How to Tell If Your Paint Needs Decontamination
Washing your car removes dirt—but that doesn’t mean your paint is fully clean. If you skip decontamination, you’re likely applying waxes or ceramic sprays on top of invisible contaminants.
Here are the 5 biggest signs your paint needs decontamination—and what to do about it.
1. The Paint Feels Rough After Washing
After a proper wash, run your hand across the surface. If it doesn’t feel buttery smooth, that roughness is bonded contamination like brake dust, tree sap, or fallout.
2. You See Little Black or Orange Dots
Tiny rust-colored or black specks are iron particles that have embedded into your clear coat. You’ll need a fallout remover or clay bar to remove them.
3. Water Doesn’t Bead or Sheet Properly
If your ceramic spray isn’t performing like it used to, it might not be failing—it could be blocked by contamination. Decon helps restore proper water behavior.
4. Your Polishing Pad Gets Dirty Fast
Polishing a car without decon is like waxing over sand. If your pad picks up dark residue quickly, that’s a sign your paint wasn’t properly cleaned.
5. You’ve Never Done It (Or It’s Been 6+ Months)
For most daily drivers, decontamination should be done every 3–6 months. If you’ve never clayed your paint, it’s overdue.
How to Fix It (Simple Decon Routine)
- Wash with The Super Soaper to remove surface grime (Amazon)
- Use a clay mitt or clay bar with lubricant
- Wipe clean with Everyday Microfiber Towels
- Polish if needed, then protect with Tough As Shell
Related Blog Posts
- How to Clay Bar Your Car (And Why It’s a Game Changer)
- What Is Paint Decontamination (And Why Should You Care?)
Conclusion
Just because your car looks clean doesn’t mean it’s truly clean. If your paint feels rough, looks dull, or doesn’t hold protection well, it’s time to decon.
Use The Super Soaper to prep, a clay tool to remove bonded grime, and Tough As Shell to seal in a clean, protected finish.
