Removing tough stains from paintwork

[S_94]

Hi guys,

Anyone got any good tips on removing tough stains (like tar spots) from the paintwork? Last time I cleaned my car I had loads of little marks around the car, they'd come off but I'd have to scrub the spot with the wash mitt for ages.

I've seen on other forums people have suggested using a bit of diesel or WD40.

Anyone got their own methods?

[stuartrendall]

Hi,
Have you tried using some clay bar in the affected areas. Never tried it myself but I have seen plenty videos that rave about the stuff.

[proalves]

You can try Einszett/Nextzett Acrysol Silikon Entferner is what I use to remove tar encrusted in the car and waxes...

[POLO Clive]

If it's tar there are loads of Tar Removers available, or you can use white spirit, and yes WD40 does work if you have nothing else available.

If it's not tar, but something like industrial fallout etc, then clay is probably the best thing, but be careful when using a clay bar, use plenty of lubrication, it's easy to make a mess of your paintwork if you're not careful.

[SRGTD]

If they’re tar spots, any proprietary branded tar remover should make light work of getting rid of them. You could try WD40 too.
I’ve used Valet Pro Citrus Tar and Glue recently and it worked well. Remember to reapply any wax or sealant afterwards to the areas you’ve been working on. A word of warning - if you’re rubbing hard on localised areas of paintwork with a wash mitt to try and remove tar spots without using a tar removal product, you may inflict swirl marks, so not a good method to use to remove them.

If it’s industrial / iron fallout, using a product such as Car Pro Iron X or Valet Pro Dragon’s Breath may mean you don’t need to use a clay bar. Iron X and Dragon’s Breath stink to high heaven though, so always use in a well ventilated area, and reapply wax or sealant afterwards, as these products will strip any existing protection you might have on your paintwork.

[S_94]

Thanks guys.

If they’re tar spots, any proprietary branded tar remover should make light work of getting rid of them. You could try WD40 too.
I’ve used Valet Pro Citrus Tar and Glue recently and it worked well. Remember to reapply any wax or sealant afterwards to the areas you’ve been working on. A word of warning - if you’re rubbing hard on localised areas of paintwork with a wash mitt to try and remove tar spots without using a tar removal product, you may inflict swirl marks, so not a good method to use to remove them.

If it’s industrial / iron fallout, using a product such as Car Pro Iron X or Valet Pro Dragon’s Breath may mean you don’t need to use a clay bar. Iron X and Dragon’s Breath stink to high heaven though, so always use in a well ventilated area, and reapply wax or sealant afterwards, as these products will strip any existing protection you might have on your paintwork.

It's a strange one, it looks like a mix of dirt/mud that's sprayed up around the tyre arch but it's really tough to get off.

Thanks for the advice. Will avoid using the wash mitt on them.