Cleaning flat paint

[mlenoch]

Anyone know an effective cleaning solution for removing exhaust stains from flat paint?
Can't seem to get the soot and oil smudges off the white star and olive drab colors.

Thx in advance,
VL

[F4U-1]

Hi Vlado
If the flat paint is the traditional flat automotive paint where talc was added to flatten it, you are pretty much screwed. It's the nature of the beast. Once the fattening additive(talc) absorbs the burnt engine oils and chemicals its stained for good.
If the paint is the Sherwin Willams Mil-85285D then you got a chance. Scrubbing bubbles, Solvoil, and probably other cleaners. You might even try a little "finesse"(3M product)
Unfortunately it's not realiy the cleaners as it's more the paint product and how it's formulated.
Not all paints are created equal !!
Next year when we have dinner at Timmermans I will explain it in detail, as long as you keep the drinks flowing!
Chuck

[Enemy Ace]

Try carbon-X.
used on flat painted (Current) military aircraft.

[John-Curtiss Paul]

[quote="SB2C-1"]Hi Vlado
If the flat paint is the traditional flat automotive paint where talc was added to flatten it, you are pretty much screwed. It's the nature of the beast. Once the fattening additive(talc) absorbs the burnt engine oils and chemicals its stained for good.
If the paint is the Sherwin Willams Mil-85285D then you got a chance. Scrubbing bubbles, Solvoil, and probably other cleaners. You might even try a little "finesse"(3M product)
Unfortunately it's not realiy the cleaners as it's more the paint product and how it's formulated.


Not True.... I found a product that is hands down the best cleaner for flat Omni PPG paint as well as bare aluminum. Totally non-corrosive and water soluble cleaner degreaser..... splash a few cups into a 5 gallon bucket of water and scrub it (not any scrubbing really required). Exhaust comes right off. I keep little spray bottles all over the shop for wiping stuff down and for Air Shows.

I get it at a local janitorial supply house. It's a Brulin product called "Formula 815MX"

I get it in 2 1/2 gallon containers. It made my life WAY easier at the wash rack! It also leaves ZERO streaking.

JC

[sdennison]

I recommend a really good scotch, not to clean with but to drink out of frustration for not being able to find a good cleaner.

I believe we have tested a number that would qualify!

[Red Tail]

I recommend a really good scotch, not to clean with but to drink out of frustration for not being able to find a good cleaner.

I believe we have tested a number that would qualify!

Scott I thought that was a liver cleaner not a soot remover...

Vlado, I use Extreme Simple Green which is specifically fomulated for aircraft use and is not corrosive. In in fact, according to the sec sheets, it's a corrosion inhibitor when mixed in concentrations of 3:1 and richer. It removes the worst carbon and lead stains. Caveat...I have not tried it on flat paint but can't believe it wouldn't work. I would stay far away from Scrubbing Bubbles...

John

CC CAF Red Tail

[JohnB]

I haven't tried it...I have no reason to...but there is a new car way for flat paint (or flat black trim) for cars. IIRC, it's either made by Mother's or Meguires. Check MAPA, etc.

[mlenoch]

Scott. Thanks for the suggestion. I tried it and don't see the soot any more!
VL

[bigapplebird]

how about just another coat of fresh FLAT paint over the effected area?

[cco23i]

You can use what we used on our flat paint on F-111's, "magical mystery fluid" (Jp-4 or JP-8 fuel)

Scott

[Red Tail]

Scott. Thanks for the suggestion. I tried it and don't see the soot any more!
VL

...and here I was thinking it would make it look like there was twice the amount!

[mlenoch]

Scott. Thanks for the suggestion. I tried it and don't see the soot any more!
VL

...and here I was thinking it would make it look like there was twice the amount!

Actually, I didn't see much after I tried that. Ha!
VL

[slinky]

Don't know if this will help but the "Rat Rod" crowd uses this product on their flat finishes and such....
http://store.roadkillcustoms.com/rat-wax-no-shine-car-soap-and-detailer-pack/

Also...this is the suggested cleaner for the Chevy Camaro SS with a custom matte gray paint job.
http://www.drbeasleys.com/shop/car-care-products/matte-car-care.html

Don't know if the sealer might help next time for cleaning or not. The exhaust stain may be a problem....
Here's a couple more....
http://www.autogeek.net/meticulous-matte-auto-wash.html

http://www.autogeek.net/chemical-guys-meticulous-matte-detailer.html

[big fatty]

D A sander and some 80 grit

[Taigh Ramey]

I developed a cleaner specifically geared toward the demanding needs of Warbirds. Originally I needed it for a cleaning large radial engines warbird that were polished. I wanted a cleaner that would allow us to use soft brushes for washing and pressure washers for rinsing. Everything from light cleaning to heavy degreasing on the Beech 18's, DC-3 and B-25's and yet not hurt the finish or the aircraft structure over time. It had to be able to clean the exhaust and oil and yet not hurt the polish or leave residue.

We developed this cleaner especially for warbirds that we tested it with many different aircraft alloys both WWII vintage and new, in an accelerated age test environment and it worked great with no corrosive effect. We have used it since on all of the aircraft that have come through the shop from L birds with fabric to countless Beech 18's to the big iron. It is also what we use on our military vehicles a couple of which still have original WWII paint. I couldn't be happier with the outcome.

I have been considering offering it to the Warbird community but simply haven't gotten around to it. I guess now it the time. We can sell it in concentrate form in one gallon jugs, five gallon pails or even barrels if needed. I'll work on the pricing is anyone is interested.

It has been fantastic on the Harpoon with its flat finish. Nice soft brushes don't hurt the finish of the paint and we rince with the pressure washer. Good water is the key so a proper filter is required if your water isn't up to the task. Contact me for more information on a tried and true method of cleaning the messy big iron or any warbird from the best polish to the flattest paint.

And that's not all! if you call within the next 43 seconds you will receive a second set of useless opinions absolutely free just pay the additional shipping and handling...

Seriously it is a good cleaner.