Those darned bugs!

[ebcjr]

Greetings,
One of the things I dont like about summer is the cleaning of bug remains from my paint job. Ditto for tree sap. Anyone got a favorite elixir to minimize the elbow grease in this job?
Regards,
ebc

[Terps_Fan]

Clay bar works like a charm!

[ebcjr]

Originally Posted by Terps_Fan

Clay bar works like a charm!

Thanks! Interesting you should mention Clay. I tried the Turtyle was ICE stuff and was not impressed. Good old Tar and Bug remover worked about as well. I have never used a real clay bar. Do you rewash the car after using it?
Thanks again,
ebc

[Terps_Fan]

Yea, I haven't heard to many good things about the ICE. A real clay bar will work much better.

As far as rewashing the car, I believe it depends on what you use as a lubricant for the clay bar. If you use a soap/water mixture, then you will likely have to rewash the car. However, if you use detailing spray then you are good to go. In either case, you are going to have to apply a good wax/sealant (your choice) when you are finished claying, as the clay bar will basically remove anything and everything from your paint, including old wax. I believe mothers makes a cheap clay bar kit (~$15) that comes with everything you need (clay bar, detailing spray, cleaner wax), so you may want to check that out.

The last time I clayed my car, I did the whole thing and it certainly made the paint pop, especially the metal flakes. Whether or not you do you whole car or just your bumper is your choice, though. Just make sure you wax whatever you clay. Good luck.

[Ronevan]

Hi.. try Tarminator.. think its available at Wallyworld or online site.. also make a great glass cleaner too. I used it on my Accord after a trip to Florida during "Lovebug" Season. Just sprayed on and washed off with help of sponge.. The coats of Turtle wax Ice may have helped too

3Honda Family
06 Accord Coupe RED V6 6MT Navi "Dads secret to staying young"
06 Civic Coupe LX "Moms Pocket Rocket"
1991 Accord coupe 5mt Dx Daughters Beater.. just keeps runnin n runnin.

[RTexasF]

Best I've come across yet:

http://www.poorboysworld.com/bug-squash.htm

[MotorCity Honda]

Getting your paint nice and protected with a Top shelf Sealant/wax will def,]. help... keeping my car waxed up stuff almost slides right off!!

[Terps_Fan]

Originally Posted by MotorCity Honda

Getting your paint nice and protected with a Top shelf Sealant/wax will def,]. help... keeping my car waxed up stuff almost slides right off!!

That couldn't be more true. Never underestimate the power of a good wax/sealant.

[anysia]

Originally Posted by MotorCity Honda

Getting your paint nice and protected with a Top shelf Sealant/wax will def,]. help... keeping my car waxed up stuff almost slides right off!!

exactly!

a good base is key for bug removal! (and sap!)

[stevel]

a good base is key for bug removal!

I remember once driving to chicago from pittsburgh in the old TL and it got completely plastered with bugs(summer time). rained pretty hard that night and the rain alone knocked off pretty much all the bugs..... I couldn't believe it... had maybe a half dozen coats of the Klasse aio on it at that point.....

[ebcjr]

Good idea. I have some McGuires Carnuba wax. Is there something better, like one of the boutique waxes?
ebc

[MotorCity Honda]

Originally Posted by ebcjr

Good idea. I have some McGuires Carnuba wax. Is there something better, like one of the boutique waxes?
ebc

It all depends on what your objectives are and how often you want to add another coat...

I actually have the Mothers CA. Gold Pure Carnuba (with no cleaners). This is a good wax, I like it and would use it again, not as durable as a sealant.

If you use a wax with cleaners in it you will not be able to layer it.. So if you do it today and then next month want to add another coat you'll be cleaning of the previous coat as you add on the new instead of layering.

Sealants = improved durability, some say that sealants look as though they sit on top of the paint and don't provide depth

Waxes = Reduced durability when compared to most sealants, some stay with a good carnuba because of the depth it provides and that it seems to get "into the paint" instead of sitting on top.

If you just want get it done with minimal re-coats I would suggest a sealant (Duragloss is great - easy on and off, great results, great price) If you want the nuba route you could do Collinite. I personally do a sealant and top it with a nuba.

Remeber that paint prep is everything... a great wash and clay will make your work last longer.

[RTexasF]

A wet dryer fabric sheet will take those varmints off also.

[Terps_Fan]

Originally Posted by RTexasF

A wet dryer fabric sheet will take those varmints off also.

How in the world did you figure that one out?

[RTexasF]

I frequent six detailing sites. Read about it and sure enough it works......good in a pinch.