Going back to bug & tar remover

K

kompressornsc

New member
Since joining here, I've tried to become more refined in my approaches and some how got the idea that using a bug and tar remover was a :nono .



Well, on Saturday, I was claying prior to polishing and had a lot of this grey tarry, claylike stuff on my rockers that just smeared with the clay. My gf had some TW Bug & Tar remover, so I thought I'd give it a shot. Took it right off! I had already done one side with just clay and it took about an hour (the rockers wrap way under on my car) and on the other side, used the B & T then clayed and it took 10 minutes.



I know some people are so against using something that harsh on the paint, but I really feel it was worth it and it allowed the clay to do it's real job of final smoothing. Just an observation...
 
I dunno why anybody would be *against* B&T; I don't think it's remotely too harsh. I only use clay (instead of solvents) because I don't want to have to redo the LSP if I can help it.



But yeah, with the kind of time you saved you could certainly redo the LSP unless you've done something special (like a zillion layers of something).



I *do* however recall that some B&T stuff was supposedly somewhat abrasive, but that was back in the day and I don't know if it's anything to worry about these days.
 
I was thinking of picking up something like Meguiar's Body Solvent to take care of the bugs and tar. Clay is not my preferred method for tar removal and especially something gunky or greasy, clay just won't cut it.



The B&T remover I've used recently I really do not like, because it's difficult to wash it off - it's very greasy itself, or "heavy" and oily... Not sure how to describe it, but it's a gel formula. Definitely need something else.
 
You could always use 3M Adhesive Remover or something along the lines of PrepSol. I use Wurth CleanSolv/Cleans-All/whatever they're calling it these days for stuff like this when I'm not using the 3M stuff.
 
animes2k said:
I was thinking of picking up something like Meguiar's Body Solvent to take care of the bugs and tar. Clay is not my preferred method for tar removal and especially something gunky or greasy, clay just won't cut it.



The B&T remover I've used recently I really do not like, because it's difficult to wash it off - it's very greasy itself, or "heavy" and oily... Not sure how to describe it, but it's a gel formula. Definitely need something else.
Click to expand...



I've never used a "gel" formula B&T remover, but most B&T removers are various blends of solvents and petroleum distillates. Water will not work because it's not chemically miscible with a solvent based B&T remover.



The Prepsol/3M stuff should just evaporate after you have applied it to remove the tar.
 
Well, this stuff worked pretty well, I guess, by sticking to the problem area and being able to dwell sufficiently.



It's just that anything I use to wipe it off doesn't want to clean up so well, regardless of the cleaners I use. I guess "what do you expect from an Amway product" :D It was free and laying around (a friend of a friend used to sell Amway - I use the car wash to clean pads).



I think I may just go with the 3M adhesive remover I already have or pick up something in a spray bottle (DP from Autogeek, perhaps), since the 3M is terribly potent...



Good thread, seldom discussed.
 
animes2k said:
Well, this stuff worked pretty well, I guess, by sticking to the problem area and being able to dwell sufficiently.



It's just that anything I use to wipe it off doesn't want to clean up so well, regardless of the cleaners I use. I guess "what do you expect from an Amway product" :D It was free and laying around (a friend of a friend used to sell Amway - I use the car wash to clean pads).



I think I may just go with the 3M adhesive remover I already have or pick up something in a spray bottle (DP from Autogeek, perhaps), since the 3M is terribly potent...



Good thread, seldom discussed.
Click to expand...



I don't believe a "mild" tar remover can actually exist and still work sufficiently to remove tar. Tar is best removed with a solvent based cleaner. Remember chemistry class-- like dissolves like. No water based tar cleaner is going to remove stubborn tar worth a darn. But, it probably will leave more of your wax/sealant intact. The Prepsol will not harm finished paint. Heck, it's what body shops use all the time to remove adhesives, tar, etc.



Some "milder" B&T removers can be used for bug removal. These are usually either citrus based degreasers or soaps that are quite alkaline in nature. Technically, they should strip less of your wax/sealant, but I wouldn't over-apply them and think my paint was still well protected unless you're using some sealant like Z2 or SG. If you do use a solvent-based tar remover, you will just have to accept the fact you will need to reseal your paint after use.
 
Casebrius--The petroleum distillate tar remover should mostly evaporate after it is wiped on. Dampen a cloth with the cleaner and wipe. You may need to rewet the cloth as the solvents evaporate. Follow with a dry cloth once the tar is removed. There is really no need to "remove it " with something else. You can then wash the cleaned surface with some soap/water solution to remove any leftover residue and then rinse with water.



atticdog-WD40 isn't any harsher on your paint than Prepsol. Just remember to rewax after use. I believe the WD40 can even states that it can be used to remove tar; however, it will leave an oily residue from the lubricant that's in the solvent carrier. It's definitely a cheap, generally available tar remover.
 
I like Stoner's Tarminator for tar, I usually will pretreat the hood, front fascia and all lower panels of a car before washing, and then follow with clay. Thats on paid details (read: all of my customers take f-ing terrible care of their cars) though, mine never seems to need anything tougher than PB's Bug Squash.
 
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