Notices
RX-8 Show and Shine Discussion of car care products and techniques

How to get bugs off?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 11-06-2007, 09:05 AM
  #1  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
bigphill911's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Question How to get bugs off?

I have bug guts and other stuff built up on my front bumper whats the best way to get them off so my bumper is smooth again?
Old 11-06-2007, 09:59 AM
  #2  
2005 White GT
iTrader: (1)
 
EDZRIDE's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Spokane Valley, Washington
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Try some WD 40.
Old 11-06-2007, 12:26 PM
  #3  
Registered
 
architect's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
First, you need to remove the loose deposits.
Start with a good dish soap like Dawn. Lather the area and let it soak for a good 15 minutes.
Wash and dry the area.
If you can still see stains, try a bug and tar remover. If this doesn't work...
Go over the front of the car with a clay bar and detailer spray.
Again, dry the area. Depending on how long the bugs have sat in direct sunlight will determine how deep the stains are. If a clay bar doesn't remove the stain, then the stain is in the clear coar and will need waxed/polished out.
Try a polishing compound... apply by hand with a lot of elbow grease. Concentrate on small areas.
If this doesn't work, use a high speed buffer on 1500 RMPs. Try any kind of polishing wax, most of them have solvents which remove stains as it removes scratches.
If this still doesn't get the stain... use 2000 grit wet sand paper on a sanding block. Go over it with polishing compound, then high speed buffer with polish, then wax.
That should do it.
Old 11-06-2007, 01:25 PM
  #4  
Registered Zoom Zoomer
iTrader: (2)
 
Huey52's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: New England
Posts: 4,089
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
A detailing spray does a good job, if the bugs are fairly 'fresh.' Ice detailer or similar. Or as EZRide cites, WD-40 is good for all sorts of things.

Claybar is the next step. Remember to continuously lubricate the bay with detailing spray.

If polishing is required start easy and then only ramp up as much as necessary. Too high a grit polish and too aggressive application can cause more problems than the original bug stains.
Old 11-06-2007, 01:25 PM
  #5  
Registered
iTrader: (1)
 
1stgen8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Da Hills of Va
Posts: 662
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have used baby wipes for years...you'll be surprised what those things will clean off. I use them on bugs/grime before I wash my ride.
Old 11-07-2007, 12:11 AM
  #6  
I don't buy Kool-Aid
 
DOMINION's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Vegas Baby!
Posts: 8,823
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Clay bar???
Old 11-07-2007, 02:11 AM
  #7  
Hmmmmmm.........
 
auzoom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 3,564
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 4 Posts
lol do you guys realise WD40 is a solvent? It may remove the bugs but your as likely to remove a layer or 6 of paint as well.

As for a high speed buffer, if it hasnt come out with gentle coaxing then imagine what its going to do with a buffer running over it once it comes loose.

Patience, water and suds are your best friend.

DOMINION, clay bar is just that, a bar of clay you run over the paint work. It works really well at removing small particles of dirt that are embedded in the clear coat/paint http://www.carcareadvice.co.uk/faq/e...-a-claybar.htm.

Cheers

Andrew

Last edited by auzoom; 11-07-2007 at 02:14 AM.
Old 11-07-2007, 07:18 AM
  #8  
Nice !!!
iTrader: (5)
 
bsteimel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Kennett Square, PA
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
i use the standard bug off stuff you can get in the detailing section of your auto store. Its usually in a spray bottle and is a clear substance. spray on and a little elbow grease and it usually comes off pretty easy.
The best is to keep up with the bugs, don't go a few months without cleaning your front off that way it not such a daunting task when the time comes
Old 11-07-2007, 09:34 AM
  #9  
Registered
 
architect's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by auzoom
lol do you guys realise WD40 is a solvent? It may remove the bugs but your as likely to remove a layer or 6 of paint as well.

As for a high speed buffer, if it hasnt come out with gentle coaxing then imagine what its going to do with a buffer running over it once it comes loose.

Patience, water and suds are your best friend.

DOMINION, clay bar is just that, a bar of clay you run over the paint work. It works really well at removing small particles of dirt that are embedded in the clear coat/paint http://www.carcareadvice.co.uk/faq/e...-a-claybar.htm.

Cheers

Andrew
I was talking about the stains left in the paint, Einstein. Of course you wouldn't use a buffer on loose deposits.
Old 11-07-2007, 10:36 AM
  #10  
Registered User
iTrader: (1)
 
scoreo99's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Stamford, CT
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
u need small hands, or very small toys
Old 11-07-2007, 12:59 PM
  #11  
Living In The Past
iTrader: (6)
 
Jethro Tull's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,921
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
An ounce of prevention...

Start by keeping the car clean and waxed. Bugs stick poorly to a waxed surface.

Secondly, use warm water and soap. People want an "instant" result. Spray something on, wipe off the bug. Just let the warm water work on it for 20 or 30 seconds and most of the residue comes off easily.

