NUMBER:
GROUP:
DATE:

23-031-14
Body
October 16, 2014

This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without written permission of Chrysler Group LLC.

SUBJECT:
Satin Finish Care And Protection
OVERVIEW:
Satin paint is a unique exterior treatment that gives your Challenger SRT Hellcat a
distinctive appearance. Satin finishes are different from other automotive paints and need
special care to maintain their appearance . Typical gloss paints use a high gloss clear-coat
finish that reflects light and gives a shiny appearance. A satin finish uses a different
coating that diffuses light, providing a unique "flat" finish . Unlike a typical high gloss
clear-coat, damage to the satin coating (such as scratches or wear from aggressive
cleaning) cannot be polished or buffed out. Once an area is damaged or becomes shiny,
the "flat" appearance cannot be restored .
MODELS:

2015

(LA)

Challenger SRT Hellcat

PARTS/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

Qty.

Part No.

Description

1 (AR)

NPN

Swissvax Brand Opaque Products And/Or Dr.
Beasley's Brand Matte Series And/Or
Equivalent

2 (AR)

NPN

Wash Buckets With Grit Guard Inserts

1 (AR)

04318014AB

Glass Cleaner

1 (AR)

04318020AD

Total Clean

1 (AR)

04318068AB

Windshield Washer Solvent

1 (AR)

04886330AC

Super Kleen Bug , Tar & Spot Remover

1 (AR)

NPN

Meguiars M34 Mirror Glaze Final Inspection

1 (AR)

NPN

Car Wash Soap Designed Specifically For
Matte Paint

1 (AR)

NPN

Soft Car Wash Mitt, Wash Pad Or Microfiber
Sponge

1 (AR)

NPN

Hose And Sprayer With Shut-off Nozzle
(Optional: Pressure Washer With 45 Degree
Or Larger Tip And Pressure Less Than 1200

23-031-14
Qty.

-2Part No.

Description
PSI Held At Least 12 Inches From The Paint)

1 (AR)

NPN

Microfiber Cloth

SA TIN FINISH PROTECTION:
Treating your satin finish paint regularly with paint protection will protect the finish , make it
easier to keep clean, and prevent water spots from forming. Use products made
specifically for satin paint such as Swissvax Opaque Matte Paint Wax and Dr. Beasley's
Matte Paint and Sealant.

•Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Always test the product in a
hidden area before using in a visible area.
•Apply the product evenly with a minimum amount of wiping to prevent burnishing the satin
finish .
NOTE: Lightly wipe the surface in a forward and backward motion; avoid circular
motions, which can leave swirls in the finish.
AREAS THAT REQUIRE ADDITIONAL CARE:
·Areas such as fuel door, spoiler and hood that are touched regularly are more prone to
texture changes. These areas will develop a shiny, smooth appearance due to polishing
from repetitive contact. It is preferable to use clean gloves; otherwise, ensure hands are
clean and free of oils or lotions.

·Gasoline will degrade the top coat of the matte finish. Spills and drips around the fuel
door will result in shiny areas in the pattern of the contamination. Always use clean towels
to protect the painted surface around the fuel door from inadvertent fuel drips or splashes .
•Water spots may form on the fuel door, hood and spoiler and will permanently change
surface texture if allowed to repeatedly dry and leave mineral deposits. The deposits and
efforts to clean the area will polish the surface and result in shiny lines.

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23-031-14

Fig. 1 Areas That Require Additional Care
1 - Hood
2 - Fuel Filler Door
3- Spoiler

GENERAL MAINTENANCE TIPS:
To maintain your vehicle's Satin paint appearance for many years to come, please refer to
the following care and maintenance tips:
DO NOT:
• Do not use commercial car wash facilities or their shine enhancement products. Most car
wash brushes, large mechanized towels and shine enhancement products can damage
satin paint.
•Do not use wax, detail spray, Armor All® or any products made for high gloss paint. Only
use products specifically developed for satin finish paint.
•Do not use products that are even mildly abrasive, such as polishes, glazes or rubbing
compounds.
•Do not use mechanical cleaners or polishers.
•Do not use terry cloth, cloth or paper towels.
•Do not rub the finish vigorously. This will burnish the paint finish, causing a permanent
shiny spot. Shiny spots cannot be removed.
•Do not wipe the vehicle in a circular motion; lightly wipe the surface in a forward and
backward motion.
•Do not use any products that are not listed under the Parts/Equipment required area of

this service bulletin.

