What is soot film on a car?
A nearby fire has left a greasy black film over everything, including the glass and trim. Soot is acidic and holds moisture against the paint, so it should not stay. But it has not damaged anything yet. It is sitting on the surface.
What kind of repair does it need?
A decontamination wash by a detailer. Lots of water first to carry the loose soot away. Then a wash that lifts the greasy part. Nothing abrasive, and nothing is repainted.
A chemical dissolves what has stuck to the surface. On gloss paint, a clay bar may lift what is left. Never clay or polish matte paint or a matte wrap. Detailer work, not panel work.
What to do next
The one thing that turns this into a repair bill is wiping it with a cloth. Fire debris is often gritty, and wiping it dry can scratch the clear coat. Rinse it off with plenty of water first. If there is a lot of it, do not use a duster either.
Sources
- AAA Southern California (Auto Club)motoring club
rinse the ash off of the vehicle and do not attempt to use a duster
- Kelley Blue Bookmedia
Use a hose to float ash and debris off the panels, starting at the roof and working down.
- PPG / Mercedes-Benzpaint maker
No possibilities exist to polish out dirt or imperfections in the finished clear, as this…
- BMWBlogmedia
Do not use mechanical means of cleaning the surface.
- OCD Car Careproduct seller
The most common way to remove topical bonded contamination is with a clay bar or a synthetic clay substitute.
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