For vehicle owners, ink stains can be a stubborn mark on a prized possession. As auto detailing experts know, these stains can also decrease a vehicle’s value—limiting the resale potential of fully-functioning automobiles. No two stains are the same, but treating them often comes down to a few insider techniques. From the upholstery to the hood, auto detailing professionals know how to approach and eliminate all varieties of stains, restoring the vehicle to its original look.
Auto experts will typically consider ink type and surface texture to determine the best available remedy. Are you curious to know how the best auto detailing pros remove stains? Keep reading to find out!
Removal Procedures vary by Ink Stain
As detailing experts know, ink types will often determine the best way forward for stain removal. Lighter or surface stains on cloth upholstery may simply require a hot soap-water spray, followed by a pass with a shop vac. Deeper stains and thicker inks will require a particular chemical solution. For instance, fountain pen ink contains a chemical binder that secures pigments together. In this case, the wrong solvent might dissolve the bond and create a more stubborn—and permanent—stain.
These difficult stains may require a dry solvent and dry extraction process that works wonders on carpets. Once a dry solvent has been applied and extracted, it may be applied again and alternated with a non-volatile dry solvent. After the stain is removed, an all-purpose spotter, water rinse, and misted acid rinse can help restore the surface to its original condition—eliminating potential discolouration. Naturally, these products should be handled with care, since the wrong application might just make matters worse!
Detailing Pros Know How to Treat Different Surfaces
Of course, not all ink stains will be on carpet or cloth upholstery—and different surfaces require different remedies. For stains on car paint, a simple water wash might suffice for light or water-based inks. More permanent ink varieties are likely to require an alcohol-based solution or industrial stain remover suited to the vehicle’s paint job and surface.
An auto detailing career will also see its fair share of stained leather. More recent or surface stains might simply require an interior cleaning liquid applied with a microfiber towel, a brush, or a scrub pad. More thorough stain removal may require an electric brush to ensure the leather cleaner works at full capacity. Detailing experts are sure not to press too hard on these electric brushes, as the force may damage the leather’s protective surface. Stain removal will thus depend on various factors, including the leather’s age, type, and potential perforations.
Thorough Stain Removal Can Benefit an Auto Detailing Career
Whatever the ink stain and corresponding removal procedure, auto detailing experts can set their expertise to increasing a vehicle’s value—or the satisfaction of its owner. In most cases, stain removal is part of a larger detailing job that also refurbishes other parts of the interior. After an auto detailing course, thorough stain removal can build professional reputations and secure client trust.
Stain removal is also an opportunity to compare the merits of expert services over DIY solutions. Car owners might be tempted to try quick solutions on pesky stains—often making them worse. Auto detailing experts can guarantee a better result, and even advise clients on dabbing future stains before swinging by the shop.
Are you hoping for the professional satisfaction of beautifully-restored vehicles?
Get started with auto detailing training in Cambridge!
