I think this is tar. How do I get it off?

[William_F]

I think these spots are either tar or are the results of a botched attempt to touch up the paint.

I have tried several things to get them off and nothing I have has worked so far. I tried clay, I tried scraping off with a plastic blade, SX2 by hand, 105 on a cutting pad at speed 5, and Goo Be Gone. None of them did anything to improve the situation.

What do I try next? I know there a lot of products to choose from, so I though I'd put this out and get some opinions.



There are several of these spots on the hood and I'm just not sure how to proceed. For now, this has been sealed under a layer of 26 after polishing the hood (this was taken before I did anything). I figured I'd protect the good paint with some wax until I could figure out what to do.

[CieraSL]

Re: I think this is tar. How do I get it off?

Stoner Tarminator is great at removing tar:



It can be found at most auto parts stores.

http://www.tarminator.com/ (click on the big can of Tarminator for a video, then click the desired resolution). BTW, Tarminator took some tar off my car that was at least 2 years old.

[William_F]

Re: I think this is tar. How do I get it off?

Thanks for the tip

I like things that I can pick up locally. Of course I love making orders with ADS as well and it just doesn't make sense to order only one thing b/c of shipping, so I have an excuse to buy more goodies

[Underdawg736]

Re: I think this is tar. How do I get it off?

What kind of clay are you using?? My Saturn had some rough rail dust and tar, rubbing the clay (Meg's medium blue) for about a minute or two got rid of them, although it did take two or three tries before they were gone.

The Tarminator is great too! Spray on, let it dwell for several minutes and wipe away. It may take another application. Also be sure to wash your car afterwards, I'm sure any residual product wouldn't be good for the pain.

[Andrew Wilson]

Re: I think this is tar. How do I get it off?

The key is to let the products sit and dwell on the paint to loosen the tar or the fall out. This is also a great product to try. I used it to get the tar off of a car I was working on. I sprayed it on and let it sit for 30 minutes and it wiped off effortlessly.

[Murr1525]

Re: I think this is tar. How do I get it off?

I have used #105 on tar, just incase you need a follow-up.

[CieraSL]

Re: I think this is tar. How do I get it off?

I just noticed that ADS carries Tarminator as well: http://www.autodetailingsolutions.ne...r-remover.html. So if you were fixing to place an order with ADS you could always throw it in. However, it would probably be cheaper locally and you wouldn't have to pay shipping on it. Just thought I'd mention that.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: I think this is tar. How do I get it off?

Meguairs bug and tar remover. Just remember, let it dwell a while. Let it do the work.

I have had a few vehicles were this has been a lifesaver. It works if you let it work.

[HCAD]

Re: I think this is tar. How do I get it off?

To me it sort of looks like a touch-up paint. Which if it is, do you really want to remove it? Sounds unusual that it didn't budge with clay if it's tar. If you have an inconspicuous spot you could always try some 2500 grit wet sanding paper. Carefully! And you'll need to be able to buff out the wet sanding marks.

[rjbart]

Re: I think this is tar. How do I get it off?

If it is a dark amber color and somewhat tacky, that is tree sap/resin. Tar remover may not work. As it hardens , it will flick off. stubborn stuff. From the size and shape, I lean more towards a resin drop from trees than tar.

[Woodie6250]

Re: I think this is tar. How do I get it off?

As an alternative to the usual branded tar remover products, I highly recommend Eucalyptus Oil. It works extremely well on tar and any gummy type contaminants.

Apply some of the oil to the affected area with a MF cloth, leave for about a minute or so and then wipe off with a clean MF cloth. If necessary, repeat the process until the contaminant is completely removed.

The oil has no negative effect on the paint, but will also remove any LSP, so you will have to rewax/seal the area.

[William_F]

Re: I think this is tar. How do I get it off?

To me it sort of looks like a touch-up paint. Which if it is, do you really want to remove it? Sounds unusual that it didn't budge with clay if it's tar. If you have an inconspicuous spot you could always try some 2500 grit wet sanding paper. Carefully! And you'll need to be able to buff out the wet sanding marks.

Yes, I want it gone what ever it is. In the photos it doesn't look so bad, but in reality, it really detracts from the look of the car.

I do have some minor to moderate road rash on the front end and was considering having one of the mobile micro body shops come by and repair it. I am leaning towards having them deal with it.

[Andy M.]

Re: I think this is tar. How do I get it off?

If it's tar, WD-40 sprayed on a rag will take it off. Clean the area afterwards. Not to much pressure. It will come off easily.

Andy M.

[William_F]

Re: I think this is tar. How do I get it off?

I think I'll give the WD 40 a shot. I've got a can of that here already.

What kind of dwell time am I looking at going this route?

[Andrew C.]

Re: I think this is tar. How do I get it off?

I can't believe anyone hasn't said it yet, but the D Line Body Solvent works AMAZING on tar. Spray it on and let it sit for a while (it stays wet for a long long time) and then come back with your soapy wash mitt and it should come off. That is what the stuff is made to do and it does it safely as well.

I had some tar on my truck a few weeks ago and the Body Solvent took it off like it was nothing!