Removing Tar Spots on the cheap

Hedgehurst replied on 28/10/2017 17:57

Posted on 28/10/2017 17:57

Our caravan had an array of little black spots I realised must be tar on its "nose cone" from driving through roadworks, so I hunted on the C&MC forum for answers, and found there none - there was someone asking what to use a while back, but no replies to him.

C'van Talk forum threads offered loads of suggestions, from branded products to acetone. I checked acetone & fibreglass on the wider web & came up with a boat builder who uses it to clean his hulls, so I decided it must be OK. It works like a dream! No need for shiny labelled pots of special stuff at all smile
A quick wipe & it vanishes, and while the boat builder reckoned to be followed by a cloth wielding partner, I followed it with a clean wipe & a good rinse with a wet sponge, so as not to leave it on the surface - though it probably evaporates anyway.

So it's a bit like using vinegar in the laundry - not what the adverts say, but a lot cheaper and perfectly effective!

Other recommendations were for brake fluid, WD40, petrol - which came with warnings - white spirits, as well as the Products.


I'm still wondering what to use on the paintwork.

 

 

ihatew0rk replied on 28/10/2017 21:06

Posted on 28/10/2017 21:06

Definitely don't go  near any paint finish with brake fluid, it acts as a paint stripper! 

Hedgehurst replied on 28/10/2017 21:12

Posted on 28/10/2017 21:06 by ihatew0rk

Definitely don't go  near any paint finish with brake fluid, it acts as a paint stripper! 

Posted on 28/10/2017 21:12

How fortunate I don't have any, then smile  (other than in its proper place in the car)

What does work on paint, safely, then?

Any suggestions most welcome, please.

 

mendipwalker replied on 29/10/2017 21:32

Posted on 29/10/2017 21:32

Safest is undiluted detergent (I like Fairy Liquid) gently rubbed on with paper tissue then washed off with water. White Spirit is more effective, albeit there is a risk of dulling paint. Try any solvent on a small corner first.

Tammygirl replied on 29/10/2017 22:44

Posted on 29/10/2017 22:44

Back in the summer our local council re-tarred and gritted our road. It was a breezy day and our m/h was covered in tar spray, we tried all sorts to remove it to no avail. Finally we gave in and used White Spirit, after testing of course. It removed the tar straight away. smile

replied on 29/10/2017 23:17

Posted on 29/10/2017 23:17

I always used a cloth slightly dampened with petrol

Milothedog replied on 30/10/2017 09:39

Posted on 30/10/2017 09:39

It also depends on what type of surface you are removing it from. The Gel coat on GRP is fairly resistant to anything, Paint on metal panels can react with some solvents and printed graphics and decals are just that and easily damaged with solvents. 

My advice FWIW is start with the mildest cleaning agent first and be patient if you don't want to buy a bottle of the proper stuff,  a proprietary product specifically designed for the job is a lot cheaper than a cosmetic body repair..........  

 

GyynNorma replied on 30/10/2017 19:12

Posted on 30/10/2017 19:12

Also the MAGIC SPONGE sold in Pound Shops, for tar and other surface marks, excellent on those black streaks. An old fashioned remedy from my childhood Butter.

Navigateur replied on 31/10/2017 19:09

Posted on 31/10/2017 19:09

When I first started out motoring as a teenager I was given some tips by a chap who before the War had been employed by Rolls Royce on the maintainence of their motor vehicles. To produce the famous shine all that should ever be used is a bucket of warm water to which has been added two tablespoonfuls of paraffin.

If you do try it be sure to wear gloves otherwise your skin will go black with all the muck that comes off. No polish is required as the thin film of paraffin remaining even after a good rinse causes water to bead and run off.

Hedgehurst replied on 31/10/2017 22:05

Posted on 31/10/2017 19:09 by Navigateur

When I first started out motoring as a teenager I was given some tips by a chap who before the War had been employed by Rolls Royce on the maintainence of their motor vehicles. To produce the famous shine all that should ever be used is a bucket of warm water to which has been added two tablespoonfuls of paraffin.

If you do try it be sure to wear gloves otherwise your skin will go black with all the muck that comes off. No polish is required as the thin film of paraffin remaining even after a good rinse causes water to bead and run off.

Posted on 31/10/2017 22:05

Interesting - how long does the protective film stay in place? I openly confess to not being one of the "wash it every time it moves" fraternity.

DSB replied on 31/10/2017 22:37

Posted on 31/10/2017 22:05 by Hedgehurst

Interesting - how long does the protective film stay in place? I openly confess to not being one of the "wash it every time it moves" fraternity.

Posted on 31/10/2017 22:37

....you and me both!! I don't know how it would work on tar but I do find one dry wash moves quite a bit of stuff, including black streaks.

David 

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