8
Dress Engine Compartment
Once an engine compartment is clean, it is beneficial to dress and protect this area. Using a dressing and protectant enhances the appearance of the engine compartment by protecting, restoring, and sealing. Dust, dirt, and grime are repelled from the dressed engine compartment, providing a lasting shine.
To safely and effectively dress an engine compartment, use a water-based dressing and protectant. Choose a water-based dressing based on the application and surrounding environment requirements. There are currently four (4) Auto Valet water-based dressings and protectants available. All water-based dressings and protectants are V.O.C. compliant.
- AQUA SHIELD: an environmentally friendly, water and silicone dressing that produces a high gloss finish.
- ENCHANTER ULTIMATE: a water and silicone dressing that produces a high gloss finish.
- ULTRA SHIELD: a water and silicone dressing that produces a matt, mid-gloss finish.
- SAFETY SHINE: Ideal for safe body shop applications. A water and non-silicone dressing that produces a medium gloss finish.
The time to dress the engine compartment is dependent on the surface area of the engine compartment. Once the engine compartment is dressed, it will be clean, protected, restored, and sealed.
Safety supplies include goggles, an apron, a mask, and impervious gloves. View the products used tab for Auto Valet products and accessories relating to this detailing task.
AREAS OF APPLICATION
Engine Compartment
PRODUCTS USED
PRODUCTS USED
Detailing task 8: Dress Engine Compartment
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Directions
STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION
Complete the degrease exterior task. Ensure the engine compartment and hood areas are clean (free from dust, dirt, and grime), and mostly dry.STEP 2: APPLY THE DRESSING AND PROTECTANT
Use a trigger sprayer, tank sprayer, or dedicated soft cloth applicator to apply the water-based dressing protectant in a steady, even, uniform pattern to cover the engine compartment.STEP 3: ALLOW THE AREAS OF APPLICATION TO DRY
Allow the water-based dressing protectant to dry. Use an air gun or nozzle to work the dressing into the engine compartment’s nooks and crannies. Dab away excess dressing with a soft, lint-free cloth.STEP 4: REVIEW YOUR WORK
Review work and, if necessary, touch up any missed areas by repeating steps 2 to 3.Tips
- Ensure to choose a water-based dressing and protectant to fit the application requirements; for body shop environments use a body shop safe dressing.
- Do not use a solvent-based dressing and protectant to dress the engine compartment, a fire could occur.
- Do not dilute water-based dressings and protectants, use them as they are.
- Application surfaces should be mainly dried before applying a water-based dressing; however, being water-based, these dressings will take up and blend with any residual water.
- Dressings and protectants may make surfaces slippery; do not apply them to seats, steering wheels, or foot controls.
- To speed up the drying process, after applying the dressing, start the engine and allow it to run for 5 minutes to dry. Stop the engine and remove excess product with a soft, lint-free cloth.
- Avoid wiping the dressing, as this will cause streaking and wipe the dressing away.
- Be sure to carefully read and follow all product instructions and precautions, on the product labels.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Dressings and protectants are liquid products designed to shine and protect vinyl and rubber surfaces; assisting to repel water and resist detergents. A shine agent (e.g., silicone, mineral oil, or glycerin) is delivered to the rubber or vinyl surfaces using a carrier that evaporates once applied. The carriers used for water-based and solvent-based dressings and protectants is what differs. For solvent-based dressings and protectants the carrier is a blend of solvents; while for water-based dressings and protectants the carrier is water.
Solvent based dressings and protectants are typically more durable than water-based dressings and protectants. This is a result of solvents causing the pores of rubber and vinyl to open, enabling the shine agent to penetrate the surface. Shine agents in water-based dressings and protectants remain on the surface, and commonly rinse off more readily. Due to Auto Valet advanced formulation technology the AQUA SHIELD and ENCHANTER ULTIMATE water-based dressings and protectants provide comparable durability to solvent-based dressings.
Solvent based dressings and protectants are best used for vehicle exterior applications such as tires, mouldings, bumpers, vinyl trim, and vinyl tops. Due to flammability, solvent-based dressings and protectants are not to be used to dress engine compartments. If solvent-based dressings and protectants are used for interior applications, care must be taken as repeated applications to surfaces exposed to direct sunlight (i.e., dashboards) can lead to cracking. Solvent based dressings and protectants can stain certain fascia’s, if used incorrectly.
Water based dressings and protectants can be used for both interior and exterior applications; and are most commonly used for interior applications over solvent-based products. Use water-based dressings and protectants on areas that are made with rubber, vinyl, leather, and wood (includes engine compartments).
There are currently four (4) Auto Valet water based dressings and protectants available. All water based dressings and protectants are ideal for use in engine compartments and vehicle interiors.
- AQUA SHIELD: an environmentally friendly, V.O.C. compliant, water and silicone dressing that produces a high gloss finish.
- ENCHANTER ULTIMATE: a water and silicone dressing that produces a high gloss finish.
- ULTRA SHIELD: a water and silicone dressing that produces a matt, mid gloss finish.
- SAFETY SHINE: a water and non-silicone dressing that produces a medium glossy finish. Ideal for body shop applications.
The only water based dressing and protectant that is body shop safe is SAFETY SHINE. All other water based dressings and protectants; AQUA SHIELD, ENCHANTER ULTIMATE, and ULTRA SHIELD; are not body shop safe as they contain silicone.