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How to get bugs off?

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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 09:05 AM
  #1  
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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?
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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 09:59 AM
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Try some WD 40.
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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 12:26 PM
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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.
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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 01:25 PM
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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.
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Old Nov 6, 2007 | 01:25 PM
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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.
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Old Nov 7, 2007 | 12:11 AM
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Clay bar???
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Old Nov 7, 2007 | 02:11 AM
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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; Nov 7, 2007 at 02:14 AM.
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Old Nov 7, 2007 | 07:18 AM
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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
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Old Nov 7, 2007 | 09:34 AM
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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.
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Old Nov 7, 2007 | 10:36 AM
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u need small hands, or very small toys
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Old Nov 7, 2007 | 12:59 PM
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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.
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Old Nov 7, 2007 | 03:11 PM
  #12  
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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.
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Old Nov 8, 2007 | 06:02 AM
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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.
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Old Nov 8, 2007 | 01:57 PM
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I detail spray off bugs almost daily. As already said, an ounce of prevention .....
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Old Nov 9, 2007 | 09:32 AM
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use a wet bounce sheet. it works wonders. then just rinse off the residue. it's so easy.
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Old Nov 13, 2007 | 07:28 AM
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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.
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Old Nov 19, 2007 | 05:57 PM
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Dryer sheets are amazing just make sure to use a light touch as they are a bit abrasive
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Old Dec 10, 2007 | 04:54 PM
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Rubbing Alchohol
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Old Dec 10, 2007 | 11:39 PM
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glad they came off, be careful! Bugs and bird **** especially on black WILL stain your paint
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Old Dec 31, 2007 | 05:26 AM
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Try club soda
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Old Jan 1, 2008 | 08:03 AM
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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!"
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Old Jan 1, 2008 | 09:17 AM
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Interesting.................nervous, but................interesting.
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Old Jan 2, 2008 | 06:31 PM
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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.
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Old Jan 4, 2008 | 03:00 PM
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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.
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Old Jan 6, 2008 | 12:14 AM
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Here's how I do it:

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

- Kabong
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