Is this safe?

W

whiteWRX

New member
Hi,

I was at my GFs the other day when I say her neighbor cleaning his car. Went over said hi and saw his car was COVERED in tar :scared: . Apparently he drove through a 'puddle' tar and it basically coated 70% of the lower half of the finish, all over the wheels, plastic trim, etc.

I had talk to him about claying and other products that may help, but then he pulled out a product that suprized me - Mineral Spirits!

It basically melted the tar off (including from the plastics) and was good as new.

So my question is - is this bad for the paint?

If not, I am picking some up tomorrow!
 
From my personal experience it is safe for the paint. I started using it after I found out how good it worked from some other members. It's a good cheap alternative if you end up needing cleaning power like that.
 
Cool. I worry that it might dissolve some of the clear coat though. Any one measure this with a paint gauge?
 
I'm no chemist, but I think mineral spirits doesn't affect clear coat because of the make-up of paint. Kinda like an oil/water thing.
 
Body shops use prep-sol and other similar products to remove wax from areas where they have to blend paint. It's basically the same "stuff" as mineral spirits...
 
I've used it for over 13 years with no problems. Sometimes dwelling for up to 5 min. I have never had it soften paint. Acetone or laquar thinner will soften instantly.



I use Varsol a brand of mineral spirits. Spray all tar on vehicle, dwell for a minute then try to wipe off. If it is fresh tar it will wipe of instantly. If old it might take a minute.
 
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