Anyone use Spray-Nine for cleaning a vehicle?

deuces_r_wild · Apr 20, 2008

I have found that it works quite well for getting bugs and grime off, but am wondering if anyone knows how hard it is on clear coat or paint in general?

I haven't noticed any adverse effects using it on my other vehicles, but thought I should look into it before my Rav arrives. I am wondering if anyone who knows more about cleaning vehicles in general has an opinion.

Any input is appreciated !

OCInsomniac · Apr 20, 2008

deuces_r_wild said:
I have found that it works quite well for getting bugs and grime off, but am wondering if anyone knows how hard it is on clear coat or paint in general?

I haven't noticed any adverse effects using it on my other vehicles, but thought I should look into it before my Rav arrives. I am wondering if anyone who knows more about cleaning vehicles in general has an opinion.

Any input is appreciated !

d_r_w -

Not familiar with Spray Nine, never used it. I'd be concerned if it had strong solvents in it which would strip your sealant. Almost any solvent will strip your topcoat, so I'd keep that in mind. There's been times when I've had to use WD-40 in a pinch to remove bugs & tar, and then renew my finish. Keep your sealant topcoat slick & well maintained and that stuff will wash right off with a good car wash soap. The main thing is to get that stuff (bugs, tar & grime) off quickly and don't give it a chance to bake onto your finish in the sun........

FixedWing · Apr 20, 2008

John E Davies · Apr 20, 2008

I never heard of Spray Nine, but I went to the manufacturer's website and looked at the MSD - the hazardous ingredients are a couple of alcohols between 2% and 7% total.

I expect it performs a lot like Simple Green or 409.... meaning that it's a great degreaser but it will definitely strip off your wax job. I like 409 for cleaning engines, followed by a good rinse. Simple Green hurts my lungs.... so I won't use it.

For bugs on paint I prefer the wet towel method - lay some of those tough blue paper "shop towels" on the front of the hood, spritz them heavily with water or detailing spray and wait 5 minutes. Then just wipe the bug guts away, no scratching.

For tar you _have_ to use a solvent, and that means your wax is going to go away too. I really like the 3M Bug and Tar Remover (AKA Adhesive Remover), available in quart cans at NAPA and auto paint suppliers. It is a witches brew of strong solvents like MEK, toluol, and benzene, so be real careful, but it cleans tar and hardened tree sap like crazy and it won't hurt cured paint, unless you rub too hard. In a closed garage it will make you high as a kite, so use ventilation and wear good rubber gloves.

I guess I wandered off topic... sorry, that happens.

deuces_r_wild · Apr 21, 2008

Wow

Thanks for the advice guys. I have used Spray 9 in the past on older vehicles but thought I should tap into the helpful minds here on R4W before I start using it on my new Rav!

I guess I will stick to less aggressive cleansers in the future.

And thanks for the 'wet-towel' tip! I can really imagine that working. Kinda like cleaning the bugs off in the morning dew after they have been soaking all night.

And I will definitely try the WD40 for more tough stuff.

4ever · Apr 21, 2008

John E Davies said:
In a closed garage it will make you high as a kite, so use ventilation and wear good rubber gloves.

I guess I wandered off topic... sorry, that happens.

John , open the garage door and get out quickly.

dusty · Apr 21, 2008

:thumbs_up: +1 on the wet towel idea, good tip, can't wait to try it, thanks!

John has the environmentally friendly tip of the day! Just in time for Earth Day :wink:

dan_rav4 · Apr 21, 2008

I just had to remove tons of tar from my car (Mall people thought it would be funny to resurface the roads while I was in the store, so couldn't get around it), and used Turtle Wax Bug and Tar remover. How damaging is this product? It says its clear coat safe, but have had it on the shelf for years.

I washed the car several times after using this stuff, but it's the only product that worked ok. I assume I will have to at least apply a good coat of wax.

John E Davies · Apr 21, 2008

dan_rav4 said:
I just had to remove tons of tar from my car (Mall people thought it would be funny to resurface the roads while I was in the store, so couldn't get around it), and used Turtle Wax Bug and Tar remover. How damaging is this product? It says its clear coat safe, but have had it on the shelf for years.

I washed the car several times after using this stuff, but it's the only product that worked ok. I assume I will have to at least apply a good coat of wax.

ANYTHING that will easily remove tar has solvents, and that means it will probably strip the wax.

Always reapply wax right after using tar remover.

dan_rav4 · Apr 22, 2008

Didn't have time left to apply wax, since it takes me hours to do, but do plan on doing it really soon.

luigi524td · Apr 22, 2008

deuces_r_wild said:
I have found that it works quite well for getting bugs and grime off, but am wondering if anyone knows how hard it is on clear coat or paint in general?
I haven't noticed any adverse effects using it on my other vehicles, but thought I should look into it before my Rav arrives. I am wondering if anyone who knows more about cleaning vehicles in general has an opinion.
Any input is appreciated !

Spray-Nine is a very strong cleaner/degreaser ... I use it only for tough spots or heavily diluted.

You already have sound advice for bugs, grease, etc. I've found that detail spray will take care of all bugs and bird droppings except those that have been baked well-done on your finish.

I like the idea of the towel + spray and wait for tough bugs! On vertical surfaces I'm always rushing to wipe as the detail spray runs off!

Anyone use Spray-Nine for cleaning a vehicle?

deuces_r_wild

OCInsomniac

FixedWing

John E Davies

deuces_r_wild

4ever

dusty

dan_rav4

John E Davies

dan_rav4

luigi524td

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