How to Decontaminate Your Paint After Winter (Spring Prep Guide)
Snow, salt, and slush may be gone—but the damage they leave behind sticks to your paint.
This guide shows you exactly how to remove embedded grime, iron fallout, and road film from your paint—so your spring detail starts with a clean slate.
Why Decontaminate After Winter?
- ✅ Salt and sand embed into clear coat
- ✅ Industrial fallout bonds to your paint
- ✅ Wax and ceramic performance fades
Even if your car looks clean, your paint is likely rough to the touch. That means it’s time to clay and reset your protection.
Step 1: Deep Clean the Surface
Start with a high-foam wash using The Super Soaper.
- ✅ Removes grime, salt, and old dressings
- ✅ Safe on coatings and all exterior materials
Use a foam cannon or pump sprayer, let dwell for 3–5 minutes, then rinse and wash with microfiber towels.
Step 2: Clay the Paint
This step removes bonded contamination that washing can’t touch.
Use a clay mitt or clay bar with a proper lubricant (or The Super Soaper diluted in a spray bottle):
- ✅ Work one panel at a time
- ✅ Use light pressure and plenty of lube
- ✅ Clay until the surface feels glassy smooth
This removes: - Brake dust - Rail dust - Salt particles - Industrial fallout
Step 3: Wipe and Inspect
After claying, wipe each panel with a clean Everyday Microfiber Towel.
Run your hand across the paint. If it feels smooth, you're ready for protection.
Step 4: Reapply Ceramic Spray
Now that the surface is clean, reapply Tough As Shell for hydrophobic protection and gloss that lasts into summer.
- ✅ Apply 1–2 sprays per panel
- ✅ Buff with a second microfiber towel
Layer again after 4–6 hours for extended durability.
Customer Testimonial
"I clayed my car with Super Soaper as lube and applied Tough As Shell after—it’s smoother and glossier than it was before winter even started."
— Greg T., Verified Customer
Spring Decon Kit Essentials
- The Super Soaper
- Tough As Shell Ceramic Spray
- Everyday Microfiber Towels
- Clay mitts or bar – coming soon to Jimbo’s
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Conclusion
Winter contamination doesn’t wash away—it bonds to your paint.
This spring, start fresh with a deep decon detail and long-lasting ceramic protection.
Grab your spring decon kit at Jimbo’s Detailing or shop the essentials on Amazon.
