many, many tar specks on door...

hi folks, a quickie -

just did a 2000 mile road trip (are these things a dream on a road trip or what?) and while washing today, noticed i have specks of tar all over my passenger door. i have tar remover, but is it safe to apply all over the entire door? i fear it will haze out the paint, or worse.

i think it will be ok if i wax afterward, but want to get some peace of mind from any knowledgable folks here 1st.

thanks in advance,

rasmus

You can use tar remover, just do small sections at a time. It will remove whatever wax you have on there anyways so you will have to reapply wax. Another option is a clay bar if you don't trust the chemicals.

Clay bar, absolutely.

Takes tar off with ease. Would help your entire rig, too.

www.zainobros.com (http://www.zainobros.com) (see "Z-18 claybar," you get two for $18)

The web page includes detailed instructions for claying.

Good luck!

I just use the wax and tar remover that I got at Pep boys. Takes it off fast. Does not harm the paint. I have used the claybar, too much work. Eather way you have to re-wax !

I just use the wax and tar remover that I got at Pep boys. Takes it off fast. Does not harm the paint. I have used the claybar, too much work. Eather way you have to re-wax !

Claybars don't remove polish (Zaino in my case). Maybe wax is different?

Claybars don't remove polish (Zaino in my case). Maybe wax is different?

Oh no....not this again.
We already covered the space-age polymer hype.
:-P

You should rewax after using a claybar.
:grin:

There is a difference between waxing and polishing.
A polish is something applied to make a surface smooth or to remove slight imperfections. Kinda like a light sanding on wood.
A wax is something applied to coat and protect the surface.

I have checked out the Zaino website and they don't seem to differentiate between the two.
I'm sure they are great products but it looks like they are specifically designed to make you buy multiple items.

Z-18 claybar, then "The basic products you will need are Z1 or the new ZFX accelerator additive, Z2, Z5 (optional, but highly recommended), Z6 and Z7."

If I put two to three coats of any wax on my car at any one time it'd be pretty glossy.

By the way, where does it say that you don't have to reapply anything after using the claybar?
The only place I found that discusses application is in the "ZAINO APPLICATION TIPS" section and it lists using the claybar before applying everything else.

On the Z-18 claybar info page it even says....
"Z-18 ClayBar™ is highly recommended as the ultimate way to clean and prepare your car's finish prior to using the Zaino Show Car Polish system."

and

The final step #6. "When you're finished claying your car, you should wash it with Z-7 Show Car Wash to remove the lubricant film. Finally, seal your freshly cleaned paint with your choice of Z-2 Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes, Z-3 Show Car Polish for Non-clear Coated Paint, or Z-5 Show Car Polish for Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches."

Isn't that specifically saying that you should reapply the wax/polish (whatever) after using the claybar?

I've been using Zaino for five years. That is how I know the claybar doesn't take the Zaino polish off.

I'm as sure of that as I am that my GGM is green. :wink:


What a claybar does to your wax, I have no idea. As for this assertion of yours:

"A polish is something applied to make a surface smooth or to remove slight imperfections. Kinda like a light sanding on wood."

On that, you are wrong. You have mistaken polish -- at least, Zaino polish -- with rubbing compound.

Yes, after claying you are supposed to wash the vehicle. What you are citing does not say that every time you clay your car it strips off all the polish.

Space age polymer hype? We've been in space since Sputnik. Lot of good legitimate innovations have occured since then.

I am going to put in my 2 cents worth on this subject.

There are various grades of clay from extra fine (http://www.autopia-carcare.com/son-3200-2.html) to coarse (http://www.premiumautocare.com/meguiars-detailing-clay-aggressive.html). The very fine removes very little of your wax/sealant, while a course grade clay will abrade your clear coat in an effort to remove extreme contaminates in the paint. If it is this abrasive (like a real polish/compound) it will surely remove even a tough sealant like Zaino. I have the Zaino clay and it is one of the weakest IMO, so it probably doesn't remove those layers of Z.

Also, Sal naming his Zaino sealants as a polish is marketing, but IMO very inaccurate.

Yes, after claying you are supposed to wash the vehicle. What you are citing does not say that every time you clay your car it strips off all the polish.

You are correct, it doesn't.

It specifically describes using the claybar and then directs you to "seal your freshly cleaned paint with your choice of Z-2 Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes, Z-3 Show Car Polish for Non-clear Coated Paint, or Z-5 Show Car Polish for Swirl Marks and Fine Scratches."

I was just curious if you had seen something from the manufacturer saying that they recommend to use the claybar without reapplying the wax/polish.
I haven't.

I sent Zaino an e-mail.
We'll see what they say.
:roll:

Well, I got a reply from Sal over at Zaino.
He specifically said, "She's stupid. Why would you listen to a girl about anything automotive!?"
His words...not mine.

Good point though.
:D











http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif
Just kidding.
He answered in classic double talk.
He claims claying will not necessarily remove the Zaino polish but says he always applys another quick coat afterwards just to be safe.
:roll:

So take that for what it's worth.

Well, I got a reply from Sal over at Zaino.
He specifically said, "She's stupid. Why would you listen to a girl about anything automotive!?"
His words...not mine.

Good point though.
:D



http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/images/icons/icon12.gif
Just kidding.
He answered in classic double talk.
He claims claying will not necessarily remove the Zaino polish but says he always applys another quick coat afterwards just to be safe.
:roll:

So take that for what it's worth.


Thanks for the research, Ranger, but as I said I've been using Zaino products for five years. Lots of claying on the Miata and lots of layers of Z-2, ZFX, blah, blah.

My experience is that the shine does not diminish one iota after claying. And I do always wash it afterward and apply more polish.

Clay days are full-service Zaino days.

Those of us schooled in the zen of Zaino have lots of layers on our cars. After five or so the effect maxes out but it's an addictive thing.

If you want to learn more about Zaino than Sal had time for in his response, check out www.corvetteforum.com (http://www.corvetteforum.com) Those guys are care care devotees.

A long time ago, before they had all these varied cleaners and polishes and removers, I had to remove some tar from my '69 Camaro. Well, I used some spray fabric spot remover (I think it was Spray 'n' Wash). It pretty much dissolved the tar and made it a simple wipe off with a rag.

Of course, maybe they make tar with special polymers and resins now-a-days.:)