ron88 Posted June 20, 2018 Report Share Posted June 20, 2018 I park in a garage with about 50 other cars, under a purpose-built mansion block - about mid-70's. The garage ceiling is plagued by drips, many of which form mini-stalactites with lumps of stalagmites on the floor - not terribly large, mind you. I have a dry spot - been there for years. Today moved the car to better light to clean it - and noticed drips on the paintwork. I moved it, wiped the drips and moved it again. Just when I was finished I noted a rather large drip which had been sitting on the bonnet for just a few minutes - but long enough. I wiped it off but no luck; I could feel it with my nail. Mind you I have a silicone coat on the paint - and the drip and subsequent run has left an ugly streak. A drip nearby scraped off with my nail, and the drip overrun on the chrome came off with my nail - but nothing getting this meter and a half long streak off my bonnet. Any chemists out there? Silicone and calcium? Should I try toothpaste? I have no idea where to begin - except a soft damp cloth in water doesn't do it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stillp Posted June 20, 2018 Report Share Posted June 20, 2018 Try something acidic, such as white vinegar. Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ron88 Posted June 20, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2018 0k - had been thinking about toothpaste or light polish but I think this is a chemical thing Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Don H. Posted June 20, 2018 Report Share Posted June 20, 2018 Try something acidic, such as white vinegar. Pete +1. Carbonates can be impossible to remove using detergents, difficult using abrasives, and surprisingly easy with a weak acid. Soak a paper towel in vinegar and leave it on the deposit for a half hour or so. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ron88 Posted June 20, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 20, 2018 Ok - I'll give it a go - I've got cider vinegar - problem? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Don H. Posted June 20, 2018 Report Share Posted June 20, 2018 Not at all. In fact, you could probably dilute it 1:1 with water and take a little more time. But vinegar (acetic acid) won't hurt any modern paint for a modest time. Acid rain is probably harder on the finish... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
iain Posted June 20, 2018 Report Share Posted June 20, 2018 +1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ron88 Posted June 21, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2018 Ok - going to give it a go today. Will let you know results.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ron88 Posted June 21, 2018 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2018 Wow - learn something every day. That vinegar did the trick - no trace. Many thanks! While applying it I ran into another car owner who said he uses vinegar too - as drips were "part of life" in the garage. Well, first time for me - lucky I guess. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stillp Posted June 21, 2018 Report Share Posted June 21, 2018 Good result! Now get some good wax on there. I suggest Autoglym HD wax. Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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