We don't throw every chemical at every car
First we wash it. Then we see what is left. Iron remover is for iron particles. Mineral cleaner is for mineral buildup. Clay is for the bonded material that still needs mechanical help. They each have a job.
The whole idea is to remove the contamination with as little unnecessary rubbing as we can. Once the paint is clean and smooth, it is ready for the polishing or protection that comes next.
Decontamination reveals the real paint
Sometimes a customer expects decontamination to make every swirl disappear. It won't. It can make the paint smoother and cleaner, but once the junk is gone you may actually see the scratches and haze more clearly.
That's when we decide if the car is ready for protection or if it needs enhancement or correction first. If it's getting a ceramic coating, we are not skipping this step just because the car looks clean from ten feet away.
Related services
Questions we hear about Paint Decontamination
Is this the same as clay bar treatment?
Clay is one part of decontamination. A full decon can also use iron remover, mineral cleaner, or other products based on what's stuck to the paint.
Do new cars need decontamination?
They can. New does not mean untouched. Transportation, rail dust, outdoor storage, and dealership washing can all leave contamination behind.
Is this included before ceramic coating?
Proper coating prep includes getting bonded contamination off the paint. What products we use depends on the car.