Custom Shop Restoration KW901 Grease and Wax Remover - Surface Prep

In this review the reviewer tested the Custom Shop Restoration KW901 Grease and Wax Remover to see whether it delivers on its promise as a pre-paint surface prep cleaner. The bottom line: this one-gallon formula is aimed at body shops, restorers, and DIYers who need a fast, no-residue panel wipe to remove grease, wax, tar, adhesive and silicone contaminants prior to sanding and painting. It stands out for quickly dissolving stubborn residues and leaving surfaces ready for primer or topcoat.

Key Features

• Fast acting cleaner: KW901 dissolves and loosens grease, wax, tar and tree sap so contaminants can be wiped away without extended scrubbing.
• Promotes adhesion: Using it before bodywork and painting helps ensure a cleaner surface for maximum paint adhesion.
• Dries with no residue: The formula evaporates quickly and leaves the panel clean and ready for primer or topcoat application.
• Multi-surface use: Safe for painted surfaces as well as metal, plastic, epoxy and fiberglass used in automotive work and restorations.
• Shop-friendly packaging: The one gallon can supplies multiple panels or projects, which suits professional or frequent DIY use.
• Made in USA: Formulated and manufactured domestically by a company with a long history in professional coating products.

Who It's For

This product is best for auto body shops, restoration specialists, and serious DIY painters who need a reliable panel wipe that removes contaminants before sanding and painting. It fits situations where consistent, repeatable surface preparation is required to promote adhesion and avoid finish failures.

It is less suited to casual, occasional touch-ups where smaller foam or spray cleaners would be more convenient; the one-gallon can is meant for repeated use and workshop storage rather than single small jobs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Effectively removes grease, wax, tar, adhesive residue and silicones for cleaner paint-ready surfaces.
• Works on multiple substrates including painted panels, metal, plastic, epoxy and fiberglass.
• Dries quickly with no residue, reducing waiting time before primer or topcoat.
• Good value for frequent use because the one-gallon size covers many panels.

Cons

• One-gallon packaging is bulky for very small one-off jobs and requires proper storage and handling.

Specifications

Product name	KW901 Grease and Wax Remover
Volume	1 Gallon
Primary use	Surface preparation before painting and bodywork
Works on	Painted surfaces, metal, plastic, epoxy, fiberglass
Removes	Grease, wax, tar, adhesive residue, tree sap, silicones
Drying	Dries quickly with no residue
Origin	Made in USA

Our Verdict

The KW901 Grease and Wax Remover is a practical, professional-grade panel wipe for anyone preparing automotive surfaces for paint. Its fast-acting, no-residue formula and multi-surface compatibility make it a reliable choice for shops and dedicated DIYers, and the one-gallon format represents solid value for frequent use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this be used before and after sanding?
Yes. The product is formulated for use both before sanding to remove contaminants and after sanding to leave the panel clean for topcoat application.

Is it safe on plastic and fiberglass?
Yes. KW901 is designed to work on painted surfaces, metal, plastic, epoxy and fiberglass when used with clean lint-free cloths.

How should it be applied?
Use a clean lint-free wet cloth to apply and a separate clean cloth to remove the dissolved contaminants to avoid re-contamination.