Using bodywork degreasers correctly

Degreasers in the bodywork workshop: solvent-based or water-based?

Which bodywork degreaser should you choose?

In car repairs, surface preparation is a decisive stage. Poor degreasing can compromise the adhesion of putties, primers and paints, resulting in visible defects that are costly to correct. The choice of bodywork degreaser depends on the nature of the contaminants, the surface to be treated and the stage in the repair process. There are two main types: solvent-based degreasers and water-based degreasers. Degreasers degrease and clean the surface of all the dirt present on your car's surface.

Why is degreasing essential for bodywork?

Before applying any product (putty, primer, paint or Clearcoat), the surface must be perfectly clean and free of contaminants:

• grease, oil, silicone
• Dust and sanding residues
• Finger marks and airborne pollutants

Without proper degreasing, you risk :

• Defects such as fish-eye or paint rejection
• Poor adhesion of subsequent coats
• Reduced durability of the repair

What are the different types of Degreaser?

1. Solvent-based degreasers :

Advantages of solvent-based Degreasers:

• Highly effective against stubborn greases, silicones and oils
• Fast drying, ideal for a series of steps
• Ideal for heavily contaminated areas

Limitations of solvent-based products :

• More aggressive product, which can attack certain plastics
• Handling requires good ventilation and PPE (gloves, mask)
• Stricter environmental impact and regulations

When should the solvent-based version be used?

• As a first cleaning step, after Sanding or on heavily soiled car surfaces
• On metal surfaces and sheet metal before priming or painting, at the start of Preparation, after sanding, etc.

2. Water-based Degreasers :

Advantages of water-based Degreasers:

• More respectful of the environment and health
• Less aggressive on plastics and sensitive surfaces
• Effective cleaning power on dust, salts and water-soluble contaminants

Limitations of water-based cleaners :

• Less effective on greases and silicones
• Longer drying time, especially at low temperatures
• Requires rigorous Wiping to avoid streaks

When should I use the water-based version?

• At the end of preparation, before applying a primer or base coat
• On plastics and sensitive materials
• In addition to a solvent-based Degreaser for optimum cleaning

A good practice is to combine the two. Most professionals prefer a two-step method:

1. Solvent Degreaser: to remove grease and silicone
2. Water-based Degreaser: to complete the pre-paint cleaning.

How do I use a bodywork surface degreaser?

Using a surface degreaser is an essential step in bodywork to ensure the adhesion of putties, primers, paints and Clearcoats.

1. Equipment preparation :

• Clean, dry, lint-freemicrofibre cloths
• Two cloths per area: one to apply, one to wipe off
• Protective gloves and ventilation of the work area

2. Application to your car body surface :

• Apply the Degreaser directly to the surface or to the first cloth
• Spread evenly in a straight line (avoid circles which redistribute impurities)
• Wiping immediately with the second cloth, before the product evaporates
• Work in small areas to maintain optimum control

3. A few Tech'team tips :

• Always use clean cloths to avoid recontamination
• Never blow the surface with compressed air after degreasing
• Check that the surface is completely dry before applying Primer or Paint
• Follow the manufacturer's drying times and recommendations.

How often should I use a bodywork degreaser?

In a bodywork workshop, the use of a degreaser is not a one-off: it's an integral part of the Preparation process. The frequency depends on the stages of the work, but one simple rule applies: every time a surface is to be sanded, puttied, primed or painted, it must first be degreased.

The impact spanners for degreasing:

1. Before sanding with an Abrasive disc: to remove oils, greases and impurities that may spread during sanding.
2. After sanding: to remove abrasive dust
3. Before applying putty, primer or paint : to ensure perfect adhesion
4. Between certain stages: for example, after masking or handling a part, as fingerprints contain silicone and natural grease.

Recommended frequency in the workshop:

• In practice, the same part is degreased several times during the process.
• The important thing is not to count the number of passes, but to ensure that each part is clean and free of contaminants before receiving a new product.

Discover the products for degreasing your car's bodywork surface:

Will the Degreaser damage my surface?

When used correctly, a bodywork degreaser will not damage the surface. Its role is to prepare the surface by removing grease, oil, silicone and dust before applying products (putty, primer, paint, Clearcoat).

When is there a risk?

• If the solvent-based Degreaser is applied to sensitive plastics, it can dull or weaken them.
• If the product is left un-wiped for too long, it can leave marks or stains.
• If used excessively or with a dirty cloth, the surface may be recontaminated rather than cleaned.

How can you avoid damage?

Choose the right Degreaser:

• Solvent: metals and heavily soiled surfaces
• Water-based: plastics, finishes and sensitive areas
• Always use two cloths (application + wiping)
• Wipe immediately before evaporation
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations

Degreaser will not damage the surface if used correctly. Properly applied, it guarantees a clean surface and optimum adhesion of bodywork products. In conclusion, a bodywork degreaser is a powerful product, designed to thoroughly clean every part or component of the bodywork before any repair operation. In industrial or craft workshops, its use is essential to obtain a perfectly clean surface, ready to be sanded and then painted.

Whether in liquid or spray form, Degreaser acts as a Universal cleaner, capable of dissolving oils, silicones and other contaminants. Properly applied, it leaves no residue and prepares the surface perfectly.

You only have to look at the difference between a poorly degreased surface (with the risk of fish-eye and poor adhesion) and one that has been properly treated to understand its importance.

In this guide, we have recalled the best practices:

• Choosing the right type of degreaser (solvent or water)
• Work by zones and parts
• Use two clean cloths to avoid recontamination
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations

Find all our Degreasers and our different categories on the Carross website:

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