Stronger measure needed to remove one tiny tar speck!

J

juster

New member
I have one small speck (~3 mm diameter) of tar high up on the rear quarter panel that’s refusing the budge. Since my car is silver (2006 Civic), that tiny speck tends to stand out (for me anyway) and annoys me to no end. I’ve already tried the following applications, in order:



1. I’ve been very successful removing tar by claying gently, but not this one dot. Clay managed to shave off the top of the speck and it’s now completely smooth with the paint, but it’s still there.

2. Over the counter bug and tar remover. No go.

3. WD-40. Nope.

4. PB Bug Squash arrived in my order of goodies and I applied it (cut 1:3). No effect.



I thought I would try mineral spirit next (picked it up from Home Depot). Should I dilute mineral spirit before use or just use it straight? Should I give PB BS another try at a stronger concentration? I’d appreciate any tips on how to apply mineral spirits or stronger BS safely. How long can I leave the stuff on the spot without adversely affect the paint?



My goal is of course to use the gentlest method possible and avoid screwing up the paint.



I’m open to any suggestions.
 
you say its tar...



1. which clay did you use (mild or aggressive)?

2. which bug and tar remover did you use? did you use a terry cloth?

3. which state or country are you in?



I own a 2006 Civic LX. On my car I would do the following:



1. i would try denatured alcohol or kerosene (both are safe on auto paint) soaked in a terry applied to the spot for a minute or two

2. a different otc bug and tar remover

3. a PC with white pad or yellow pad and IP or compatible polish
 
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.



G00dy03: Haven't seen Tarminator locally. Will have to keep an eye for it.



LangMan37: I don't have any RainX on hand, but I'll keep that in mind.



themightytimmah: razor blades even plastic ones sounds a little drastic. I'm a newbie so I would be a bit worry that I'll screw it up. Besides, the tar spot is completely smooth with the paint after I've clayed it (can't feel any bumps).



jmsc: I used a fine grade clay by Auto Magic. I have Meg's clay but it's also a fine grade. The over the counter stuff I tried was by Turtle (not the best but not too many choices available). I sprayed the stuff on and used an MF towel to wipe/wash it off. I'm in Canada.



What's "denatured" alcohol? I can get alcohol from my local pharmacy. It comes in 70% or 90% purity (something like that). Should I get the stronger one and is this the same as denatured alcohol? Any tips on applying the alcohol?



Thanks!



Edit: the alcohol I can get is "rubbing" alcohol.
 
themightytimmah said:
Plastic razor blades are your friend here. Solvent, knock it out with the plastic blade, polish lightly over the spot (FPII will do).
Click to expand...



:werd: That's the exact (minus the type of polish mentioned) method I use to tackle tough surface contaminants (tar, road line paint, etc.).
 
Sorry, I meant Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). You can try at 50-50 with water or at full strength. You can spray directly or soak it in terry and hold it against the tar for 1-2 minutes. Isopropyl may not work but kerosene should remove it or at least soften it up.



Have you tried to polish it off (by hand or PC) since you clayed?
 
Maybe a paint cleaner: AIO, Meg's Color-X, Meg's Deep Crystal step #1. If those don't work then I'd try the abrasive route, starting mild and working up as needed.
 
If it is smooth it maybe stained the paint. In that case polishing and time will be needed till it disappears.
 
Hi All,



Thought I'd post an update.



Since my last post above, I've now tried mineral spirits, rubbing alcohol (99% pure), and Varsol, respectively. Each was applied undiluted using a Q-tip and I kept the spot saturated for a good 2-3 minutes. None was effective.



I am planning to do a full detail next weekend with Klasse AIO and SG, so I'll see if AIO will help.



What's the difference between ScratchX and ColorX? Their descriptions on Meg's website sound very similar. Local store carries ScratchX, but I haven't seen ColorX.



Thanks again for everyone's help.
 
Sounds like something has etched into your paint. Do you think it could be some severe bird droppings or maybe break fliud. Break fliud with etch right into paint leaving a redish yellow tint. If you believe it is just into the clear you may want to find someone that can wetsand it for you. That would be my next option if it really bothers you.



Chubs
 
Pretty sure it's not bird dropping. Brake fluid, I'm not sure. I'll take a picture of it in the next day or so.
 
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