Cleaning!

[sophierb]

Hi All,

My MCS has a white roof, wingmirrors and wheels, which I find sooo difficult to clean - is there anything that will get all these marks and stains off the white paint?

Thanks!

[minicabrio]

Marks and stains? On paint?

I'd recommend using a clay bar such as the Meguires Quik Clay system to remove tar spots and tree sap, then a good quality polish - I actually really like AutoGlym Super Resin Polish, then a coat of a good quality Carnuba wax to protect and seal

That's the treatment my MINI always got, and she gleamed

Jon

[sophierb]

Thanks, I'll give it a go! I imagine it's probably something like tree sap on the roof, but regular washing doesn't seem to shift it!

Sophie

[minicabrio]

Tree sap and road tar are what's referred to as bonded surface contaminants, usual washing will not remove them

[Mark84]

"exact", "words", "outta" and "Mouth" come to mind!

Megs quick clay is all you should need other wise its serious work involved! good polish after just of rgood measure tho!

[minicabrio]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mark84 (original)

"exact", "words", "outta" and "Mouth" come to mind!

Megs quick clay is all you should need other wise its serious work involved! good polish after just of rgood measure tho!

You should always polish and wax after a Clay Bar session....

Basically this is how it all works....

1. Wash the car first - this removes non-bonded surface contaminants such as usual dirt and road grime. If you were to polish at this stage, all you would do is polish into the paint work all the bonded contamiants, and probably end up with it looking worse than when you started.
2. So, use a clay bar to remove all the bonded contaminants - sap, tar etc..
3. You're now left with a nice smooth clear coat - polish it now to remove any swirls or paint imperfections.
4. Use a carnuba wax to prevent the build up of contaminants and make washing easier in the future. After the first wash apply another layer of wax for extra protection.

[sophierb]

They're on the shopping list!

Thanks!