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Baked on bug goo and road grime

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 10:39 am
by Budrbean
I just purchased a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder. The front bumper is covered in bug goo and road grime that was obviously left on there for a long period of time. Obviously regular washing does nothing and Im pretty sure the dealer buffed and waxed it due to the shine and white wax left on door seams. So do I have any options to remove this stuff without repainting?

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Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 11:28 am
by scarelli
Maybe try rubbing compound. That worked on a big scuff i had on my front bumper.

Can't tell you how many times it's saved me...

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 11:52 am
by Budrbean
Whats the procedure on that? Just use it then follow with a good wax?

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 11:58 am
by scarelli
... not sure if I'm using it right...
but, I usually just rub the scratch in tiny circles with a rag with a bit of rubbing compound on it.. then just rinse away the excess..

probably not a bad idea to wax afterwords to build up a few layers of protection...

Posted: Wed Apr 28, 2010 12:02 pm
by Budrbean
cool, thanks for the info. I bought this deal from the dealer where they wax and seal the clearcoat every 6 months for the next 5 years. So I will probably leave it as is until around that time. But then again probably not cause its bugging me lol

Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 5:34 am
by HillbillyJake
Kerosene and a good waxing

Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 5:10 pm
by Budrbean
I did a little online research and it says that rubbing compound should be used as a latch ditch effort where it looks like repaint may be your only option. I tried some polishing compound since its less abrasive. It really didnt do much good. I think the stuff has been on there so long that its messed up the clear coat. Im just gonna leave it be for now cause it looks fine from a few feet away. Eventually I will take it to a professional and let them take a stab at it. Im afraid I will end up messing it up with rubbing compound.

Ive never used kerosense on paint. Is that really a good idea?

Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 7:45 pm
by HillbillyJake
I have never had a problem with it. I have been using it for years to get off tar and asphalt from when they blacktop the roads around here. I put some on a rag and scrub the problem area. then I wash it with soap and water and then wax it. it will strip off the wax so you will have to wax it when you are done.

Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 8:41 am
by macbell7
Do not use Rubbing compound !! thats for paint thats oxidized and has no clear coat what so ever. It will scratch the surface and basically ruin it. My best advice to you is to take it to a professional and have them use a dual action buffer on it. They can clay bar it to remove all the dirt and debris from the surface, then they can polish out all the imperfections. You may have to muster up a couple hundred dollars but it will be worth it to get the job done right.

If you do not have the money available to do that, then go pick up a clay bar kit they sell them just about anywhere now. Follow the directions that come with it and clay the area, then get some good wax like meguairs gold class and wax it several times. This should help out for only $35-$40 in supplies.

Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 9:40 am
by scarelli
The stuff i use is actually called Polishing compound.
And I've used it for years and hadn't had any problems... i only use it for grime and scuffs above the surface, not scratches...

I think next time I'll go for the kerosene or that clay bar kit instead...


... sorry, no intention here to F anyone's car up...

Posted: Sat May 01, 2010 3:28 pm
by Budrbean
Thanks for the suggestions guys. Polishing compound barely did anything. Think I'll stay away from the rubbing compound. I will try kerosene later.

Posted: Sun May 02, 2010 8:31 pm
by hollywoodstylin
Just curious if you have tried using a clay bar and if that did anything for you.

Posted: Mon May 03, 2010 4:19 pm
by me&pathy
wash, clay, wash and then wax should come right out a netted road tar sponge could work to.

Posted: Mon May 03, 2010 6:55 pm
by Budrbean
hollywoodstylin wrote:Just curious if you have tried using a clay bar and if that did anything for you.
Not yet, I will try that soon

Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 8:43 pm
by freak2180
This will sound odd........use the fabric softner sheets you use in the dryer. Just get it moist....not wet....and rub gently. once you get a small area done wipe it off with a clean wet rag/towel. Dont do it in large areas at a time because you dont want the fabric softner to dry on the paint. I have done this several times and it works like a champ.........once you have gotten to a point you are happy a quick wax job would help to keep future critters from sticking as baddly.