Paint not feeling smooth but rough in places

[dev2017]

hi,

on my focus ST3 I had diamond brite paint protection when I bought it. Ive not bee impressed with it from day one. However the other day I notice the paint work on all my car has a rough feeling instead of smooth like it used to be. Only the bottom half of the doors are smooth now and not sure how this has come about.
The car did go into the garage for a replacement front wheel arm and I did notice this rough feeling when it came out of the garage. But may be a coincidence? as they are adamant they wouldn't have touched the body work.

Any advice?

thanks

[The Dangerous Elk]

ClayBar to test for micro surface contaminants in a small area ?

[Ahbefive]

Probably needs a good polish and wax.

[justinio]

Overspray. Probably from them doing repairs to someone elses car.

Clay bar will get rid of it quickly and easily.

[Ahbefive]

justinio said:

Overspray. Probably from them doing repairs to someone elses car.

Clay bar will get rid of it quickly and easily.

Overspray over the entire car but nothing obvious on the glass? Bodywork being done in the sort of garage that would be changing a wishbone arm? Unlikely on both counts.

[smudgerebt]

Brake disc dust, general grime from work area and or they grinding near by and its floated over.

I would go with a proper hot water wash followed with an iron remover like Envy Valeting Iron Awe, ironX etc before clay.

[Vincefox]

Quick test for bonded contaminants: get a small plastic bag (think ziplock type) and put it over your hand/fingers. Wet the paint then press your fingertips lightly on the paint and run them across quickly. This will give you the true roughness.

As others have said, I'd clay it. Sounds like overspray, could be lacquer.

As for sealing your car, use Gyeon Wetcoat after every wash and jetwash it off. I won't use anything else now. This is mine after being rained on overnight. It sheets within 30 seconds of driving off and doesn't spot...







Works very well on wheels and screens too.

[justinio]

Ahbefive said:

Overspray over the entire car but nothing obvious on the glass? Bodywork being done in the sort of garage that would be changing a wishbone arm? Unlikely on both counts.

It may well be on the glass as well. It doesnt need to be visible to feel it. As the previous poster said, put a plastic bag over your hand and lightly go over the paint. You'll feel it.

Who knows what kind of garage the OP took his car into? It may be one, where they didnt take the car into a booth while doing a spot repair.

Overspray is the likely candidate, if you only noticed it after coming out of the garage. It's not a big deal to sort it, just buy a clay bar (Bilt Hamber off of Amazon are very good). Have a look on Youtube on how to use a claybar if you havent used one before, it's very quick and easy.

Even if it isnt overspray, it's cost you less than a tenner and 10 minutes to rule it out.

[227bhp]

If it is on the glass you feel it, also you'll hear it when the wipers are put on.
It does sound like overspray initially, all it needs is someone nearby with at least a spray can or even worse.

[dev2017]

thanks all.

whats the process to follow after clay baring the car? does some sort of sealant need to go on next then polish and wax? as I do have some swirls to remove also with my DA.

any recommendations on a clay bar and clay bar lubricant to use? the car is only about 5 months old.

also can I follow the clay bar procedure on my alloys? I have the same problem with the roughness

thanks

Edited by dev2017 on Monday 1st January 20:51

[The Dangerous Elk]

I use a mix of hand soap and cold water in a pump sprayer to lub the bar

DA it then apply sealer then a good wax. I am not in anyway a detailer

[justinio]

dev2017 said:

thanks all.

whats the process to follow after clay baring the car? does some sort of sealant need to go on next then polish and wax? as I do have some swirls to remove also with my DA.

any recommendations on a clay bar and clay bar lubricant to use? the car is only about 5 months old.

also can I follow the clay bar procedure on my alloys? I have the same problem with the roughness

thanks

Edited by dev2017 on Monday 1st January 20:51

This is very good clay https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bilt-Hamber-Auto-Clay-Reg...

Just use soapy water as a lube, no need for anything fancy. Claying it will probably introduce some marring, but that will be easy to remove seeing as you have a DA.

You could clay the wheels as well, but that could be brake dust on them thats causing the roughness. Carpro Iron X works well, and removes the baked on brake dust https://www.amazon.co.uk/CarPro-Iron-500ml-Retail-...

[dev2017]

thanks guys