Black automotive paint is probably the most difficult color to clean, but it can be one of the most beneficial if you know how to care for it. Here are some tips quoted by Otodiva.com from Oards.com.
Should You Buy a Black Car?
Before buying a black car, especially a new one, there are several things you should pay attention to. One of them is to keep the black paint looking perfect. Black paint requires more maintenance than lighter colors, especially when compared to silver or white. If you don't have the time or space to wash your car by hand, black may not suit you.
Are Automatic Car Washes Safe for Black Cars?
Although there are many car wash implementations, they really boil down to three main types of touchless automatic car washes, self service, and others.
If you have a black car, never consider washing your car using a brush, towel, or bristle brush to touch up your car. You are better off washing your car by hand and learning proper car washing techniques than washing your vehicle through any car wash service. Quality hand washing minimizes the chance that your paint will be damaged. Besides that, You can do research on your own car and products so you know the right pH and chemicals for your car.
If you have to use a car wash service, here are some options that won't damage your black paint, among them namely:
1. Touchless/Automatic Car Wash
Touchless car washes use high-pressure soap and water to clean your vehicle. This is often safe in an emergency if you don't have time to wash your vehicle. This service often uses large blowers to dry the car. If your car wash offers hand drying services, it is no longer touchless. It's best to skip this step and let the car air dry. Water spots are usually easier to remove than scratches.
2. Manual or self service car wash
Manual car washes offer a relatively safe option for people who don't have their own work space to wash their vehicles. You can usually take your time and wash your vehicle at your own pace, pay attention to details to clean a dirty car while avoiding scratches. The most important thing you can do at a manual car wash is to avoid foaming the brushes. This brush is often used to clean dirty rims and exhaust components. It can be stained with contaminants that will scratch your black paint.
Tips for Washing Your Own Black Car at Home
Proper washing techniques and some protective measures will go a long way in protecting your shiny new black paint, among them namely :
1) Rinse Vehicle
Before you do anything, the vehicle must be wet. Water and soap provide lubrication so contaminants are less likely to scratch your car. If any part of your vehicle dries out during the washing process, rinse again to keep it wet. This will also help you avoid water stains.
2) Take Two Buckets
If you are going to wash a black car, You really need two buckets. The two bucket method allows you to take clean, soapy water from the first bucket and then rinse the sponge in the dirty bucket. Fill both of your buckets with water and the other with soap. Soak your sponge in a clean, soapy bucket, then stir the soap until your sponge is very smooth. The two bucket method keeps contaminants away from your sponge and paint.
3) Wash from Top to Bottom
The underside of your vehicle is the most contaminated. If you wash this first, You will create more dirt in your bucket and sponge.
Work in a top-down manner. Once you have finished the roof and glazing, move to the top of the doors and hood. Go down until you reach the bottom of the vehicle. When you wash, try to follow the line of the vehicle. On the hood, You will pull the sponge from the windshield to the bumper. On the side, Pull the sponge from the fender to the rear panel.
Do not use circular motions with the sponge. If you end up making light scratches in the paint, These scratches will be more visible when you wash in a circular pattern. Save the back of the vehicle for last. The back and side skirts are usually the dirtiest paint surfaces.
4) Wash Your Wheels and Muffler
It's also a good idea to store the wheels, ban, and your exhaust for last. Wheels don't just create dirt, but it also creates brake dust that is difficult to remove. The exhaust tip may be covered in carbon deposits, which is especially true on direct injected vehicles. There's no harm in using a second sponge for the rims and exhaust.
5) Rinse off the soap
After you stir up the dirt with a sponge, most contaminants will be removed immediately. Remember not to force anything. If something sticks to the paint, Don't try to rub it because it will definitely cause scratches on the paint.
If you are in a climate-controlled indoor environment, soap and water may stay wet for a very long time. If not, You may have to rinse each panel between uses. Don't let the soap and water dry out, because it can cause water spots.
6) Dry the Vehicle
Now that your car is clean, You'll want to dry the vehicle. If you choose to use a towel, make sure you use high quality microfiber. Do not press the paint to dry the vehicle. Place a towel on the surface, then drag the towel across the surface of the vehicle. Like washing steps, You'll want to pull the towel from front to back.
Read Also, How to Care for a White Car
