To pro-detailers... Question about stubborn dirt

J

jerry@robs

New member
Hi,



I'd like to ask those who have detailed really neglected cars. I've done a search and tried most methods with no avail. I'm talking about the "typical" 5-10 year old cars that have those stains above, below and around the moulding/emblems.



I'm having a hard time removing trapped wax/water stain residue from moulding and emblem edges.



How do you remove them?



The stains are on the paint itself, not on the moulding/emblem, so PB is out, I guess...



Also, how about old watermarks from plastic grilles and such, would PB work as well?



Thanks...



Please recommend products, tools and methods.
 
I cut one of my microfiber towels into small strips, to use around emblems and moldings. I just use a mild cleaner like P21S PCL and the microfiber strip. Since there is less towel to get in the way, its much easer to get it into the creveses and edges of the emblems and moldings.



The waterspots on plastic should be removable with vinegar, or you could try some plastic polish. (Plexus or 3M)
 
If you're talking about dirt stains and streaks, then a paint cleaner or polish will take them off easily. From there you can removed the excess polish residue with a cut-down paint brush or stiff detailing brush.



If the molding is textured plastic then its best to tape it off to avoid getting wax in there. Or be very careful while polishing around the plastic. This also applies to body cladding, roof racks, air dams, spoilers, anything with a textured surface that can trap wax and polish.
 
in those seams, I find a toothpick with the tip dipped in distilled water does the trick..... just kinda dig the residue/dirt out of there nice and gently and you won't cause any marring or scratches.....



or if you don't feel comfortable with that you could use a q-tip or one of the detailing brushes. (q-tips make great detail applicators/dirt removers BTW)
 
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