I was on my was home from a Cafe run this this morning and went through a puddle of paint. Some C**t had dropped a can of paint on the road. By the time I saw it, it was too late to avoid it and I wasn't in a safe place to stop. To top it off its solvent based paint! I tried cleaning it but had no chance, only thing I managed to clean up was the front mud guard. The black plastics a porous by looks of it as just wasn't cleaning up. I managed to clean a bit off the engine and to smudge other places. I even tried attacking it with a Jet Washer! I'm sooo hacked off. I've been a having a right blast with this bike. I spoke to detailer I used before and he reckons its 50/50 also lots of the parts will need to be stripped off the bike to try cleaning them. I'm insured fully comprehensive. Any ideas or anyone know a specialist bike cleaner that may be able to clean it all off?
That's a shitty thing to happen, sorry that you're on the receiving end. Maybe a solvent based cleaner, though that could damage the parts you're trying to clean in the process. Water and rubbing it isn't going to help. Have you tried using lighter fluid, I always have a can of that around, good for getting sticky residue off when you peel labels etc. Pretty benign on what you're trying to clean in my experience.
Thanks, anything is worth a try. Problem is, theres that much spatter I don't know where to start and soo much needs to be stripped off that's beyond my pay grade. I'm going to see what my insurance say tomorrow and take it from there.
There will definitely be a product to get that out. How about petrol in a pump sprayer, then jet wash off using a hot, diesel powered jet wash?
Product Data sheet https://www.crownpaintsprofessional.com//content/uploads/product-sync-resources/oA9QKkNl9Gz5M6Cd.pdf Technical Data https://www.crownpaintsprofessional.com//content/uploads/product-sync-resources/8TjBpZfdjvB39RP0.pdf Looks like white spirit or similar for clean up. Product Features Type Topcoat Suitable For Suitably primed exterior wood surfaces and PVC-u Finish High Gloss Water Or Solvent Based Solvent Key Features Provides superior resistance to cracking and flaking Application Methods Brush, roller or spray Theoretical Coverage Up to 18m² per litre Thinning White spirit Touch Dry 4-6 hours Recoat Time 16 hours Number Of Coats 2 Cleanup White spirit
I try speaking to a paint retailer with details of the paint itself. Paints are not as resistant as they used to be as they are often not oil based.
EGR cleaner will shift it but be VERY careful. Fine on plastics, powder coated and anodised stuff but will cut through paint like no tomorrow. Make sure to wash off with loads of water and test an out of the way bit first. I use it for tar removal from Chromed wheels and forks but also use it as a quick paint stripper for small parts. The stuff from Euro car parts works well, will have a look for a link. Edit: this stuff- https://www.eurocarparts.com/p/holts-professional-carburettor-egr-cleaner-500ml-552996160
White spirit and a toothbrush. Don’t leave it too long though as the paint will harden off and be even more difficult to remove.
If you have any on paintwork you'll want to avoid the solvents mentioned above, obviously. I had some paint on a black car in the past and was able to carefully remove it with elbow grease and a claybar - I say I... but it was a pro and did cost £400... The alternative... I know it will sound silly, is a soft pencil eraser. You'd be amazed what some rubbing will get off....
Just watched a YouTube video of a guy getting gloss paint off a car using a clay-cloth and hot water. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Windspeed-...8031&rps=1&sprefix=clay+cloth,aps,345&sr=8-12
Thanks for the suggestion guys. I've just had another look at it, I don't think I've got any other choice but to speak with my insurance before trying to clean or get a specialist detailer to try clean it off. I don't think its going to come off all the surfaces, especially the black plastics.
Bloody hell id feel sick if that was my bike ;( I’d also speak to a pro cleaner before I spoke to my insurance company, amazing what they can do these days. Hope you get a reasonable outcome.
I would pick a spot and give this stuff a go before I gave up and called the insurance........... Draper 41924 400ml Penetrating Graffiti Remover : Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools
1-methoxy-2-propanol is a solvent and is likely to react with the painted surfaces and plastics. Rule of thumb with hydrocarbons - like dissolves like.
I would avoid using hydrocarbon based solvents on components/surfaces manufactured from hydrocarbons (like dissolves like). The gloss paint is, with luck, just surface adhered and may remove using a gentler process (clay bar/clay bar cloth, warm water and either lots of car shampoo or clay bar lubricant).
This problem needs a professional opinion. Its bound to have happened before & the solution probably isn't simple. Over a year or two it could be cheaper than paying higher insurance premiums. @Scilian I'm sorry to see the mess this has made of your bike. But without a professional opinion, you can't make an informed decision. Bringing in the insurance guys before you get one, takes away your options -imo. Goodluck. BTW. Its a long shot, but there doesn't happen to be a price sticker with a bar code on the can -if you can still access it? It could be traceable and someones liability insurance might pick up the tab?
I've had success using WD40...and the paint was 6 months dry before I sorted it. It still requires a bit of elbow grease, but maybe that is better than a super harsh solvent?
