discussion Any auto bodywork bods on here?

[Waspie]

Need advice on staining on my 4 wheeled machines exterior plastic trim.
Have some white streaking running down the trim. It has been suggested it may be clay pigments from the bodywork post polishing.
I tried a mineral spirit to clean then applied a plastic restorer but it’s re-appeared!!
So, Mayday Mayday Mayday —- HELP!! Please.
Ta in advance, Doug

 

[Andy T]

If it is just polishing residue then a good rub with hot soapy water should be enough to remove it. An all purpose cleaner or something like stardrops would be best, but anything is better than nothing.

A microfiber cloth to really get in to the grain helps too.

I've sometimes had success with glass cleaner too, the spray on alcohol /water type like autoglym fast glass.

On the other hand if its some kind of chemical that has bleached the plastic then you'll struggle to get rid of it completely. You'll get all kinds of suggestions from baby oil to peanut butter (seriously). These can help mask the problem but it'll always reappear once they have washed off.

If it's bare textured plastic then heat can help if it's severe, slightly melting the surface to bring back the colour. A bit extreme for most but it works wonders on old bangers with badly faded trim.

If the cleaning doesn't help pop up a picture or two and I'll see if I can help further.

 

[Waspie]

If it is just polishing residue then a good rub with hot soapy water should be enough to remove it. An all purpose cleaner or something like stardrops would be best, but anything is better than nothing.

A microfiber cloth to really get in to the grain helps too.

I've sometimes had success with glass cleaner too, the spray on alcohol /water type like autoglym fast glass.

On the other hand if its some kind of chemical that has bleached the plastic then you'll struggle to get rid of it completely. You'll get all kinds of suggestions from baby oil to peanut butter (seriously). These can help mask the problem but it'll always reappear once they have washed off.

If it's bare textured plastic then heat can help if it's severe, slightly melting the surface to bring back the colour. A bit extreme for most but it works wonders on old bangers with badly faded trim.

If the cleaning doesn't help pop up a picture or two and I'll see if I can help further.

Thanks for that.
I’ve just finished giving it a good clean with, of all things, IPA. That turned the plastic an even grey colour. Then gave it a good going over with Armour All.
The car’s only 3 YO and less than 10k miles so I thought it may be down to me and my last polish a couple of months ago!!
Bloody annoying - especially as SWIMBO is aware of it!! :rolling:

 

[Jim R]

Autoglym (and others I'm sure) do a gel which restores grey plastic trim to black. It works well but may not work for this and even if it does may not be permanent. You could also try WD-40.

 

[Waspie]

Thanks Jim. I have always used AG polishes etc and I have today added AG plastic restorer to my armoury, (hopefully arrive tomorrow). Working on the premise, AG got me into this bother, hopefully AG will get me out.

Until now I have always been a big follower of ArmourAll for plastic trim, never let me down. (Until now). I'm hoping the IPA will have removed the residue or whatever it is that is causing the problem and the ArmourAll has worked.

Bugging me, as it's the first time anything like this has happened.

I started using a double action rotary polisher in the last year but SWIMBO and I are thinking, let's go back to manual polishing!! Takes more time but if it's going to throw up problems like this - be gone!!!

 

[Andy T]

Thanks for that.
I’ve just finished giving it a good clean with, of all things, IPA. That turned the plastic an even grey colour. Then gave it a good going over with Armour All.
The car’s only 3 YO and less than 10k miles so I thought it may be down to me and my last polish a couple of months ago!!
Bloody annoying - especially as SWIMBO is aware of it!! :rolling:

Glad you seem to have sorted it. The IPA will have worked similarly to the glass cleaner I mentioned.

I'm a fan of autoglym products too, although I tend to buy the trade version which works out cheaper if you need tons of the stuff :smiling5:

I started out in the motor trade by valeting cars back in the late 80's, trying to earn some extra cash while I did my A levels, then somehow ended up owning my own bodyshop. Once you're in you can't get out...

