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Tar and Organic Material Removal
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Tar and Organic Material Removal

Road tar (a key ingredient in asphalt) is a black substance that is used to patch holes and cracks in the road surface. As road tar is a binding agent, and because of its texture, it is easily picked up by moving vehicles, especially when fresh. The tar sticks to the exterior of vehicles and can cause damage by discolouring areas if it is left for extended periods of time. Vehicles that are driven on newly paved or patched roads are more susceptible to having increased amounts of tar on their exterior surfaces.

Solvent-based cleaners and degreasers are formulated using organic solvents. Organic solvents are used to solubilize (dissolve) tar and organic materials; breaking them down into smaller particles and carrying them into the solution, away from the area being cleaned. 
Removing road tar, especially once it is dried onto the vehicle’s surfaces, can be challenging without the correct tools or products. By using a solvent-based cleaner and degreaser, tar and organic material can easily be dissolved and carried away without extended prep, processing, or drying time.

Choose a solvent-based cleaner degreaser based on the application needs (including dwell time and removal method) and surrounding environment requirements. Auto Valet offers four (4) solvent-based cleaners and degreasers that remove tar and organic material. All are ready to use formulations and are body shop safe. Apply solvent-based cleaners and degreasers on dry surfaces.
  • SUPER-O: removes grease, tar, oil, gum, wax, and cosmoline from exterior surfaces. Allow a few minutes of penetration time. Wipe the surface clean, after applying.
  • SUPER SOL: easily dissolves and removes the label and sticker adhesive from painted surfaces. Dissolves tar, grease, and oily soil deposits on carpets, upholstery, and exterior glass, metal, painted and plastic surfaces. Evaporates quickly; once applied the dwell time is less than one minute. Wipe the surface clean, after applying.
  • HERC: environmentally friendly and V.O.C. compliant. Used to dissolve and emulsify road tar, crude oils, rust proofing, and adhesives. Works within a few minutes. Rinses away with water, after applying, for easy removal.
  • OUST: used to dissolve and emulsify road tar, crude oils, rust proofing, and adhesives. Works within a few minutes. Rinses away with water, after applying, for easy removal.
Use SUPER-O or SUPER SOL for quick touch ups of tar and organic material on the exterior surfaces. SUPER-O provides a slightly longer working time, while SUPER SOL evaporates quickly.

Use HERC or OUST for extended surface dwell times when removing tar and organic material, as neither evaporates as quickly. Can be used during the wash process if tar is noticed. Both HERC and OUST rinse away with water for easy removal.

The time to remove tar and organic material is dependent on the exterior surface area of the vehicle, and the intensity and amount of tar and organic material accumulated. Once the tar and organic material removal is complete, the areas of application will be left clean and free of tar.

Safety supplies include goggles, an apron, rubber boots, and impervious gloves. You will require a pressure washer or hose and nozzle to complete this task. View the products used tab for Auto Valet products and accessories relating to this detailing task.  

AREAS OF APPLICATION

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Exterior Surfaces

PRODUCTS USED
PRODUCTS USED DIRECTIONS TIPS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Directions

STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION 

Areas of application must be cool and dry prior to the application of a solvent-based cleaner and degreaser. 

STEP 2: APPLY THE DEGREASER 

Use a spray bottle and a solvent resistant trigger sprayer nozzle. Generously spray the undiluted solvent-based cleaner and degreaser of choice onto the areas of application. Allow the degreaser to sit on the surface according to the product of choice's dwell time. If necessary, for intense applications, agitate with a brush, wash mitt, or microfiber towel.

STEP 3: WIPE OR RINSE THE DEGREASER

Depending on the product of choice, either wipe the surface with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth or rinse with high-pressured water. 

STEP 4: REVIEW YOUR WORK 

Review work. For stubborn tar and organic material remaining, repeat steps 1 to 3 or use a plastic razor blade to pry off the remaining material. 
 
