New here.

[twolfe]

New here and have a question for the experts. My Daughter In Laws car has dried cement splatters all over in areas of the hoood and trunk. We did not notice them until about a weeek after it happened since we were all on vacation. This happened while she was at work and the Company told them to get estimates and submit them. They took the car to Service King, and an Independent Body shop and both say they will have to refinish all areas that have cement on them. The estimates were from $2300 to $2600 for the job.
Does this sound correct on the refinish as the only way to correct. Someone where she works said she has found someone who can do the same job for $ 400.00 and that sounds kind of shady. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

[Phil V]

Based on past experience it is impossible to remove dried cement splatters on paint without damaging the paint. Affected panels WILL have to be repainted.

You mentioned dried cement on only the hood and trunk lid. Is the car a convertible or have a vinyl top ? It would also be almost impossible not to get cement spatters on the the fender tops etc.

[Bob K]

Hay Phil, have you tried hydrochloric acid. It is used to clean up masonry that has concrete spattered on it during construction. The acid attacks the calcium in the concrete and then the sand can then be washed away. I have never put it on clear coat but I can see there is a possibility that it won’t damage the clear. The acid I have is in a plastic bottle so I am thinking it won’t hurt clear. I will go out and put some on a door I have stashed behind my shed and let you know in a little while how it went.

Bob K

[88GT]

depending on a few things 2300-2600 seems a bit high for 2 panels. Like Phil said, its probably on more than just the 2 panels, hence the high price.

[Harry Phinney]

The acid I have is in a plastic bottle so I am thinking it won’t hurt clear. I will go out and put some on a door I have stashed behind my shed and let you know in a little while how it went.

Bob K

I'll be interested in your results, but I'll note that substances ranging from lacquer thinner to Citrusstrip Stripping Gel can be contained in low density polyethylene containers but will attack polyurethane paints.

Harry Phinney

[Bob K]

Here it is 25 minutes later. I poured some acid (28% Muraitic) into a cup and put a chip of clear coat into it and let it sit for 10 minutes. No effect on the clear. I dipped a rusty piece of sheet metal into the acid and it fizzed up and the metal came out clean with the rust gone. I poured some acid on an old Trailblazer rear gate and the acid puddle up on a horizontal area for the rear glass. After five minutes I wiped it off and saw no affect on the clear coat.

If I had concrete on my car I would try it but I don’t have any of that. The acid would need to be neutralized with baking soda and then washed with water to be sure that none of the acid got to areas that weren’t protected with clear coat. Also I would apply the acid with a rag and not pour a large quantity onto the car.

Bob K