Bugs!!

LuckyDetailer

LuckyDetailer

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I need some suggestions regarding baked on bug removal. I've been detailing autos professionally for 25 years. But, 2 years ago I moved to Florida. My business here is even better than when in Indiana but I am struggling to find a way to deal with these bugs we have down here. I have A LOT of customers who let the bugs literally bake on their front bumpers before calling me to detail their vehicle. I need some suggestions from folks who live in hot climates on howto remove the bug remains. I've tried EVERY commercial product that says it is designed to remove bugs. They don't even begin to help with these things. I've even gone as far as using the chemicals with the most aggressive clay bar i can find. I've had a little more luck with a nanoskin towel but this literally takes 1 to 2 hours. JUST TO REMOVE OLD BUGS. There has to be a better way?
 
Tarminator typically will remove just about anything. I use that if car soap or APC doens't seem to work. I live in central FL.
 
I have been told that a 1 to 1 mix of peroxide and distilled water will do the job. I have never tried it since I remove smashed bugs from my car right away.
 
I have been in Florida for 30+ years. Love bug season is in the spring and fall. If they are left on for more than 36-48 hours typically they will begin to etch the clear, if they are left on for a week or more they definitely damage the paint. So basically you may be trying to remove the irremovable, the splatter will be etched into the clear coat forever.
 
Mike has a good thread on this here somewhere.

I've used Poorboys World bug squash pretty successfully in the past.

A technique that Mike demonstrates in that thread I've heard others outside this forum talk about, is draping wet towels over the effected areas and letting them sit for a little while to soften up the splatters.
 
Thanks for the replies folks. I'll give those ideas a try. As for the love bugs, I have learned my lessons on those. They certainly do some permanent damage. The issues I'm having is even after scrubbing and soaking in chemicals, there are still bugs that I can scrape off with a fingernail. But these suggestions look like they may work. Thanks!!
 
I use P21s total auto wash stuff works great for bugs its a little $$$.
 
I spray the front bumper with megs APC+ diluted 1:10, let dwell (but not dry) for a couple of minutes. ONR wash(usually do rest of car before this)
Bugs gone.
 
Here is my process:

Step 1: Fill a bucket with warm water, APC, and car soap. I recommend using Megs APC. 2 oz per 5 gallons will suffice. Add soap and APC before your water. Fill the bottom of the bucket with water and then use a strong stream of water to mix everything thoroughly.

Step 2: Soak your Bug Sponge for a couple minutes to soften the material (Search on Google "Mesh Bug Sponge AutoZone) Best bug sponge out there IMO

Step 3: While your Bug Sponge is soaking, Spray infected areas with bug remover solution (P21s Total Auto Wash, Poorboys Bug & Squash, and DP Road Kill are all safe choices) Remember to always choose the safest options first. Let solution dwell per instructions. For tougher messes, give the solution a few extra minutes to loosen bugs. ***DONT LET SOLUTION DRY ON CAR****

I like to work a panel at a time to prevent the product drying on the car. Proper bug removal takes time so make sure to charge accordingly.

Step 4: Using Bug sponge, work in one direction with light pressure to remove bugs. Then Rinse.

Step 5: Wash & Dry Car

Step 6: Polish and Seal bug prone areas.


In the event that bugs have already etched into the clear coat, you will need to wetsand. Mike Phillips has plenty of articles about how to properly wetsand a car.

Hope this helps,
Brian
 
Bug remover of your choice and a pinnacle bug sponge.
 
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