Removing sunscreen on paint

[Tristan 338]

Hi guys

My girlfriend's car has been used at the beach a lot over the past few years and subsequently has sunscreen handprints around the windows and doors.

I've tried clay barring it but that didn't work. Any other suggestions or does it need professional attention?

Thanks

Tristan

[*Glenn* 854]

We see this alot... I can't help but I would like to know

[Smac01 12]

A professional machine cut and polish.

That's the only thing that worked for me previously.

[jeffbebe 1559]

It's probably the zinc oxide in the sunscreen that won't come off as it's a mineral. Try a product for removing water stains (also mineral-based) and that might work. Can't recommend any off the top of my head, I'm afraid.

[cliffdunedin 8]

I had this same problem on my Subaru door a couple of years ago, nearly new paint too I did some research and tried a few things (Claybar, Desolve it) I eventually tried a good cut and polish then tried a Meguiars product QuikWax, SwirlX or something like that with a polisher then another wash, cut and polish it came up good as new... so much so i had to do the rest of the car because it seemed dull.

[Kaz 50]

Not sure if this could be relavant, but I had hand prints on my old car which were left by the mechanics that wouldn't come off with a good wash. I bought a very good Meguiars Cut & Polish (I'll check the name when I get home) and it seemed to do the trick. Might work for sunscreen too.

Edited December 13, 2012 by Kaz

[Apex 693]

Easiest way to get rid of it is to dump her

Have you tried decent polishing or cutting compound and a foam polishing pad?… maybe wait until after summer as it will likely happen again.

[digitalashley 7]

Old thread but i had this issue and used a paste type product from CRC called paint doctor and a nice micro fiber cloth. You rub on leave for ten minutes the buff off. I was amazed. Works perfectly.

[kiwi535 538]

Hmm i have some handprints on the Pajero too i woonder if it is sunscreen.?

[Breaker 980]

I used a polish on the Falcon, then needed to go down to a quick compound and then buff to remove, seems to discolour the clear coat hence the need for a compound out.

Been three months still good

[Michael. 2312]

I find it funny you tried to claybar chemical damage...

[kiwi535 538]

clay bar is just another polish/cleaner.It just as good(or bad) as any other polish/cuttimg attempt isnt it?

[Michael. 2312]

clay bar is just another polish/cleaner.It just as good(or bad) as any other polish/cuttimg attempt isnt it?

It's a particulate matter cleaner, removes stuck on debris. From what I've seen its easy just to polish over stuck on debris, not removing them properly hence the use of a clay bar with lubricant.

If anything I believe its a post wash, pre polishing tool.

Another technique in the car detailing arsenal !

[Breaker 980]

Yip clay bar removes all that nasty debris to prep for polishing, doesn't impact the clear coat or paint.

Great for making your paint super smooth before a wax as well.

Also wicked on glass to remove buildup

[Olaf 3235]

it's not these marks you're trying to remove, is it?

Edited July 6, 2016 by Olaf

[Breaker 980]

Hahaha I like it

[Olaf 3235]

^^ that's what she said!

[Autoglym 255]

What have you been doing on that car!!!

[Olaf 3235]

^^ That's what he said!