 

[Waspie]

Glad you seem to have sorted it. The IPA will have worked similarly to the glass cleaner I mentioned.

I'm a fan of autoglym products too, although I tend to buy the trade version which works out cheaper if you need tons of the stuff :smiling5:

I started out in the motor trade by valeting cars back in the late 80's, trying to earn some extra cash while I did my A levels, then somehow ended up owning my own bodyshop. Once you're in you can't get out...

Fingers crossed Andy, I did this a week ago using white spirit and initially it appeared to work!! So I'll give it a few days before I count my chickens!!

I started using Auto Glym more years ago than I care to remember!! Would have been late 70's. During a visit to the motor show, I asked a couple of the guys polishing the cars us visitors had dared touch what they used? They all said AG products. Well, I'm of the opinion if it's good enough for the auto trade to tart their premier cars with it's going to be ok for me.

I've a kit in a nice presentation case from one manufacturer after buying one of their cars 'brand spanking' to let me clean my car, it's got the works, tyre to polish to cloths etc. Never used it. Always used AG products. The one that really impressed is theAuto Glym tar remover!!!

 

[Waspie]

@Andy T
Hello again Andy!! Heeeeeeelp!!!!!
Sadly, my problem with the plastic has returned!!
Have attached a piccy this time in the hope you have seen similar and maybe recommend a fix. I've a couple of theories flapping around my head.
1, I used AG super resin polish as usual and finished off with the extra gloss protection. I'm thinking I never took it off properly and it's running due to the damp nights were having?
2. Something my dealer is doing when valeting after a service!! (It's a BMW/Mini dealership).

Clutching at wild straws but I hate it when my car looks crepe!!!!

Oh, the piccy before I forget!! (doh).

 

[Mr Bowcat]

I'm a big fan of AG products, have been since I worked at Halfords over 30 years ago. I've just ordered a snow lance and the AG Polar products to use in it, hoping it will be easier to use, meaning the cars will get washed more often.

 

[Andy T]

That's a tough one Doug, but my first thought would still be some kind of residue that has run down as I can see some evidence of streaking on the black painted section also (much easier to remove)

I know you have tried a few things but if it was a water based product then a water based cleaner probably has the best chance of removing it.

Back to my suggestion of hot soapy water I think, with either a microfiber cloth, a firm sponge, or even a soft scrubbing brush / old toothbrush to get into the grain.

I've heard of people having success with those magic eraser sponges with soapy water but not tried that myself.

If it were mine I'd be testing a small section first and leaving it to dry naturally without putting any trim restorer products on as it will reappear faster (if its going to)

 

[Waspie]

That's a tough one Doug, but my first thought would still be some kind of residue that has run down as I can see some evidence of streaking on the black painted section also (much easier to remove)

I know you have tried a few things but if it was a water based product then a water based cleaner probably has the best chance of removing it.

Back to my suggestion of hot soapy water I think, with either a microfiber cloth, a firm sponge, or even a soft scrubbing brush / old toothbrush to get into the grain.

I've heard of people having success with those magic eraser sponges with soapy water but not tried that myself.

If it were mine I'd be testing a small section first and leaving it to dry naturally without putting any trim restorer products on as it will reappear faster (if its going to)

Thanks Andy. I’ll give the hot water a bash. Have two more SWIMBO jobs then I’ll tackle it in about an hour. Will let you know how I get on.

 

[Mr Bowcat]

Have you tried getting a pressure washer on it, if it is residue maybe it needs a bit more persuasion?

 

[De.Mort]

I'm no expert on detailing i'm afraid but that looks to me to be a chemical in a pressure washer running down .. too acidic perhaps ... in short it looks like water staining .

My old school method would be to use boot polish if its a straightforward plastic trim but perhaps it's best if i speak to the detailer at work next week and see what he advises as i'm sure there are more up to date products lol .

 

[Andy T]

I'm no expert on detailing i'm afraid but that looks to me to be a chemical in a pressure washer running down .. too acidic perhaps ... in short it looks like water staining .