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DO:
•Remove foreign substances such as insect remains, tar and road debris using a soft
applicator and a mild solvent; saturate and soak area before cleaning - rub lightly.
•Hand-wash with a soft wash mitt and mild cleaning products safe for satin paint (see
Satin Finish Care Resources).
• Use microfiber cleaning cloths with alcohol-based and ammonia-free window cleaner for
basic surface clean-up.

SPOT CLEANING:
The preferred method for removing dirt and debris is pressure washing (see Washing Your
Car), but for those times when you need to do a quick spot cleaning to remove tree sap or
road debris before it causes damage to the finish, follow these recommendations:
GENERAL SPOT CLEANING PROCEDURE:
•Apply window cleaner or satin paint cleaner to a cloth and surface to be cleaned; do not
wipe a dry towel on paint finish - a dry towel will damage the finish.
•Soak the spot and allow it to soften.
• Lightly wipe the surface in a forward and backward motion; avoid circular motions, which
can leave swirls in the finish.
•Rinse with water so cleaning product does not remain on finish.
• Repeat if necessary.

REMOVING NATURAL STAINS AND ROAD DEBRIS:
• Spray the stained area with water to remove any loose debris.
•Spray the area with an alcohol-based window cleaner, satin paint cleanser, or a solution
of 50% alcohol / 50% deionized water.
• Apply cleaning product on a damp microfiber sponge or microfiber towel.
• Wipe car finish lightly to remove debris.
• Dry with a clean, damp microfiber soft cloth.
• Lightly wipe the surface in a forward and backward motion; avoid circular motions, which
can leave swirls in the finish.

REMOVING TAR OR TREE SAP:
• Spray the stained area with water to remove any loose debris.
• Dampen remaining debris with tar remover and allow it to soak.
• In a controlled indoor environment apply tar remover to damp microfiber soft cloth and
follow manufactures recommendations.
• Lightly wipe the surface in a forward and backward motion to remove debris; avoid
circular motions, which can leave swirls in the finish. Minimize rubbing and let the solvent
do the work.
•Once debris is removed, wash with satin paint finish soap, using a damp microfiber soft
cloth, then rinse well with water.
• Dry with a clean, damp microfiber soft cloth.

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23-031-14

NOTE: Saturate a microfiber soft cloth with tar remover and place it on the debris to
soak for five minutes before washing.
PRE-WASHING/WASHING:
Inspect the entire vehicle for areas with heavy soiling or spots, and if necessary, treat
these areas first.
NOTE: Always test cleaning products in a hidden area before using in a visible area.
HAND WASH FOR BEST RESULTS:
For hand washing, park the vehicle in a cool shaded area out of direct sunlight. Read the
following procedures thoroughly and prepare your equipment and supplies before soaping
up the car.
PRESSURE WASHING:
• Pressure washing (with pressure no greater than 1200 psi) is the best way to remove
heavy soiling before washing your vehicle. Use a 45 degree or larger fan tip and hold it at
least 12 inches from the paint.
WHEELS:
• If you plan to clean the wheels, do this before washing the car. Use a Mopar Tire and
Wheel Cleaner developed for cleaning coated alloy wheels. Do not drive the vehicle until
the product has set to prevent it from contacting the satin finish. Follow the
manufacturer's instructions.
•Due to the high performance nature of the brake system, the wheels will get coated with
brake dust. It is recommended that Mopar® Wheel Cleaner be used on your wheels to
avoid any possible damage to the finish, except if equipped with Dark Vapor or Black Satin
Chrome wheels, then you must only use mild soap and water and a soft cloth . Please see
your Owner's Manual for further information.
WASH PROCEDURE:
• Pre-rinse the vehicle with a hose or pressure washer to cool it and to remove large
pieces of dirt that can scratch the paint.
NOTE: Keep the hose nearby for frequent rinsing.
• Prepare one bucket (with dirt separator grid at the bottom) with satin paint car wash
solution and water, according to manufacturer's recommendations.
• Fill a second bucket with clean water for rinsing the wash mitt. When washing the vehicle,
always rinse the wash mitt to ensure it is clean before placing it into the wash solution.
·Soak the soft car wash mitt, wash pad or microfiber sponge in the wash solution.
•Wash the vehicle lightly, working in small sections from the top to the bottom.
•Wash a section of the vehicle then rinse completely before moving to another section .
• Continue the wash and rinse steps for each section until the car is clean.
DRYING:
• For best appearance, use a clean damp chamois, sponge cloth or microfiber towel to dry

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-6-

your vehicle before it air dries. If the paint surface is starting to air dry, dampen the areas
that you are not drying. Water blades are not recommended for drying the satin finish.

NOTE: Keep the clean sections wet as you finish the next section. This thoroughly
rinses any remaining soap residue and prevents water spots from forming.
POLICY:
Information Only.