The less rubbing and scrubbing you do, the less wear your paint takes.
Old 11-07-2007, 03:11 PM
  #12  
Hmmmmmm.........
 
auzoom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 3,564
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 4 Posts
Originally Posted by architect
I was talking about the stains left in the paint, Einstein. Of course you wouldn't use a buffer on loose deposits.
Sorry if you took offence, obviously easily done. Its an internet forum, take a chill pill.

I apologise, you are right I missed you were talking about stains (nasty habbit you will see I do often ), not left over bug.

Moving right along, the maza paintwork is notoriously soft and thin, so if you end up buffing something off, you may want to look at "replacing" what gets removed.
Old 11-08-2007, 06:02 AM
  #13  
Eccentric Shafting
iTrader: (2)
 
altspace's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Cape Cod
Posts: 4,649
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by Jethro Tull
An ounce of prevention...

Start by keeping the car clean and waxed. Bugs stick poorly to a waxed surface.

Secondly, use warm water and soap. People want an "instant" result. Spray something on, wipe off the bug. Just let the warm water work on it for 20 or 30 seconds and most of the residue comes off easily.

The less rubbing and scrubbing you do, the less wear your paint takes.
Exactly! I also keep a bottle of your typical Show Shine spray with a MF in my trunk just in case I'm out and bugs are bad or the occasional bird decides to aim for my car.
Old 11-08-2007, 01:57 PM
  #14  
Registered Zoom Zoomer
iTrader: (2)
 
Huey52's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: New England
Posts: 4,089
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
I detail spray off bugs almost daily. As already said, an ounce of prevention .....
Old 11-09-2007, 09:32 AM
  #15  
rot8ing
iTrader: (1)
 
myriadshalaks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: merritt island, fl
Posts: 1,538
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
use a wet bounce sheet. it works wonders. then just rinse off the residue. it's so easy.
Old 11-13-2007, 07:28 AM
  #16  
Registered User
Thread Starter
 
bigphill911's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ended up using hot water and soapand it worked just fine. Put on 2 coats of NXT wax and she looks great! Thanks for the help.
Old 11-19-2007, 05:57 PM
  #17  
Demon 8
 
Demon 8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Tampa Florida
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Dryer sheets are amazing just make sure to use a light touch as they are a bit abrasive
Old 12-10-2007, 04:54 PM
  #18  
Mu ha.. ha...
 
Razz1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Cali
Posts: 14,361
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Rubbing Alchohol
Old 12-10-2007, 11:39 PM
  #19  
Vtak just kicked in yo!!
iTrader: (1)
 
Renesis07's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Lake County IL
Posts: 4,053
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
glad they came off, be careful! Bugs and bird **** especially on black WILL stain your paint
Old 12-31-2007, 05:26 AM
  #20  
Banned
 
bran702's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: North Las
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Try club soda
Old 01-01-2008, 08:03 AM
  #21  
Registered Zoom Zoomer
iTrader: (2)
 
Huey52's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: New England
Posts: 4,089
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 6 Posts
One of my Xmas stocking gifts from my wife was a new RainX bug "shield" product. Will give it a try on the front end during 'bug season.'

"Rain-X® Bug & Tar Protective Shield is created on a simple idea that bugs and tar can't damage what they can't touch!* Bug and tar residue can damage your vehicle.* This revolutionary aerosol spray creates a thin barrier of acrylic polymer to shield your vehicle from bug and tar residue.
Water-soluble formula easily washes off, carrying all potentially damaging debris with it!
Apply before long road trips or in heavy bug season
Safe on chrome, metal, paint and plastic
Quick tip:* If you want to see how the shield works, spray a small area of film on your vehicle and peel off the film!"
Old 01-01-2008, 09:17 AM
  #22  
Surf Hard, Drive Hard
 
Mazurfer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Indialantic, Florida
Posts: 7,840
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes on 9 Posts
Interesting.................nervous, but................interesting.
Old 01-02-2008, 06:31 PM
  #23  
Mu ha.. ha...
 
Razz1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Cali
Posts: 14,361
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
ahh... that reminds me.

What I used in Minnesota was furniture polish. that was before they came out with spray on wax.

you drive... you see bugs.. quick clean with detailer. then spray on wax.

Works great in between the major Wax jobs on your car. The front end is Urethane so spray wax it great. Like they said Bugs sure hate the wax. they almos wipe right off when you keep on using that spray wax.
Old 01-04-2008, 03:00 PM
  #24  
Registered User
 
rebelgirl289's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Texas
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Originally Posted by jdarby3@tampabay.rr.com
Dryer sheets are amazing just make sure to use a light touch as they are a bit abrasive
This is how I got rid of all those pesky bugs. Soak the dryer sheet in warm water and gently rub it over the bug scum, comes right off! Works better then buy&tar remover that I used once, that required soooo much scrubbing with a micro-fiber.
Old 01-06-2008, 12:14 AM
  #25  
Registered
 
El Kabong's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Gulf Coast
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Here's how I do it:

I drive even faster to peel their carcasses off my paint.

- Kabong


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: How to get bugs off?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:31 AM.