Using fingernail on paint

[fastfurious23]

Is it a bad idea to use your fingernail when you can't get rid of a hardened particle (bird dropping, bug, etc..) with a MF towel?

How about using your fingernail if you have a nitrile glove on? Can you still damage the paint this way or are you safe with the glove?

Any better ways to remove the hard stuff? I think a pressure washer can get rid of it easily, but what about when you are doing a waterless wash or don't have access to a pressure washer?

 

[jmsc]

Fingernail will scratch. Glove plus particle will scratch it just like dragging a mf along with particle.

Best way is to neutralize area (soften it up) with a rw/ww/d spray/ipa solution. Let it soak well then dab/pat dry it with a mf. Repeat if necessary. Particle should just lift out using a mf or paper towel. Never, ever drag it. It helps to have a current lsp on the paint. PW will also get rid of it. Sometimes it doesn't completely and then you have to soak it anyways.

If dropping is left on too long you may see etching in the paint. Now you have a different problem.

 

[Tato]

Dear Friend,

Use this!

(I use it often and works as stated)
Safe Scrub & Polishing Towel, microfiber towels, detailing towels, polishing cloths, bug removal towels

Or the varieties:

(never used but looks quality):
Carrand Microfiber MAX Body Shine Polishing Towel, microfiber towel, double sided towel, mesh microfiber towel

(microfiber mitt variety):
Carrand Microfiber MAX Premium Wash Sponge, car wash sponge, microfiber sponge, micro fiber car sponge

(sheepskin mitt variety):
Sheepskin Wash Mitt<br>with Nylon Mesh Bug Sponge

(never used but seems to work well):
Safe Scrub Bug & Tar Pad can be used on glass, chrome, vinyl, fiberglass, paint and clearcoats—100% safe when used with soapy water.

(a variety of the above):
Lake Country Ultimate Bug Sponge, bug and tar sponge

Nanoskin medium sponge, will also remove not only bugs, but everything sticked to paint, including overspray! (apart from some resistant tar that will need further tar removing process).
Nanoskin Autoscrub Speedy Prep Sponge Medium Grade

However, nanoskin may leave some marring that will benefit from a fine polishing afterwards to get rid of.

All of the above suggestions (mesh and bug sponges) are to be used wet, with good lubrication (WOAH!), and if possible, let them soak in soap before start using.

For even more 'cut', you may take a look at:
ScrapeRite Plastic Razor Blades, Scrape-Rite Razor Blades, Plastic blades


Hope that helps,

Kind Regards.

 

[Annahra]

I can promise you your fingernail will scratch--I scrubbed some tar off of my car the other day using a microfiber and my fingernail and I definitely put some scratches in the clear. To me the few scratches were a lesser evil than yellow etching, but I wouldn't have done it if I had one of the better options listed above on hand.