Dam* Bugs!!

JDK · 09-26-07, 09:28

I did a '07 Lexus IS today and according to the owner it had been waxed about a year ago but nothing done since. Bugs were all over the front end and I first sprayed them with Tarminator and let set for 10 minutes. I then hit it with my power washer (2500 psi) using the 10 degree tip but 20% of the bugs remained. I washed it with a foam sponge with a bug remover on one side, used a clay bar but 10% still remained after all of this so I gave up

and suggested that she keep a fresh coat of wax every month to make any new bugs come off easier the next time.

Any words of wisdom for the next one that crosses my path?

Thanks!!

todd@bsaw · 09-26-07, 09:36

If you've used all those methods, there really isn't much else besides basic elbow grease you can use to get the rest off. I've spend about a half an hour before just scrubbing bugs off a front end.

cgage · 09-28-07, 09:53

I just had that happen on an 02 LS 430 a few weeks back. Maybe lexus likes bugs. I spent about an hour on the grille and front end, using the same products and process as you though. I then opti-sealed every square inch of the car. Hopefully that does it!

Danase · 09-28-07, 10:48

I've found Total Auto Wash from P21S to be excellent on bugs.

StealthMode · 10-03-07, 01:56

I hate removing bugs on black paint....specially when they have been there all summer! It's almost impossibly to not marr the paint....

MotorCity · 10-03-07, 02:00

Surf City Grime Destroyer has replaced my use of Tarminator... works very well.

DantheMan · 10-03-07, 02:54

I was going to mention the Surf city product as well. Haven't used it, but its in my cart for the next order. Some other products to consider would be Poorboys bug squash and the Pinnacle bug sponge.

I'm on the lookout for something a little safer than tarminator after getting a little bit on an airbrushed license plate and ruining it.. Left a nasty look to it. I got it back about 90%, and luckily the customer didn't care at all, but if it had been a grille or something on a picky customer, it could end up costing me some money.. Still don't plan on getting rid of my tarminator as it works well, but I'm just going to be a little more picky about where I use it. Only in situations where i CANT get it on anything but paint..

mirrorfinishman · 10-04-07, 05:07

In most cases, the use of Tarminator, 2500 psi power washer, foam sponge with bug remover or clay bar will do very little to remove bug residue. And most will doubt that a fresh coat of wax will help to make any new bugs any easier to come off next time around.

What you need to do is simply scrub the surface during the wash process. You can turn a sheepskin mitt inside out and use the more abrasive surface for this process. Use plenty of soap and plenty of surface agitation. During the polishing and waxing process, remove any remaining residue using a somewhat aggressive cleaner polish.

gmblack3a · 10-04-07, 05:45

I use pinnacle safe scrub bug tar pad and they do not marr the paint. Just keep your pad loaded with soap and water. Either 1:6 APC or PB BS as a pre treat.

mirrorfinishman · 10-04-07, 10:34

Bryan's got the right idea. I have also used a 3M polishing pad (by hand) available at most boat supply stores, along with plenty of soap and water to easily remove bug residue. That alone eliminates at least 98% of the problem during the wash process. The cleaner polish usually takes care of the rest.

MotorCity · 10-04-07, 02:55

Another point worth mentioning regarding the Surf City Grime destroyer is that it is quite a bit thicker than other "bug and tar removers". It is almost as thick as liquid hand soap.

As a result, the product "clings" to the paint as opposed to running off.

After I spray the entire vehicle (below the belt line) I like to let it dwell for a few minutes. After it has dwelled bugs and debri almost looks like it is "melting" off the paint.

The Grime destroyer really works well with any wash and really comes in handy for ONR washes!!!