The Best Way to Clean a Surface Before Coating or Painting
We often receive inquiries asking what cleaners are best to use on materials like metal, plastic, and masonry before applying paint or coating. One customer asked about preparing and painting aluminum brake calipers with Motor Coater. The caliper wasn't corroded, just covered in brake dust, so he planned to wipe it down with brake cleaner and go straight to paint. We recommended KBS Klean instead — here's why.
Some Cleaners Leave Residue
Common surface cleaners — solvent cleaners, brake cleaners, solvent wipes, alcohol wipes, and tack cloths — do a reasonable job of removing visible dirt, but they leave behind a thin residue. That residue creates surface tension within the paint or coating applied over it.
What is surface tension? Surface tension is the tendency of a liquid at rest to shrink into the minimum surface area possible — like water beading on a freshly waxed car. When residue is present on a surface, it causes paint and coatings to bead up rather than flow out and bond, resulting in adhesion failures and a less-than-ideal finish. |
KBS Klean Doesn't Leave Residue
KBS Klean is a concentrated, water-based, non-flammable formula that removes dirt, grime, oils, lubricants, grease, waxes, scum, and other contaminants. Because it is rinsed off with water after cleaning, it leaves no residue — which eliminates surface tension and allows paint and coatings to flow out and bond properly.
KBS Klean is also non-corrosive and non-toxic and can be used on a wide range of materials including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, plastics, stone, brick, masonry, canvas, asphalt, and others.
KBS Klean Demonstration
This demonstration shows how residue affects surface tension. Four panels were sprayed with water after different cleaning methods:
- Far right (control): Not cleaned. Water beads up due to surface contaminants.
- Two middle panels: Cleaned with lacquer thinner and brake fluid respectively, then wiped dry. Solvent residue remains — water still beads up.
- Far left: Cleaned with KBS Klean. Water flows out evenly — no beading, no residue, no surface tension.
How to Apply KBS Klean
Using KBS Klean is straightforward:
- Mix KBS Klean with warm or hot water (see dilution ratios below) and apply with a sponge, scrub pad, or bristle brush. For heavy buildup, KBS Klean can also be used in pressure washing equipment.
- For general purpose cleaning, wash the surface for 5–10 minutes. For heavy-duty cleaning, allow up to 24 hours or more of soak time.
- Complete the process by thoroughly rinsing the surface with water.
KBS Klean Dilution Ratios
Mix KBS Klean with warm water at the ratio appropriate for your surface. It is important to use the correct ratio.
Dilution Ratios at a Glance
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Note on non-ferrous metals Most aggressive cleaners will stain non-ferrous metals like aluminum — a problem that is especially noticeable when a clear coat is applied over the surface. KBS Klean will not stain non-ferrous metals when mixed at the correct 25:1 ratio. |
Ready to prep your surface the right way? Pick up KBS Klean and start your project with a clean, residue-free surface. Questions about your specific application? Our team is happy to help. |