edaleblues Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 I have noticed some black spots on the back of our motorhome. At first I thought it was soot spots from a fire but it seems as though it is some sort of oil or tar. The smaller spots clean off with a sponge using washing up liquid but I can't remove the larger spots. It is possible to use my fingernail to remove the larger spots but they smear and seem to make the matter worse. Can anyone recommend a type of cleaner that is safe to use and not damage the paintwork. We keep the motorhome in storage and no other motorhomes have the problem so it must be something we have picked up on the road. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverback Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 welcome to the forum this is the stuff you need click on the link http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_195697_langId_-1_categoryId_165682 dont use washing up liquid its very bad for paintwork jon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
globebuster Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 As has been said - washing up liquid and your fingernail will do damage, although it depends on the substrate, GRP would not be so much of an issue as it would on aluminium I would only use the tar remover as a final option. Try some WD40 on a cloth, whilst this may leave some residue it won't be so aggressive. My favourite would be Isopropanol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laimeduck Posted April 7, 2014 Share Posted April 7, 2014 You could also use Methylated spirits which is harmless to most paints. A small amount on a piece of cotton wool & treat each spot individually. Whichever you use, WD40 or Meths, it will take any polish off, so after getting rid of the spots, you should wash with a good car shampoo, then re-polish the affected panel. We have used WD40 to get rid of black stains under the windows etc , but you do have to re-polish afterwards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyishuk Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 A little wipe with vinegar might move them, not quite as aggressive as so some distillates # Not tried myself, but would if needed to Rgds Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest peter Posted April 8, 2014 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Wipe it over with white spirit. That's what's usually recommended for tar spots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelly58 Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 I usually remove tar spots with Mer polish its 2 jobs in 1, remove tar and polish in 1 go . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmold Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 If you have a smell of proprietary 'tar removers' you will tell that they are basically 'white spirit' which does the same job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjmike Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 What ever you use to remove the spots, if its fairy liquid,tar remover, WD40, vinegar or anything other than the Mer, don't forget to wax the area afterwards as you will have stripped off any protection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LordThornber Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 My advice is whatever you eventually choose to clean the spots, do try it out on somewhere obscure first. Martyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 kelly58 - 2014-04-09 6:20 AM I usually remove tar spots with Mer polish its 2 jobs in 1, remove tar and polish in 1 go . I liked Mer its a good product, made reasonably light work of getting rid of black streaks..Life so much easier with a panel van! :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fjmike Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 JudgeMental - 2014-04-09 2:15 PM .Life so much easier with a panel van! :-D Just spent this morning valeting a PLC and I might have to take issue with you there Judge. Although the roof is small they can have lots of hard to get to clean areas on the roof, took just as long as a twin axle B-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keninpalamos Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 LordThornber - 2014-04-09 2:11 PM My advice is whatever you eventually choose to clean the spots, do try it out on somewhere obscure first. Martyn Do you mean somewhere like North Wales or Cleethorpes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest JudgeMental Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 fjmike - 2014-04-09 3:05 PM JudgeMental - 2014-04-09 2:15 PM .Life so much easier with a panel van! :-D Just spent this morning valeting a PLC and I might have to take issue with you there Judge. Although the roof is small they can have lots of hard to get to clean areas on the roof, took just as long as a twin axle B-) You should Know Mike your the professional! :-D I jet wash mine and go over with the brush, and wax 2-3 times a year that is it.. the CB we had was a nightmare in comparison. Mike abbreviation is PVC (panel van conversion) PLC (public limited company)...no wonder you're struggling cleaning one of those! ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chipster Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 Claybar? Great for removing tar spots and stuff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edaleblues Posted April 16, 2014 Author Share Posted April 16, 2014 Thanks to everyone for the reply and advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LordThornber Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 keninpalamos - 2014-04-09 3:32 PM LordThornber - 2014-04-09 2:11 PM My advice is whatever you eventually choose to clean the spots, do try it out on somewhere obscure first. Martyn Do you mean somewhere like North Wales or Cleethorpes? :D :D :D Quality Martyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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