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Directions - Why and How to Insure the surface to be coated is completely clean.

Clear coatings like Everbrite or ProtectaClear have excellent adhesion on surfaces that are clean and dry. In order to insure a completely clean surface, unpainted metals should be solvent wiped. They should be wiped with lint free cloth or paper towels and a solvent. The solvent needs to be a clean solvent without additives like oils.

Always wear personal protection when working with solvents. Solvent resistant gloves and eye protection are essential. Please read and follow all directions from the manufacturer.

Which solvents are recommended?

Xylene is a clean, medium grade solvent cleaner. Xylene is the chemical name. There are several name brands available at most hardware and some paint stores. Xylol or Sunnyside are several brand names. Xylene can also be used to remove coatings.

Denatured alcohol (NOT Isopropyl or medical alcohol) is a clean solvent and can be used to wipe down the surface to remove contaminants. However, denatured alcohol is not strong enough to remove Everbrite or ProtectaClear once they are cured.

In CANADA, methyl hydrate can be used instead of denatured alcohol.

Acetone can be used to clean bare metal to insure a clean surface. Care must be taken not to use around any painted metal because acetone is strong and will harm painted surfaces. Acetone can be used to remove coatings but it flashes off very quickly and can be more difficult to work with.

Which solvents are NOT recommended.

Nail polish remover is acetone but often has oils in it to protect fingernails. So nail polish remover is not recommended for a final wipe before coating. If this is used to remove a coating, then a final wipe with a clean solvent.

Lacquer thinner is not recommended for the final solvent wipe because it can contain oils. Lacquer thinner can be used to remove coatings including Everbrite and ProtectaClear but if the surface is to be recoated, it should have a final wipe with a clean solvent.

Isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol will leave a film and are not recommended.

Mineral Spirits can be used to remove silicone from metal but can leave a residue. If you use mineral spirits, make sure to wipe the metal with a clean solvent before coating.

Solvent blends are not recommended because they can have ingredients that leave a film. Brake cleaners are included in this category

Can the solvents be shipped to me?

Most solvents are flammable and cannot be shipped by US mail, UPS or other common carriers. You can purchase the solvents for your project at many hardware or paint stores.

Other Direction Links

• How to Clean Copper, Brass, Stainless Steel and Silver and Apply EVERBRITE or ProtectaClear to prevent tarnish and corrosion. Also Stainless Steel, Bronze and other Non-Painted metals. Step by Step Directions. Downloadable or Printable Directions.

• Click here for directions for NEW Unpainted metal or metal that does not need to be polished.

• Heavily Tarnished Copper? Heavy Duty Copper Cleaning Gel for hard to clean copper. Non-toxic, will not hurt plants. Step by Step Directions with Pictures.

• Homemade Copper Cleaners. Make copper cleaners from household products.
• VIDEO How to Apply ProtectaClear to a Stainless Steel Barbecue or other metal if it is new or after it is cleaned & Neutralized.

• How to Clean Aluminum or Steel Siding and Restore the Color and Shine - Step by Step Directions.

• How to Clean Self Storage or Roll-Up Door.
  

• How to refinish Storage Roll-up Doors and Metal Buildings. Step by Step Directions with Pictures. CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO.

• How to Restore the Color and Luster of your Garage Door. Click for Downloadable & Printable Directions

• HOW TO REMOVE THE INSERT UNDER THE CAP -The insert is necessary to prevent leakage during shipping. Hold the can and tap a screwdriver through the metal insert.

• 
  How to remove felt marks from Rollup Doors.

• How to Refinish Anodized Aluminum. Faded anodized Aluminum can look new again. Click here for Downloadable & Printable Directions.
  

• How to remove oxidation, corrosion, rust stains and more from painted metal, stainless steel and more.

• After Care - How to maintain and clean your protected metal. What to avoid.

• How Much Do I Need Determine what you need for your project refinishing and protecting your project.

• How To Choose A Coating Which coating do you need for your project. Charts for Everbrite and ProtectaClear properties and uses.

• Coating Properties Check out the properties that make EVERBRITE & ProtectaClear so unique.

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