How to Strip Grime and Red Dust Like a Pro

Never, ever do this in direct Aussie sun. If the panels are hot to the touch, you're going to have a bad time. The chemicals will dry too fast and leave streaks that are a nightmare to get off.

Always start with the wheels. They're the filthiest part. If you do them last, you'll just splash brake dust grime back onto your clean paintwork.

Give the whole car a heavy rinse. You want to knock off as much loose dirt, salt spray, and red dust as possible before you even touch the paint with a mitt.

Wash the car thoroughly using the two-bucket method. Use a decent wash mitt. We're not trying to be fancy here, just getting the surface dirt off. Dry the car roughly (or leave it slightly damp if you're moving straight to chemicals).

Spray your iron remover over the dry paint. You'll see it start to 'bleed' purple. This is the chemical reacting with tiny metal shards embedded in your paint. Leave it for 3-5 minutes, but don't let it dry! Personally, I love the smell of Gtechniq W6, even if it does remind me of a dodgy sewer.

Blast that purple stuff off. Make sure you get it out of the window seals and door gaps. If you leave it, it can be corrosive over time.

Check the lower panels and the bonnet for black tar spots or sticky sap. Dab your tar remover on a soft cloth and gently wipe. Don't scrub like you're trying to start a fire; let the chemical do the heavy lifting.

Work one panel at a time. I usually start with the roof and work down. Spray your clay lubricant generously. If you're stingy here, you'll scratch the paint (trust me on this one).

Gently glide the clay bar or mitt over the lubricated surface. Use zero pressure. You'll hear it 'biting' at first, then it'll go silent and smooth. That's how you know the contaminants are gone. I remember a customer once brought in a white Hilux that had been near a mine site, the clay bar turned dark grey after just the bonnet!

If you're using a traditional clay bar, fold it frequently to expose a clean surface. If you drop it on the ground? Chuck it. It's done. It'll pick up stones from your driveway and ruin your day.

Once the whole car feels like glass, give it one last rinse to get rid of the lube residue. Dry it off with a clean, plush microfibre towel. Take your time here, you want it bone dry for the next step.