Strongest solvent to SAFELY clean paint?

[MtnT4R]

I park every day in a parking structure on the second level, and the ceiling directly above the driver side is where two floor sections of the level above me are joined together. Apparently, the magnesium chloride that the DOT coats the roads with in the winter has all day to drip off the cars above me, funnel through the cracks, and deposits itself all over the driver side of my T4.

I've tried cleaning it off with car wash soap, Goof Off, Goo Gone, and paint thinner, all to no avail. The only method that seems to work-on the windows only- is to scrape it off with a knife. This stuff is ridiculous. Its basically magnesium chloride that has been concentrated into a thin paste. I was hoping you all would know of a stronger solvent I could use to remove this crap that is clear coat safe. Any suggestions?

 

[Derek G]

I park every day in a parking structure on the second level, and the ceiling directly above the driver side is where two floor sections of the level above me are joined together. Apparently, the magnesium chloride that the DOT coats the roads with in the winter has all day to drip off the cars above me, funnel through the cracks, and deposits itself all over the driver side of my T4.

I've tried cleaning it off with car wash soap, Goof Off, Goo Gone, and paint thinner, all to no avail. The only method that seems to work-on the windows only- is to scrape it off with a knife. This stuff is ridiculous. Its basically magnesium chloride that has been concentrated into a thin paste. I was hoping you all would know of a stronger solvent I could use to remove this crap that is clear coat safe. Any suggestions?

STAY AWAY FROM SOLVENTS! Start with a good cleaner polish and work it around a small area. If this doesn't work move up to a more aggressive polish such a light rubbing compound. Find the compound with the minimum amount abrasive to get the job done. Once you have all of he deposits removed, go over it again with a polish then a coat wax. Use you hands and now a power buffer to avoid burning through the finish.

 

[T4R2014]

Clay bar. If that doesn't work I would try compound.

I hate salt. I want to move to where it never snows.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

You better bring a caulking gun with you to the parking lot and seal those cracks to prevent further damage.

 

[MtnT4R]

Thanks for the suggestions! I always knew I was walking a fine line with those particular products, but never noticed any damage from using them. Rubbing compound it is.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Safest solvent for paint is water, otherwise all other solvents will degrade/dissolve the paint to some degree. hence why we need to rewax a car after washing, ect ect.

 

[Burt]

Havn't had issue with MagCloride that required much more than a good wash, but I've used Simple Green to remove bug splat from front grill, lights,hood and windshield with no problems. I then wax the area afterwards.

 

[Casper421]

I hate salt. I want to move to where it never snows.

Or a place with snow that doesn't use salt, like Cali.

 

[Derek G]

While we're on the topic. Never use dish soap to wash your truck either, it strips the waxes and oils.

 

[T4R2014]

Or a place with snow that doesn't use salt, like Cali.

I just hate snow in general.

 

[Ryan H]

I park every day in a parking structure on the second level, and the ceiling directly above the driver side is where two floor sections of the level above me are joined together. Apparently, the magnesium chloride that the DOT coats the roads with in the winter has all day to drip off the cars above me, funnel through the cracks, and deposits itself all over the driver side of my T4.

I've tried cleaning it off with car wash soap, Goof Off, Goo Gone, and paint thinner, all to no avail. The only method that seems to work-on the windows only- is to scrape it off with a knife. This stuff is ridiculous. Its basically magnesium chloride that has been concentrated into a thin paste. I was hoping you all would know of a stronger solvent I could use to remove this crap that is clear coat safe. Any suggestions?

Try heating it up with a heat gun (or hair dryer) and use a plastic razor blade and maybe a little acetone and rag. The plastic blade will not scratch the paint if used correctly. I work at a car dealership and this has always helped me get any kind of hardened gunk off. Be gentle with the acetone though. Pretty much just use it to loosen the gunk up.

 

[Ryan H]

And if your paint is still in solid shape, you could always try pressure washing. I pressure wash our cars at home all the time and it leaves good results. Just don't pressure wash a new paint job or touch ups or where your paint is starting to come off. Otherwise it shouldn't penetrate the clear coat.