Neighbours car spray on my car!
Discussion
A few weeks ago I noticed my neighbour spray the front bumper panel of his silver car (not sure of the make). I didn't think anything of it.
This morning I washed and detailed my wife's white X5 and noticed lots of tiny spots of grey, which I'm unable to remove. They are mainly on upward facing surfaces and the side of the car facing my neighbour. I am certain, but cannot prove, that this is overspray caused by my neighbour when he was doing the spraying.
So far I have tried using Korrosol (iron remover) tar remover, a clay bar, T-cut and Klasse all in one, but nothing will remove it. I can feel the spots as slightly raised, but they can't be removed by even scratching with a finger nail.
Anyone have any thoughts about to get rid of this overspray?
This morning I washed and detailed my wife's white X5 and noticed lots of tiny spots of grey, which I'm unable to remove. They are mainly on upward facing surfaces and the side of the car facing my neighbour. I am certain, but cannot prove, that this is overspray caused by my neighbour when he was doing the spraying.
So far I have tried using Korrosol (iron remover) tar remover, a clay bar, T-cut and Klasse all in one, but nothing will remove it. I can feel the spots as slightly raised, but they can't be removed by even scratching with a finger nail.
Anyone have any thoughts about to get rid of this overspray?
I've found that freshly applied touch up paint can be removed with Halfords Surface Cleaner, which is (I think) essentially a panel wipe in aerosol can form. I would try some panel wipe, on a cloth at first - try wiping over the spots first, and if that doesn't work hold the cloth over the spots before wiping.
Don't use like this near a smart repair though, you might bring the paint off.
Don't use like this near a smart repair though, you might bring the paint off.
Mark V GTD said:
Panel wipe? In my experience (paint shop operative) panel wipe is a de-greaser/cleaner and has no solvent ability to dissolve paint. I had a similar problem with a Golf Mk.6 a few years ago and found a clay bar got the paint (actually primer) spots off.
Coincidentally, I have just been researching panel wipes, as I've never heard of them before. As you have said, they appear to be described as de-greaser/cleaner, used to remove existing coatings of treatments, ready for applying a different type of treatment. I wouldn't have thought that something that removes only wax/silicon is likely to remove paint spots.I have already tried using a clay bar, it didn't move ANY of the spots from what I could tell. The paint spots have probably been on the car for 2 or 3 weeks, so will be completely dry. Most impurities can be removed with a finger nail, but these spots will not budge even though they can be felt "clicking" the nail.
Although I don't currently own a dual mode polisher, I may just invest in one and some compound to see if I can polish the paint spots away.
Mark V GTD said:
Panel wipe? In my experience (paint shop operative) panel wipe is a de-greaser/cleaner and has no solvent ability to dissolve paint. I had a similar problem with a Golf Mk.6 a few years ago and found a clay bar got the paint (actually primer) spots off.
It worked for me yesterday. I had a spare used car door. I had spilt some spray paint on it. Two spots the size of coins. I used some panel wipe on a micro fibre cloth and wiped it off.Wacky Racer said:
Try applying a bit of white spirit to six or seven spots with a kitchen roll, let it soak in for thirty seconds, then see if you can carefully scratch them off with your fingernail.
(White spirit is great for removing tar spots)
I have tried using tar remover, which is also great for removing tar spots, but does absolutely nothing to remove the spray paint spots. I had thought the clay bar would make some sort of impression, but it. Usually after using a clay bar, the paint surface is brilliantly smooth, but I can still feel the paint spots. They are obviously too hard and bonded to the existing surface to be easily removed.(White spirit is great for removing tar spots)
I'll try using some white spirits on the roof of the car in the morning.
milleniumaire said:
Wacky Racer said:
Try applying a bit of white spirit to six or seven spots with a kitchen roll, let it soak in for thirty seconds, then see if you can carefully scratch them off with your fingernail.
(White spirit is great for removing tar spots)
I have tried using tar remover, which is also great for removing tar spots, but does absolutely nothing to remove the spray paint spots. I had thought the clay bar would make some sort of impression, but it. Usually after using a clay bar, the paint surface is brilliantly smooth, but I can still feel the paint spots. They are obviously too hard and bonded to the existing surface to be easily removed.(White spirit is great for removing tar spots)
I'll try using some white spirits on the roof of the car in the morning.
Meeten-5dulx said:
Have you approached your neighbour and explained the situation?
Get him to rectify it if he is at fault?
My neighbour is a complete d*ck and a trouble causer. In fact I had wondered if he had done this on purpose. I wouldn't put it past him. I haven't seen him around since the spraying incident and noticed a locksmith van parked in his drive the other day, so I wonder if he has finally been kicked out by his landlord.Get him to rectify it if he is at fault?
If I were to approach him, I am 100% sure he would deny all knowledge and probably even deny he had been doing any spraying, despite me seeing him. Unfortunately, I don't think I am able to "prove" it was his fault. I did look for spray around the rest of the house, but couldn't find any obvious signs of it, only on our white X5, which is always parked on the drive.
So, apart from winding me up further, approaching him probably isn't likely to be productive, assuming he still lives next door!
Edited by milleniumaire on Sunday 24th May 10:03
milleniumaire said:
My neighbour is a complete d*ck and a trouble causer.
So, apart from winding me up further, approaching him probably isn't likely to be productive, assuming he still lives next door!
Let's hope he's been moved on.So, apart from winding me up further, approaching him probably isn't likely to be productive, assuming he still lives next door!
Edited by milleniumaire on Sunday 24th May 10:03
Good luck on removing the paint and hopefully he is replaced by someone decent!
Yes, I certainly hope so.
Our neighbours on the other side are the best you could wish for.
I tried white spirits but it had no effect.
I think I'm going to try posting on a detailing forum as it feels like it should be possible to use an electric polisher and appropriate compound to remove the paint. I own neither of these, but I've often considered purchasing some kit.
Our neighbours on the other side are the best you could wish for.
I tried white spirits but it had no effect.
I think I'm going to try posting on a detailing forum as it feels like it should be possible to use an electric polisher and appropriate compound to remove the paint. I own neither of these, but I've often considered purchasing some kit.
I have come across stubborn paint spots while working at an Audi dealership. I tried thinners etc but they were too stubborn. I ended up having to flat them off with 1500 grit and polish up after. It was a real p.i.t.a as some of the spots were close to swage lines, and in really awkward places. You may have to go down the detailing route as you previously mentioned.
CRA1G said:
Good old fashioned T Cut,elbow grease,and a enthusiastic polish will sort it..... 
If only it was that simple!I borrowed some panel wipe (degreaser) from a neighbour but this was as effective as the white spirits and all the other chemicals I've tried so far.
I've just arranged to take the car to a local body shop/detailer (Chris Gregory in Knaresborough) to get their thoughts on what needs to be done to remove the paint.
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