Bug and Tar Remover that is safe for a freshly painted car?

C

Contradiction

New member
Hi everyone,


 


I just got my car back from the body shop today after I had my hood repainted due to storm damage and I was wondering if you can recommend any bug and tar remover that would be safe for fresh paint?  I found a thread on the Meguiars forum that lists "body shop safe" Meguiar's products and it lists their Gold Class Bug and Tar remover as body shop safe but that is all I have to go by so far. Of coruse I am not finding that at any local Auto Zone, etc. since it is basically a "premium brand" product that I doubt they have any reason to stock.


 


So far I've seen RainX bug and Tar Remover, Turtle Wax Renew RX Bug and Tar Remover, and Griots Garage Bug and Smudge Remover readily available.  I'm up for ordering something if there is no alternative but I'm curious if anyone would recommend or condem any of these listed.


 


The main reason I ask is I will be taking a 5 hr drive for vacation over the weekend and it's inevitable that I will get some nice bug splats on it. I know not to use any kind of sealant, wax, clay bar etc for the next month at least of course but it's unavoidable that I will get bugs on the car.  I'd really like to be able to clean them off safely when I get to my destination.  If nothing else I will try draping a towel soaked in warm water over it to see if that losens them but I was hoping for something more effective.
 
Tar typically requires a solvent to remove and I wouldn't be using anything strong on fresh paint. Maybe something like mineral spirits, but not lacquer thinner. 


 


Bugs are pretty simple to remove and typically only require the bug guts to be dampened to remove. If you want to be extremely safe, lay a wet microfiber towel over the bugs and keep re-wetting it. It will eventually loosen the body and wipe right off. 
 
I'd be thinking along the lines of products like 1Z Anti-Inzekt (or somesuch Euro-spelling) that presumably attacks the bug-guts but not the paint.  I've used that on recently repainted front bumpercovers without any problems.  That might also neutralized the bug-stuff that can get into the paint and keep on doing damage.


 


Oh, and before the trip I'd get plenty of OCW on there. OCW is approved by Ford for ues on post-production paintwork and it hasn't caused any problems for me (same bumpercover).


 


While I wouldn't reach for it first in this case (due to that "gotta neutralize..." issue), I don't see why you couldn't clay fresh paint as long as you do it correctly (i.e., very gently with plenty of lube).
 
5jjt- I'd sure be careful about what paints you use that on, lest it cause marring.  Softener sheets are not as soft as, say....an old cotton t-shirt, and that (yes, used wet) will mar any of my vehicles.
 
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