Mysterous roughness on paint
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 293
Likes: 3
From: Chicago
2002 E430 4MATIC
Mysterous roughness on paint
I have something on my paint that obviously fell from the sky all over the car. It resembles a massive dose of tree sap. However, here is the mystery. You can wash and wax the car and it appears to have completly removed the substance. However, it returns within a few hours or at most a few days. It is not getting hit with fresh sap as it will come back even if the car is kept in the garage over night. When it returns it first appears as tiny dots about the size of a speck of sand which you can pick off with your finger nail, then more and more start appearing until the finish is rough and dull within a week. I have used a clay bar, simple green, cleaner wax and all easily remove it, only to have it return. It's almost like it is coming out of the paint but it's on the chrome trim too. Heat seems to accelerate the return.
Any ideas on what this might be?
Any ideas on what this might be?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,640
Likes: 11
From: GMT -8 hours
Mercedes-Benz
you need to decontaminate your paint. I have seen this before on a black 03 SL55... the weirdest thing. We clayed, buffed, almost wet sanded but then used finish kare paint decontam. system and it worked!
www.fk1usa.com
www.fk1usa.com
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 293
Likes: 3
From: Chicago
2002 E430 4MATIC
Kar Don,
Thanks - looking through the link you provided I think you hit the nail on the head. I recently traded my 1997 E420 and upgraded to the '02 so this may have been something in the paint prior to me getting the car - I though it was tree sap from a park near us. Hopefully this will work as I was baffled.
Their link to the Standard Decontamination Kit didn't work so I'll call the company on Monday to find out the differences between the three kits they offer.
In a number of places they reference that the products are for "Professional Use", should I have any concerns? I can follow instructions but don't have any background on detailing beyond normal wash/wax/vacuum.
Thanks - looking through the link you provided I think you hit the nail on the head. I recently traded my 1997 E420 and upgraded to the '02 so this may have been something in the paint prior to me getting the car - I though it was tree sap from a park near us. Hopefully this will work as I was baffled.
Their link to the Standard Decontamination Kit didn't work so I'll call the company on Monday to find out the differences between the three kits they offer.
In a number of places they reference that the products are for "Professional Use", should I have any concerns? I can follow instructions but don't have any background on detailing beyond normal wash/wax/vacuum.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,640
Likes: 11
From: GMT -8 hours
Mercedes-Benz
ive used the system a few times... some tips.
WEAR gloves, this is strong stuff.
Work in a very open area as this stuff smells... I would even use a mask.
Rinse the car VERY well after application.
WEAR gloves, this is strong stuff.
Work in a very open area as this stuff smells... I would even use a mask.
Rinse the car VERY well after application.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 293
Likes: 3
From: Chicago
2002 E430 4MATIC
Any exerience with competing products from Auto International called the ABC system? There are comflicting opinions on which is safer, less harsh, etc.[/COLOR]
