wheels, the boot, and the bonnet. These are the hotspots for industrial fallout and brake dust.

Let it sit for 3-5 minutes. You'll see it start to turn purple, that's the chemical reacting with the iron. It looks like the car is bleeding. Don't let it dry! If it starts to dry, mist it with a bit of water.

Blast every bit of that purple stuff off. Be thorough around the window seals and door handles where it likes to hide.

Dry the lower sections of the car and look for black spots (tar) or sticky yellowish blobs (sap). Dab your tar remover on a cloth and gently wipe these areas. Give it a minute to dissolve the gunk, then wipe away.

Take your clay bar and knead it until it's soft and flat. If you're using a clay mitt, just make sure it's clean and wet.

Spray your clay lube generously on a 40x40cm section. Never, ever rub clay on dry paint. It'll mar the finish faster than you can say 'no dramas'.

Use light pressure and move the clay in straight lines (back and forth, then up and down). You'll hear a 'shhh' sound, that's the clay hitting the grit. When the sound stops and the clay glides silently, that section is done.

Keep an eye on the clay. When it looks dirty, fold it over to a clean side. If you drop it on the ground, chuck it in the bin immediately. Don't try to clean it, it's a goner. (Learned that lesson the expensive way).

Once you've done the whole car, give it one final rinse to get rid of the lube residue. Dry it off with a clean, plush microfibre drying towel.

Put your hand inside a thin plastic sandwich bag and run it over the paint. The bag amplifies any tiny bits you missed. If it feels like glass, you've nailed it.