That's definitely a possibility as I mentioned earlier, but I'm hoping for Dougs sake that it isnt.

Overly strong cleaners like TFR used by dealers, not diluted enough, can cause it also.

 

[De.Mort]

I messaged the office at work with the image .. the reply ..

That is a chemical stain from some form of Truck wash/harsh cleaner, dependant on the finish of the lower trim i.e. glass or mat needs polish

Not sure what products might help .. need to chat to the detailer next week i'm afraid .

 

[De.Mort]

Comments from work ..

Hard work and possible coloured boot polish a good shout.

From the detailer ..

Dave recommends Trim max or Solution finish after cleaning.

I would think the entire door would need a dam good clean .. and then if its the dealer who is causing this ask them to not wash the car when its in for work .. we have a few customers who insist that only they clean their cars so its not an unusual request .

 

[Tim Marlow]

I’m not a bodywork professional, but I have extensive experience in the field of pharmaceutical cleaning. If that’s an ammonia or hydroxide based cleaning solution residue, water scale, or polishing clay deposits, then a dilute solution of white vinegar should lift the stains without causing other damage. Our cleaning regimes always had an acid wash followed by a distilled water rinse as the last cleaning stages. Being mildly acidic the vinegar will dissolve the solids, and then rinsing with distilled water will flush them away. Obviously try it on an inconspicuous spot first. Make up a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and dab it on. Leave it a few minutes then use a distilled water and a clean cloth to flush the area and wipe it dry.

 

[Waspie]

Comments from work ..

Hard work and possible coloured boot polish a good shout.

From the detailer ..

Dave recommends Trim max or Solution finish after cleaning.

I would think the entire door would need a dam good clean .. and then if its the dealer who is causing this ask them to not wash the car when its in for work .. we have a few customers who insist that only they clean their cars so its not an unusual request .

Thanks Iain, the bold is a decision I have already reached.

That's definitely a possibility as I mentioned earlier, but I'm hoping for Dougs sake that it isnt.

Overly strong cleaners like TFR used by dealers, not diluted enough, can cause it also.

Andy, yeah, I'm thinking along those lines. I used to wash aircraft with a chemical called 'Ardrox' way back in the 60's/70's. If it was either too strong a solution or it was left on for too long then it resulted in streaking. ( I remember father in law washing his car in whatever they clean buses with and it removed a layer or three of paint from his car.)

I’m not a bodywork professional, but I have extensive experience in the field of pharmaceutical cleaning. If that’s an ammonia or hydroxide based cleaning solution residue, water scale, or polishing clay deposits, then a dilute solution of white vinegar should lift the stains without causing other damage. Our cleaning regimes always had an acid wash followed by a distilled water rinse as the last cleaning stages. Being mildly acidic the vinegar will dissolve the solids, and then rinsing with distilled water will flush them away. Obviously try it on an inconspicuous spot first. Make up a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and dab it on. Leave it a few minutes then use a distilled water and a clean cloth to flush the area and wipe it dry.

Thank you Tim. A job for me next week is to contact BMW in Dorchester and find out what they use to clean their customers vehicles. Then I will decide exactly what route to take. It's really p*ssing me off as I never use pressure washers or chemicals other that Auto Glam products on any of my cars, of which there have been many. This is the first time I have experienced anything like this.

Thank you all for replying it's really humbling to know you're part of a group that can come together.
I have a feeling I will be giving the car an intense hand wash next week and then maybe a light polish to reinforce the layer already on after the last polish a couple of months ago. Only ever polish it twice a year anyway - before winter and after winter. Never needed to do it more frequently such is the quality of AG products. Hopefully the wash and polish will stabilise the bodywork and allow me to concentrate on restoring the plastic to how it should be.

 

[Richard48]

I shall ask my Brother.Hes a former classic vechile restorer.
Rich

 

[Waspie]

I shall ask my Brother.Hes a former classic vechile restorer.
Rich

Appreciated Richard. :thumb2: