How do I get the dirty, black stains off my white paint?

[operator414]

I have a 99, white Expy, I have waxed, and rubbed and washed, maybe not in that order, but still have darkish colored stains, and streaks! any help?

[megawatt00]

My wifes car was the same way. i sent it out to a detailer and for under $100 he polised all the spots out of it. Now I just do the "upkeep"

[operator414]

That sounds reasonable, I tried , but dont want to get to rough and create another problem!

[megawatt00]

Look into it. I have the wife's car and my truck done at least once or twice a year. It's worth every penny. Plus makes the upkeep much easier. pm me and let me know how you make out.

[ReAX]

Have you tried a clay bar or a clear coat polish?

[magusjinx]

A new coat of paint other than white comes to mind ...

[pbeering]

Get a bottle of detailer's prep glaze (with naptha as the base) and work in small sections. This will often clean up the problem as well as polishing (on white).

You should be able to find some under detail supplies in your phone book or online.

[ReAX]

Now with the naptha base, isn't it going to strip the wax off?

[JJPMach1]

you're going to have to strip off the wax to give it a good cleaning. Be ready to spend the entire day on it.

I used Collinite Sapphire Prewax Cleaner (No. 840) followed up with Liquid Insulator Wax (No. 845). You will not be disappointed, but to use the cleaner you do a small 2'X2" area at a time.

Collinite Wax Products* :: Choice of the Pros :: Auto, Marine and Industrial

[pbeering]

The object of this exercise is to get rid of the gunk that is on the top layer of the paint, under at least part of the wax. Most (but not all) of the waxes and glazes on the market have some form of a cleaner in them to get the crud off before leaving the final "slick". Like going to the dentist, there are a variety of cleaners and polishes that do the same thing (some better than others), to be followed by some form of top coat. (this is why the new car crowd will try to sell you paint protection, because for whatever value it adds, the annual polishing and "refreshing" makes everything look better)

Remember that the wax (or glaze) thickness is measured in angstroms, or fractions of a sheet of notebook paper, so its protection is not quite the armour many think it is.

[magusjinx]

We used to use rubbing compound to freshen up a faded paint job ... You might try that as it does not take too much at a time ... Just use light pressure ...

[Chauncey]

You might try this stuff.
Ultima Elastrofoam Paint Cleaning System
I use it in my business and have found it works as advertised. It will NOT damage the shine like clay can if you get a bit too aggressive, and if you drop it, just wash it off. Clay is trashed for paint once it hits the ground. Since getting this, all my clay is used for detailing stained wheels only.

[Lavern]

Brake Cleaner

[BChance]

One Grand Products Homepage for Auto Polishes, Waxes and Cleaners

Special Touch first, Omega Glaze second, Blitz wax to seal..once a year on the Special Touch and the Omega Glaze.. I maintain rest of the year with just a touch up on the wax when it needs it.. It will shine like never before. One set will last you for years if you use it according to instructions.

[just-n-time]

As a truck driver for many years, I had quite a few loads that had to arrive in clean condition after having the load washed I would go over the worst bug stains with waterless hand cleaner and it worked everytime, I broke an exhaust pipe more than once and the soot covered my paint at the rear of my cab, waterless hand cleaner came to the rescue, It even cleans boats with no damage to the gel coat, pick a small area try it.(by the by no pumice.) :-hu