Removing Tar Efficiently

[zey]

I have tried removing tar using a piece of cloth by rubbing the tar remover on lower door panels. I have also tried removing tar by claying. The second method is way alot easier, just a few pass will remove the tar effectively leaving silky smooth surface. The first method requires alot of time and energy and the result is not that good. However, the clay bar gets dirty easily if I just use the second method to remove tar...and clay bars are quite costly. May I know which method you use? Thanks for your info...

[RamAirV1]

I find the clay works best for tar removal. Claying is not my favorite thing to do, but IMHO it works better than using a tar and bug remover which leaves an oily residue on the paint.

I use Clay Magic which is easy to find locally. One bar with a bottle of clay lube usually costs between $11 to $12. You can also go for the Meguairs Overspray Clay which gives you two bars for $17-18 so that's a better deal. The OC is harder to find locally. You will probably have to order direct or if you are lucky a PBE dealer will have some in stock. My PBE dealer will order some for me if I want to and it usually takes about 2 days to get it.

RamAirV1

[Mike Phillips]

Paint cleaners like Meguiar's Body Scrub and ScratchX work pretty well too.

If you find yourself doing this a lot, you might want to pick up a gallon of Meguiar's new Body Solvent, this stuff works awesome.




Mike

[2000]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips


If you find yourself doing this a lot, you might want to pick up a gallon of Meguiar's new Body Solvent, this stuff works awesome.




Mike

what exactly is that, and what all can you use it for?


as for claying, could you cut off a small piece of clay to use for the tar and than throw it out? I use the detailer line so I know those pieces are big enough to cut down, but I wasn't sure if the quick clay is.

[tgara]

I just worked on a friend's car which was spotted with tar along the lower doors and behind the wheels. I started with clay but found it was insufficient for the job (BTW, I used Meguiars Quik Clay and cut the bar in half with scissors).

So, I switched to a solvent to remove tar. I used Oil Flow Safety Solvent, and it removes tar very quickly and easily. If you are having problems removing tar, perhaps you are not using the proper product. You need something with an organic solvent base to dissolve the tar. After thoroughly wiping off the solvent, I went back and clayed. This approach worked great for the '96 Red Probe we worked on today. The car is never garaged, washed perhaps twice a year and every time it rains.

[2000]

what does it do to the wax? is it something that can be used before a wash or do you only use it before waxing?

[RamAirV1]

Mike, thanks for the info. I am not familiar with the Body Solvent. Doea it work on tree sap too? What about rail dust? I can see where clay may not work so well if the tar spots are really big.

Tagara, good point about the right type of solvent. What are some other good examples of solvents good for tar removal? I tried the 3M Adhesive, Tar and Wax remover (yellow and black can) and it didn't work very well.

RamAirV1

[RamAirV1]

I have used MPC for tar removal with good results too. I use it at colder temperatures when I had trouble with the Overspay Clay leaving residue on the paint.

Any tar removal method, whether paint cleaner,clay or solvent, will remove the wax or sealant.

RamAirV1

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by 2000
what exactly is that, and what all can you use it for?

From the Technical Bulletin,

**********

Body Solvent
Meguiar's Body Solvent changes the traditional method of how tar, road grim, gum and other petroleum-based substances are removed. Instead of applying and scrubbing it's VOC compliant formula can now be sprayed on the surface, allowed to work, penetrate and break down the contaminant, then wiped clean with ease.

Features
Attacks adhesive residue, tar and grease
Voc Compliant
Fast acting

Pro Tips
Meguiar's Body Solvent is the ultimate choice for cosmoline removal. Simply spray on affected area, allow to dwell and wipe clean.

**********

Mike

[2000]

just so I understand the whole thing, is there any more or less of a chance for swirls with this compared to clay?

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by 2000
just so I understand the whole thing, is there any more or less of a chance for swirls with this compared to clay?

Anytime you touch the surface of your car's finish, the potential is there to instill a scratch if you do not use good technique and application and removal materials.

So I guess the answer will depend upon how you apply it and how your remove it?

Working on small areas, typically close to the ground you shouldn't have any swirl problems of note. If you were removing cosmoline from the entire car, then you will have to be a lot more careful.

Mike

[2000]

thank you!

[tgara]

I wouldn't be too worried about swirls in this situation. Whatever you use to remove the tar, you're going to have to re-polish and re-wax anyway, so if you get swirls doing the tar removal step, it's not a big deal.

What are some other good examples of solvents good for tar removal?

You can get good, cheap solvent-based tar removal fluids at any auto parts store. 3M Tar and Grease Remover is supposed to be good. In a pinch, lighter fluid for the BBQ works well. Whatever you use, just make sure it's not the citrus-based stuff (smells like oranges). While products like these have their place, I don't think this situation is one of them. It sounds to me like you need a stronger chemical than the (kinder, gentler) citrus cleaners.

[RamAirV1]

Mike, thanks for posting the info. What is cosmoline?

Tgara, is 3M Tar and Grease remover the same as 3M Adhesive, Tar and Wax remover?
Given that 3M has a long line of paint products, I think it may be different than what I tried.

Body Solvent seems worth a try. That size jug will last forever! I am getting some kind of contaminant on the horizontal surfaces of my car. At first I thought it may be tree sap but now I am not so sure. Tree sap usually comes off with QD or car washing. Not so with this stuff. It is very fine particles, finer than tree sap and it is clear. Whatever this mystery contaminant is, it sticks equally well to MPPP and Tech Wax. I wish I knew what it was so I could avoid it on my daily commute.

I don't park under any trees, but there is a mulberry tree near the parking lot. The only thing that removes it is clay.

RamAirV1

[rusty bumper]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
Paint cleaners like Meguiar's Body Scrub and ScratchX work pretty well too.

If you find yourself doing this a lot, you might want to pick up a gallon of Meguiar's new Body Solvent, this stuff works awesome.
Mike

I could sure use a jug of that stuff!...Seems like road tar is the most difficult part to clean off sometimes.