Auto-wash Soap Film?

[wifpd4]

Started working on a black Mercedes SL500 and discovered this film (scum) over parts of the car. I'll be meeting with the owner later this week after finishing the wash-polish-wax and will ask him which automatic car wash he ran the car through for a clue as to what this film is.

I washed the car with Super Soap, however all that is available is cold water. The film was not that noticeable before I started, as the car was a little dirty, but the cold water really made the film "pop".




I don't have a habit of writing on cars, but the question mark seemed appropriate. The straight lines may have been made drying the car with a chamois. The film was very sticky and Super Soap and cold water did not remove it.



I wiped the car down with CarPro Eraser and that seemed to remove the film and then I went over the car again using clay-lube strength Last Touch prior to any buffer work.

This is the first time I've encountered a film of this nature. Do you think it's auto-wash soap, or that "clear coat" or I've seen "rain repellant" advertised too??

What I thought unusual was it was not over the whole car, mainly the hood.

[BillE]

Re: Auto-wash Soap Film?

Doubt this is what it is...but during the winter I use a kerosene heater out here in the garage. In about 2-3 days a 'film' (from the kero heater) shows on the vehicles. During the 'winter washes' the film never quit goes away. It does take a couple of real washes in the spring to bring everything back.

Bill

[Murr1525]

Re: Auto-wash Soap Film?

Looks similar to the film from the Mr. Clean Washer.

Might be related to the rinse aid if one was used.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Auto-wash Soap Film?

Really hard to say what it is, but it is a bit disconcerting that it didn't come off in the wash process. It will be interesting to hear what the customer says about his previous maintenance routine.

David, we're also curious to hear your assessment of this paint with regard to hardness or softness. I've been maintaining an SL55 AMG (basically the same car as this) for a client and the paint on that car is surprisingly delicate. It really doesn't like the DAMF System at all but oddly enough loves D300 on a yellow foam pad.

[wifpd4]

Re: Auto-wash Soap Film?

Michael, the paint is a dream in my ever learning opinion. It seems to me to be right smack in the center of the spectrum and responds well to the MFDA System. The car has a manufacture date of 05/05, but I didn't find a paint code. Although black is a good description.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Auto-wash Soap Film?

Michael, the paint is a dream in my ever learning opinion. It seems to me to be right smack in the center of the spectrum and responds well to the MFDA System. The car has a manufacture date of 05/05, but I didn't find a paint code. Although black is a good description.

"Black" may be a good description now, but we're confident that you'll make it even "blacker" by the time you're done with it.

Interesting that this '05 non metallic black Mercedes SL responds so well to the DAMF system when the '07 SL I've worked on hates it. That '07 responds very well to foam on a DA but doesn't like the rotary much more than it likes the DAMF. It's surprisingly delicate but easy enough to work on once you understand how it responds and what it likes.

Just goes to show that you can never pigeon hole the paint hardness of a given manufacturer.