How do I get tar off the paintwork?

pinkpig08

I was washing my car today and noticed a few tar spots on the side of the car. Too small to see at a distance but I know they're there! What can I use to get them off? It's a grey/silver metallic paint.
Thanks
Pinkpig

gardner1

t/cut/petrol/white spirit

kitchpoo

Autoglym tar spot remover - less aggressive than white spirit. Just take your time to get them all.

I used a Gunk (TM) spray version - which was really good especially on insect remnants, but it did take off a fair amount of wax and polish in the area so needed re-applying to re-protect the paint.

I think Holts also do some bug.tar spot remving wipes but I dont know how effective or aggressive these are.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/products/210292/insect_and_tar_removers.html

Looks like Gunk is a good option.

Poppycat

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Magic-American-Products-Goo-Gone-376969.htm

Seems to work found it on here

http://www.tipking.co.uk/tip/2667.html

and autogym do one

http://www.smartfinishcare.com/page13.htm

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]AutoGlym Intensive Tar Remover instantly dissolves tar on paintwork and plastics, enabling it to be wiped off, or washed away during a routine shampoo. Use to remove oil, grease, silicones, wax, resinous tree sap, fuel stains and adhesive residues. Areas of treated paintwork should be re-polished, to maintain finish and protection. Intensive Tar Remover can also be used on rubber, to remove oil-based stains.[/FONT]

AdrianHi

If those tar remover product leave anything behind or there is other muck you want to get rid of something like this is the answer:
http://www.dtconcours.co.uk/super-clay.htm

Halfords stock Meguires Quick Clay which is good too. Take care with technique so as to not introduce micro scratches. This is how professional detailers prepare a paint surface before re-sealing / waxing. Once you've clayed the car you need to wash it and get a sealant onto the paint work before the car gets rained on or a bird drops "a load" on it.

MX5huggy

Has to be a clay bar the best thing by far you will be stunned by the results. Must be followed by a good quality wax.

http://www.autopia-carcare.com/inf-clay.htmlon how to do it.

AdrianHi

Clay bar will shift just about anything, I use it in summer if I get a bad case of baked on insect bodies followed by a wash and re-applying my favourite paint sealant.
I have also used clay alone for removing tar spots, but I think reducing the sports with one of the solvents first and then claying if needed is a better approach.

gingerdad

Brasso is a good one

GD

AdrianHi

gingerdad wrote: »

Brasso is a good one

GD

http://www.nandira.com/metal_treatment_chemicals_for_aluminium_brass_copper.htm wrote:

BRASSO CLEAN BRASS CLEANER
For brass casting a or small components the oxidation turns the surface to dull appearance.
This brasso clean clean the surface forming the uniform shiny look.
Acidic in nature free from HCL & HNO3.

As any car detailer / paint correction specialist, car valeter or car enthusiast will tell you, anything acidic should not be used on painted or lacquered surfaces as it dulls and damages the finish. I used to get criticised for using Wonder Wheels on my lacquered alloy wheels for the same reason, it's acidic. I will be using alternative non-acidic wheel cleaners from now on.

bigdic

Carplan do an amazing tar removing product, it's an aerosol spray that you leave on for about 10 seconds then wipe of with some kitchen roll.

http://www.carplan.co.uk/index.cfm?product=102

You can buy it in Woolworths or Homebase (these are the 2 shops I've found carplan stuff in anyway) it's also among the cheapest range of car cleaning products I've ever found and (IMO) far better than most.

ihatecharges

If you use clay you will mar the paint so it is best to use a tar remover IMHO (BMW stuff is good) allow it to soak and wipe with a soft microfibre cloth, do again if required so get rid off as much as possible first before using clay or polish.

Tar remover will strip any wax on the car so be sure to wax after using a tar remover or clay for that matter.