Tar removal...

Clean Dean

Clean Dean

Keep it clean !!!
OK I admit it, I enjoy detailing pristine cars for loyal customers who simply pamper their car like their first born child. DONT WE ALL !!! :getdown But there is some good $$$ doing commercial detailing jobs with fleet vehicles. Today I detailed this 2004 Ford Ranger extended cab, and the car was literally covered in tar from bumper to bumper. I figured out that I spent at least an additional 2.5 hours removing the tar by chemical means, scraping, and claybar. I charged an addition $150 over the cost of a full service int/ext detail and was wondering if that charge seemed resonable more or less?



Your thoughts?



DSC01126.jpg




DSC01137.jpg




DSC01127.jpg




DSC01138.jpg
 
To make it go a little faster you might want to try a solvent or WD-40 next time and let it dwell and then wipe away or use a plastic razor blade.
 
Did just that. In all honesty, the car had ever square inch of the paint and glass sprayed with tar. I used about 1/2 gallon of solvent in the process. BTW... WD 40 would not have enough bite for this one.
 
Beautiful job! Do you mind if I ask what kind of solvent you use for tar removal. Are you talking about pitch remover?



Thanks.
 
I think thats reasonable both for the customer and detailer . What ever you would charge per hour for anything extra like this . :buffing:
 
percynjpn said:
Beautiful job! Do you mind if I ask what kind of solvent you use for tar removal. Are you talking about pitch remover?



Thanks.
Click to expand...





I want to second this, lol. The thread is old but atleast I searched.



Alex
 
Tar removar:



Spot check the area to see how aggressive you can go : (least to greatest):



1. Conventional tar removal spray (I like Stoner Tarminator).

2. Clay bar and elbow grease.

3. Acetone (be careful will remove some paints and could destroy plastic trim).

4. Plastic razor blades. (Use car not to remove clearcoat).

5. Lacquar Thinner (Will cut through tar like a hot knife through butter, but obviously should be used with great care. Will remove single stage paint especially around trim, cladding and body kits !!! Will remove tar and paints on clear coated surfaces very quickly.

BE VERY CAREFUL WITH LACQUAR THINNER !!!
 
Hmm thanks for the response. What would you guys suggest to get tar off of a porous black trim on a rav4? Ive tried tarminator and the tar laughed at it.
 
I second mineral spirits. Never had a problem with 3-4 min. or less dwell time, with paint or plastic. I am not saying you should let it dwell that long, but for tar as described in the picture, soak the tar areas, try it or wait a minute and it will wipe off.



Hour or less for the whole car.



Dwell time with lacquar thinner and acetone is seconds, before you can feel the paint get soft.



Dilute the lacquar thinner and acetone with water, if you must.



I've had acetone touch a plastic mirror housing and melt it smooth in seconds.
 
I use a tar & glue remover. Spray on.let it dwell for 5-9 min. Then hit it with a high pressure washer. Still left, use it on a sponge and rub easily. The tar will be eliminated.
 
I too just got a hit with tar on the lower panels, fenders and wheel well on my 2005 Jeep Liberty. I was able to remove the tar from on the paint and outer fenders with AIO and mf towel. It did take a bit of elbow grease. I still have tar on the inner fenders and wheel wells.

by porta

I use a tar & glue remover. Spray on.let it dwell for 5-9 min. Then hit it with a high pressure washer. Still left, use it on a sponge and rub easily. The tar will be eliminated.
Click to expand...

I don't own a pressure washer.

by dpsorg

Fastest, easiest, cheapest, safest...mineral spirits.

by salty

I second mineral spirits. Never had a problem with 3-4 min. or less dwell time, with paint or plastic. I am not saying you should let it dwell that long, but for tar as described in the picture, soak the tar areas, try it or wait a minute and it will wipe off.
Click to expand...

What is mineral spirits and where can I get some? Ok, I googled mineral spirits, it's thinner or mild solvent. Does it matter which brand?



Would you also remove tar from plastic wheel wells? Meaning, is it worth the time and effort? I know I would like to remove it, but don't want a PITA method.
 
Mineral spirits is sold as Paint Thinner. A few dollars/gallon at any big box, a little more at any paint or hardware store. For just a little bit more, you can also get odorless m.s. if you don't like the smell of the stuff.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top