 

Tips

  • Always follow the dwell time listed for the solvent-based cleaner and degreaser being used; incorrect usage may lead to damage to the applied surfaces.
  • Use a plastic razor blade on painted surfaces for safe and effective removal of remaining tar once a solvent degreaser has been applied
  • Solvent-based cleaners and degreasers are flammable. Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces, or sources of ignition.
  • Be sure to carefully read and follow all product instructions and precautions, on the product labels.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There are currently five (5) Auto Valet solvent based cleaners and degreasers available.

  • SUPER-O: a ready to use, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Removes grease, tar, oil, gum, wax, and cosmoline, as well as large areas of decal adhesives from painted surfaces.
  • SUPER SOL: a ready to use, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Easily dissolves and removes label and sticker adhesive from painted surfaces. Dissolves tar, grease, and oily soil deposits on carpets, upholstery, and exterior paint.
  • HERC: a ready to use, environmentally friendly, V.O.C. compliant, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Free of chlorinated solvents. Used to dissolve and emulsify road tar, crude oils, rust proofing, and adhesives. Rinses away with water.
  • OUST: a ready to use, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Used to dissolve and emulsify road tar, crude oils, rust proofing, and adhesives. Rinses away with water.
  • SAP REMOVER: specifically formulated to penetrate, lift, and dissolve sap and organic resins. Safe to use on glass, metal, and painted surfaces; without scratching or scuffing. Ready to use, body shop safe, and environmentally friendly.

Yes, all of Auto Valet’s solvent based cleaners and degreasers are safe for body shop applications. Includes: SUPER-O, SUPER SOL, HERC, OUST, and SAP REMOVER.

Cleaners and degreasers are liquid products designed to remove dirt, grease, oils, and stains from a variety of interior and exterior vehicle surfaces. These surfaces include natural and synthetic fabrics, leather, metals, painted surfaces, plastics and rubber. There are two types of cleaners and degreasers; solvent based and water based. Each is formulated and applied differently from each other. Solvent based and water based cleaners and degreasers also have best usage applications depending on the makeup of the substance to remove.

Water based cleaners and degreasers are governed by the pH. The pH is the measure of how acidic or basic (alkaline) the product is formulated to be, and determines what substances can be removed. Products in Auto Valet's water based cleaners and degreasers category are formulated to be basic (alkaline) in their pH levels. This allows them to act as all-purpose cleaners for general removal of soil on surfaces. Oil, grease, and lubricants are easily removed with water based cleaners and degreasers as the alkali reacts with these substances, making them water-soluble and easier to rinse away. Water based cleaners and degreasers can be diluted with water to best suit the application requirements, and are best used to degrease and clean engine compartments and remove carbon. Water based cleaners and degreasers include PURPLE POWER, TRANSPORT, D'LIMOKLEEN PLUS, GREASE TERMINATOR and ULTRA KLEEN.

Solvent based cleaners and degreasers are formulated using organic solvents. Organic solvents are used to solubilize (dissolve) residues of fats, oils, and grease; breaking them down into smaller particles and carrying it into the solution, away from the area being cleaned. Solvent based cleaners and degreasers provide the opportunity of quick cleaning; dissolving and carrying away soils without extended prep, processing, or drying time. However; they typically contain higher levels of V.O.C’s, are usually flammable (must be kept away from open flames, hot surfaces, or sources of ignition), and cannot be diluted with water. Most solvent based cleaners and degreasers are applied only to dry surfaces, and are best used to remove solvent based substances such as tar and undercoating. Solvent based cleaners and degreasers include SUPER-O, SUPER SOL, HERC, OUST, and SAP REMOVER.
 

Cosmoline coatings are a rust and corrosion preventive used by vehicle manufacturers to protect vehicle surfaces that are stored outside and/or during shipping. To remove cosmoline coatings, use the same method as removing tar and organic material from exterior surfaces. Remove the coating by first preparing the areas of application. Then apply a solvent-based cleaner degreaser, and either rinse or wipe it off of the surfaces (depending on what solvent-based cleaner degreaser is used). Finally, review your work to ensure all of the cosmoline coating is cleared away.

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