LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Tesla >> 2021 >> Model 3 Performance >> Repair and Diagnosis >> General Information >> Hoist/Jack >> Body -- Model 3 >> Paint >> Paint Defect Rectification >> Remove Dirt Inclusion
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Remove Dirt Inclusion

  1. Apply isopropyl alcohol to the general area of the defect, and then wipe the area with a clean microfiber towel.
  2. While wearing a nitrile glove, run hand over the area around the dirt inclusion and check for fine bumps in the paint.
    • If bumps are detected, perform clay treatment on the area before proceeding to the next step.
    • If no bumps are detected, proceed to the next step.
    G14739378Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  3. Apply detail spray to the affected area, and clean the affected area with a decontamination mitt using light and straight passes. Continue to the next step when the mitt no longer drags on the paint.
    G14739379Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  4. Install a new sanding disc on the sander.
  5. Spray the sanding disc with water.
  6. Set the sander speed according to region, and while the sander is off, place the disc on top of the dirt inclusion.
    • NA: lowest speed
    • APAC: TBD
    • EMEA: TBD
  7. Keeping the disc stationary and flush with the body panel, activate the sander for 3 seconds, and then turn off the sander.
    CAUTION: Do not run the sander for more than 3 seconds.
    CAUTION: Do not remove the sander from the body panel until the disc stops spinning.
    G14739380Courtesy of TESLA, INC.
  8. Remove sanding dust and water from the body panel with a clean microfiber towel.
  9. Inspect the paint inclusion.
    • If the paint inclusion has been reduced by around 50%, but less than 90%, continue to the next step.
    • If the paint inclusion has been reduced by around 90%, continue to step  1.
    • If the paint inclusion has not been reduced by at least 50%, discontinue this procedure and take the vehicle to a body shop.
  10. Spray the sanding disc with water to remove sanding dust, and then perform steps  6 to  9 up to a maximum of 3 times.