Car splattered with mortar.

[The_Burg]

Neighbour having a new roof, come outside and discover my MGF splattered with mortar.
Very unprofessional crew anyway, much swearing and arguing on the roof, as i was working from home that day was clearly audible during a conference call.

Called the contractor 3 times and left my number no response.

What to do? How difficult is mortar to remove without paint damage? Haven't attempted to clean my car for obvious reasons.

What sort of compensation should i ask for? I was thinking full valet, though maybe too little?

[CAPP0]

Cement is quite acidic (or is it alkaline?) so I would think that even if you get it off, the paint will be marked?

[Hoink]

I'm guessing a hose would be better than rubbing it off as it might scratch the pantwork.

I would do it sooner rather than later in case there is lasting damage.

[pti]

As above, I'd try and get it off ASAP.

Take plenty of photos though!

[S7Paul]

I think I'd photograph it, then try to get the mortar off as soon as possible - it'll do far more damage if you try to shift it once it's set. I suggest lots of water and something like an old (and soft) toothbrush to gently brush it away while the water is running over the area. Do not use a rag - it'll just scratch the paint. Once the mortar is off, you'll probably need something like T-Cut just to finish off.

[mattshiz]

compensation? Just try and wash it off first and stop being a fanny

[Wacky Racer]

Give your car a good soaking, it should come off quite easily, hopefully with no lasting damage...

Speed is of the essence, but take photos BEFORE you do it, just in case......

[The_Burg]

mattshiz said:

compensation? Just try and wash it off first and stop being a fanny

Would you? If it was your car?
Someone damages your car and it's fine?
It's not a splash of mud here.

[ChrisRS6]

Has it "gone off" ?

If so your knackered....if not get a power washer on it ASAP.

If its gone off...and I suspect if its splashes of mortar it will of?...don't try to pick it off guaranteed damage to paintwork IMO.

Good luck!

[nipsips]

Only thing you can try is snowfoam on it, least contact the better. Let it dwell then rinse with a powerwasher.

[fjord]

At least it wasn't these guys...

[mph1977]

mattshiz said:

compensation? Just try and wash it off first and stop being a fanny

unlike the previous thread discussing (set)mortar dust on a car wet cement is a fairly nasty product because of how alkaline it is ...

it's definitely got the potential for a calim against the slack arsed contractor

[Fleckers]

i am told to soak it in vinegar as that will losen it

may take several soaks

thenk wash and polish

[s p a c e m a n]

We use hydrofluoric acid to clean off our cement trucks, don't know where we get it from though.

[Hoink]

mattshiz said:

compensation? Just try and wash it off first and stop being a fanny

I'm not a fan of the compensation culture but in cases like this don't see what the OP is doing wrong. If it was my car I would be furious. People need to learn you have to treat others and their belongings with respect.

[scott15]

If it comes off with no marks then there shouldn't be any compensation IMHO. You were probably going to wash your car sooner or later anyway.

[valais]

s p a c e m a n said:

We use hydrofluoric acid to clean off our cement trucks, don't know where we get it from though.

Either way, I hope it isn't going into the drains... are you sure it is HF?

[750turbo]

mattshiz said:

compensation? Just try and wash it off first and stop being a fanny

Geesus!

[msduk]

Take photos then try and rinse it off. If that fails take more pics and go and see a detailer. Send the contractor the bill. Even if they don't pay it's cheaper than a re-spray.

I have been on the opposite side of this situation once.

[SWH]

Water, lots of it.

Had this on my MGB not long after I got it, and the paintwork is soft, picks up little scratches easily - most of the grit lifted with just the hose, I then pressure washed it (not a powerful washer though) and any tiny bits left I flooded with the hose and loosened them with my fingertips... didn't actually take very long and left no marks at all.

Annoyed it happened in the first place, yes, very, but no lasting damage.

Take a load of photos, then get wrinsing.