I had to have some body work done on my truck. When I went to the shop to check on the progress, my wife went with me. While I was inside checking on the truck, she said out of the back of the paint shop were huge clouds of what was obviously spray paint blowing out (our car was parked a long ways away and she didn't think any of the cloud got to the car).

I told her as far away as we were parked that the paint would atomize and not stick to our car, but it kind of shocked me that those guys would do that. I've done business with the place before and it's a fairly high-end shop. Also here in California getting caught with those clouds going in the air I think would be a huge fine.

Tonight when I went out to wash her windshield I couldn't get it clean, and then I noticed, you probably guessed it, there were paint specs all over her windows and all over her car.

Here's the lucky part. We were going to take our Vette on the drive to the body shop. At the last moment we decided to take our dog with us so we drove her car instead. While it sucks to have her car with the paint on it, I would've had a stroke if it was my Corvette.

 

Clay bar should take of the residue, do the windows as well.

 

A good clay bar job should take the paint specks off the car. I think I would mention it to the shop also - perhaps they would offer to clean it up for you.

 

I'd make the body shop do the clay bar treatment.
Maybe even a threat to notify the EPA.......

 

funny how the vette would have been a whole different level of problem isn't it! I am the same way.......love my vette.

 

They are in violation of state and likely federal EPA laws. They should clean the car for free.

 

 

What is a "Clay Bar"?

Where do you get it?

Will it harm clear coat?

 

It is a clay like material that will remove contaminants from your paint. You get it anywhere you can buy wax or polish. Will not hurt the clear coat.

 

It is a bar or chunk of clay that you use with a lubricant (water) to get all the dirt off the surface of the paint. If, after washing, you run your fingers over the paint you will feel grit, a clay bar will take off the grit and make it as smooth as a baby's butt.

It will not harm the clear coat and you can buy it online, auto part stores or walmart.

 

Thanks for the advice, I'll get a clay bar.

I get scared to mess with the clear coat because a friend waxed his Porche and grabbed the wrong wax. Instead of using the cover coat safe wax, he used the wax with abrasives. It took the clear off in places and then the paint faded. I was surprised because while I knew he shouldn't have used that wax, I didn't think he could go through the clear that easily.

 

clay bar should work but theres also a catch , it can leave very fine streaks in your paint as well, and then your car will need a full buff.

I claybarred my vette the first week I got it, and because its black you could see streaks all over, its not uncommon.

I would recommend, if your familiar with it , use lacquer thinner on a rag, it will clean it right off , just don't rub too much in one area as its super harsh stuff.

 

Clay bar is only going to address the paint on the body. You have overspray on your glass, wiper arms and blades, trim, bumpers, grills, headlights, moldings, wheels and tires. All places clay bar won't work. Take it to the shop where your truck is or another shop or pro detailer and have it professionally done. If the offending shop won't take responsibility suck it up and pay a pro. You will be happier and your car will be back to the way it was and maybe a little nicer. Lastly stay away from lacquer thinner. It's a strong solvent and has no effect on polyurethane or epoxy coatings which is most likely what's on the car. It will also dry out any rubber or plastic it encounters. Clay bar cannot hurt your finish in any way. (if used correctly) To prevent a problem like swirl marks or scratches make sure you thoroughly wash the car before clay barring. If you clay a dirty car you will overload the clay and end up spreading and grinding the excess dirt into the paint. In other words follow the directions in the package and you'll be fine. Good luck.