Im in desperate need of help removing sand from my cars paint.

To make a long story short, our neighbors had a pool installed and in the process there was a big pile of sand in front of their house for a week or so. I went to wash our S and noticed we had sand embedded in the paint. The sand is only on the upper parts of the fenders & doors, complete hood & trunk. So Im assuming when the sand was moved it traveled into our garage and baked into the paint.

Any help would be greatful so I dont have to have the car repainted?

Dustin

 

Clay Bar w/ plenty of quik detailer...make sure u polish and wax your car afterwards since the clay bar basically leaves your paint unprotected.

 

I tried the clay bar in a little section and all it did was scratch the paint.

 

clay to remove sand can make the clay into sandpaper...
not an easy problem-
even a wash mitt with a good car shampoo will have a potential for scratching because the sand releases into the mitt...
how badly embedded is the sand?
can you pick it out by hand grain by grain? (would take forever, but just trying to determine how bad it is)

 

A good pressure washer might be your answer. They work wonders.

 

You cant pick at each grain. The sand is very small. When the sun hits the car it looks like there is metalic in the paint. I think its just in the top of the clear coat.

BTW, the spot I clayed it removed it but did scratch.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dms2k
You cant pick at each grain. The sand is very small.

 

Thx wanabe for the help. I didnt mean to come of rude just read what I posted and I just worded it wrong.

Tried pressure washer a couple weeks ago and didnt notice anything different.

Where can I get more info on how to do the clay pat. I think this is going to be my best route.

BTW what would you recommend to remove some surface scratches cause from my first clay attempt.

Thanks again,
Dustin

 

dustin- didnt take your comments as rude, so no problem!

good general clay info:
http://www.properautocare.com/usclaybartor.html

dont know of a clay pat discussion- have heard of it being done, but usually for small areas (not an entire car)- the idea is the same as general claying, except that you dont rub. if you rub with sand, you have sandpaper- which you dont want on your car!
i have not seen this done, but understand that you stretch the clay (after cutting it into several pieces) and lay it on a lubricated area. press it down and lift up. turn it over use it again in another area and that piece is history (assuming it worked), cause it has sand in it.

to remove the scratches, i always go least aggressive to more aggressive with polish. start with a swirl remover, then if that doesnt get it all, move to the lightest polish- then up to a slightly harsher compound. usually you will get most of the problem with the first step. btw, you really have to work these products.... a machine is adviseable (porter cable is my friend for this!). prob a local owner has one you can borrow.

the car shampoo that i am currently using claims to be good for "floating" grime and even sand off of the car... i think its a pinnacle product-
found it:

http://pinnaclewax.com/bodsham.html

i think i would cautiously try that first... careful about scratching the car. then i would go to the clay pat, maybe followed by a swirl removal.
and then you need a car cover!!!

 

Thanks again for all the help. Will let you know how it turns out.