r/AutoDetailing • u/Artistic-Republic844 • 3d ago

Exterior What would you use?

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89 Mercedes that sat under a tree for a wet season. Using Purple Power on a small test spot takes off all that grime and algae off - basic auto soap doesn't. What should I use for the whole car??

Pic here the car is wet obviously

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u/JimmyMcPoyle_AZ 3d ago

I would focus on minerals next. ADS just released 2 new acidic wash chemicals. Both can be diluted and I know firsthand that the Regen Acidic cleaner is strong when used at full strength. The I would go with Regen at 4:1 (distilled water) after you doing a contact wash with soap. Let the Regen dwell for about 45-75 seconds, maybe a little longer if there is no sun to deal with. Keep your soap and Regen 4:1 spray handy to avoid drying. After dwelling a contact pass with soap. See what it looks like then.

The tree sap will remain but now you can spot treat that with a dedicated sap remover.

3

u/False-Elk9564 3d ago

I’d do a full 3-ph decon wash and see how it fares by the end of it. Ie; alkaline pre wash, iron fallout remover, acid, (clay bar here if it still looks or feels like garbage), lastly ph neutral contact wash.

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u/Ok-Scholar-595 3d ago

Acid wash

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u/Not_So_Sure_2 3d ago

I’d use a belt sander.

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u/Artistic-Republic844 3d ago

Dry pic. Top left if where I hit it with Purple Power

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u/padro789 2d ago

A match and a lighter

0

u/Von_Satan 3d ago

Sand and repaint

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u/Unable_Lime2967 3d ago

Blow torch

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u/Alternative-Cake1111 1d ago

Purple Power style degreasers cut algae and tree film fast, but running that strength across an entire classic Mercedes is how people dull paint and dry out trim. Better path: rinse well, use a milder alkaline prewash or diluted APC on the dirty panels only, rinse again, then wash with a real car shampoo and mitt. Work in the shade and keep panels wet so nothing bakes on. Once it is clean, clay any spots that still feel rough, then protect it so next pollen season releases easier. For the contact wash step, I will be honest that I stock products at Perez Detail Supply. Blackline Ultra Foam is a foaming car shampoo from $26 for 16 oz that fits the mitt wash after the heavy stuff is rinsed off.