need help!! cement on paint.....(Pics)

[grandprix]

hey guys,

found this substance caked on the the lower part of my driver's door not sure what it is, it looks and feels like dried cement. anyone have any ideas on how to remove it??? I tried taking the pressure washer to it and no luck at all

thanks

[Mike Phillips]

Re: need help!! cement on paint.....(Pics)

More than likely you're going to have to somehow pick it off or scrape it off.

If in the process of picking or scraping it off you instill some scuffs or scratches then simply remove the scuffs and/or scratches by hand or machine with a paint cleaner.

Follow up with wax.

You could try your fingernail, a popsicle stick or a plastic razor blade, or anything with a flat edge that's not obviously going to gouge the paint like a steel paint scraper or metal razor blade.

[grandprix]

Re: need help!! cement on paint.....(Pics)

is there anything that I can apply to break it down b4 i start chipping it away???

[BlueZero]

Re: need help!! cement on paint.....(Pics)

I did some looking but I can't find the thread. For some reason I thought vinegar worked.

I'll check in the archive forum too.

[BlueZero]

Re: need help!! cement on paint.....(Pics)

Found it...

Normally, a large percentage of the cement can be washed away using a strong water-based degreaser (citrus-based or not). Apply it liberally, and lightly agitate the cement with a stiff-bristled toothbrush. If the bristles flex too much, cut them down with scissors so that flex is minimized.

If that doesn't work, try a mix of vinegar and warm water (50/50). The acidity will definitely dissovle some of the minerals, helping the cement and sand mixture crumble.

At that point if it's still stuck on, a stronger acid will be required. In years past, I'd use an oxalic acid wheel cleaner that easily removed cement-splatter... But agitation was still required. FYI... Any commercial acid you'll get your hands on will be WAY STRONGER than simple vinegar.

A quick burst of water applied via pressure washer really helps things along. Once the cement-mix starts to dissolve, you're on easy street!

I've even had to use stronger acids on occasion. Probably your best bet would be to locate a bottle of acid designed for fallout removal (should be a snap to find).

The good news is that I never encountered any severe distress of the paint. Of course, an application of polish and wax is in order upon removal of the cement, as any protection will certainly have been stripped away, and oxidation of the area will have occured (thanks to the degreaser and/or acid).

If you've got a single stage metallic paint job, though, it'll definitely alter it! But- That's for another thread...

[grandprix]

Re: need help!! cement on paint.....(Pics)

thanks for the quick respones!! looks like I'll head outside and give it a shot