Expert: Bob - 6/8/2010

Question
QUESTION: I am a volunteer expert in the reptile forum so thank you in advance for your time. My neighbor was painting some shutters and some stray paint accumulated on my white Infinity. You cannot see the paint at all, but you can feel it if you run your hand along the body. Is their a good product to get this stray paint off? I tried washing with detergent and did a small part with Maguires wax, but to no avail. Please advise.

ANSWER: I am hoping that it is water-based paint and not oil-based. Though both should be removable. Oil is a little tougher.

If you are handy you can pick up some automotive clay. This block of plastic polymer has adhesion properties to remove paint overspray without harming the clearcoat finish on the car.

I charge upwards of $200.00 to remove overspray, polish and wax the car with this kind of problem. It takes 3 - 5 hours to do. I would not opt for compounding unless the clay does not remove the paint. However, there are very few times that I have not been unable to remove this type of overspray. Mostly, bridge paint or road paint that requires solvents to remove the paint.

Google auto clay to get an idea of what it all entails to perform this removal.

Thank you for volunteering your time also. Let me know if I can give you anymore help.

Bob

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Does either of these look like the type of product I need? Do you recommend one over the other? Thanks again for your help.

http://www.automagic.com/cart/88256.htm

http://www.wolfgangcarcare.com/clay-bar.html

Answer
http://www.wolfgangcarcare.com/clay-bar.html

This one looks the best. The explanation on the site is very good. This is about what I pay for a block of professional clay.

You will be impressed by how the car finish feels after you clay, polish and wax you will end up doing all your vehicles.

Just purchase the clay bar. The lubricant can be made at home. I use about an ounce or 2 of any dish washing liquid in a 24 or 32 oz. spray bottle and fill with water. Shake and use the auto clay.

Hope that helps.

Bob