Bug & Tar Removal

About

Why Bugs, Tar and Tree Sap Damage Your Car’s Paint Bug residue Acidic compounds etch into the clear coat layer if left long enough. Proteins ‘bake’ into the surface when heated in sunlight. Staining can happen within days in warm weather. Especially damaging to windscreens and bonnets. Road tar Petroleum-based substances bond to paintwork. Tar hardens over time, making it increasingly hard to remove. Creates a rough texture that traps additional dirt and dust. Common on lower panels and wheel arches. Tree sap & bird droppings Highly acidic substances that can penetrate the clear coat. Needs removing within hours rather than days. Tree sap can create a magnification effect with sunlight, increasing UV damage. The important thing with all these substances is getting them off your paintwork as quickly as possible. Of course, it’s not always possible to immediately go and wash your car, but you mustn’t delay for too long. Why You Should Remove Contaminants Before Waxing Using wax on your car before removing contaminants like tar and insect splatter means you’re sealing them into the protective layer. This means they can keep causing damage to your paintwork underneath, as well as making it harder to remove. It also compromises the wax sealant, stopping it from properly bonding to the paintwork. For safe removal and waxing, always follow this sequence: Wash - Wash and dry, washing away as much of the contaminant as possible. Bug and tar removal - Use bug or tar remover to clear away any remaining marks and spots. Clay bar (optional) - A clay bar helps to decontaminate and smooth the paintwork. Polish - Once fully cleaned, polish paintwork to get a smooth and glossy finish. Wax and sealant - If desired, do a final layer of wax to protect your paintwork. Following these steps ensures safe removal of contaminants, leaving you with a clean car and avoiding damage to your paintwork. Each step is an essential part of preparing and cleaning, allowing the later layers of pol