Hey guys,

I need help...

My neighbor cleaned his fence with a biodegradable, non-bleach, wood cleaner/brightener. Unfortunately, it was windy day, and I got a funny mist all over my BLACK SCrew (02' Lariat)

I washed it - notably 24 hours later - which didn't remove it.
I clayed it - which didn't seem to do much either.

I did manage to get one fender cleaned, and looking quite nice, using Meguiars Medallion Premium Paint Cleaner. But it took some serious elbow grease. I tried orbital - but not nearly as productive as by hand.

I believe the main component of the deck wash is oxalic acid (since it's non-bleach).

I didn't know if anyone else has experienced similar, or if anyone has any thoughts on how to make the job a little easier (took over 1 hour to get all the spots off 1 fender, and the spots are covering the entire truck).

Thanks
Dan

 

Give your neighbor some polishing rags and some more maguires!

 

Tough one.... if the MPPC was yielding results, it sounds as though you may have a very slight acid etch and thus, you'll have to abrasively polish everything else out as well... MPPC is a fantastic product (one of my favorites -- go figure, it's discontinued and I only have two bottles left).

My suggestion -- find a detailer experienced with rotary buffer use (not an orbital -- not a DA) and let him do a panel for you.... stay with the vehicle and watch. If he/she can remove it on that panel, odds are that they'll be able to remove it everywhere... at that point, it probably becomes well spent $$ -- otherwise, you might just be p'sing into the wind on taking care of it (sorry for the pun).

RP

 

Hey guys,

thanks for the replies...

In the process of continuing to clean the truck... I was able to come across a new discovery.

I was cleaning the chrome step bars with Eagle One Wad Polish (contains petrol distillates).. and it magnificently removed the wood cleaner residue.

Got me to thinking to try bug/tar remover on a inconspicuous area.

well it worked... Gunk brand (not sure if they still make it) in spray bottle worked great at removing quite easily the residue.

There still are a few marks, leading me to agree with RockPick that there's some etching...but may not be as bad as I had first thought.

Also, RainX window polish (denatured alcohol) removes the residue from the windows well.

Just thought I'd share my serendipitous discoveries.

Thanks
Dan

 

It sounds as if the solvent-based products may have done the trick... glad to hear that it worked. While these wouldn't have been products that I would've suggested, I am glad that you solved your problem and didn't cause more...

Now that you've pulled it off, remember that the solvent/petroleum products that you used removed not only the wood treatment overspray but also your wax... it'd be a very good idea to do a full detail at this point to revive your protection layer.

RP