Bituminous Asphalt Removal

Bituminous Asphalt

[:The term asphalt is often used as an abbreviation for asphalt concrete, asphalt refers to a mixture of mineral aggregate and bitumen (tarmac) Composed almost entirely of bitumen, which is a category of organic liquids that are highly viscous, black, sticky and wholly soluble in carbon disulfide, mostly made up of highly condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons]

The reasoning for the use of solvents for the removal of bituminous asphalt is that it dissolves as a means of removal, as opposed to friction. Asphalt comprises; bitumen emulsion and fine graded aggregate with fillers and is very sticky and its presence on your paint means that harder particulate matter (dirt/grit) has also stuck to it. By agitating or rubbing the dirt/grit that is contained within the bituminous asphalt will cause surface marring or possibly scratching, dissolution alleviates any potential surface damage.

Using steam and / or a safe solvent (Stoner™ Tarminator, Stoner™ Natural Citrus Xenit or Wurth Clean Solve) will simply emulsifies and dissolves the bituminous asphalt when you spray it directly to the surface, apply to the affected area, allow sufficient react time, and carefully wipe off, you may have to apply it three or four times allowing plenty of react time between applications.

It can also dissolve a variety of oil and petroleum based products, it's safe to use on all types of paint, plastics, synthetic fibres, carpet and upholstery. If used on vehicle paintwork, carpet or fabric re-apply a protect rant after use.

Other uses - it will dissolve chewing gum and adhesives. Use to de-tar wheel rims after cleaning, will also remove shoe scuffmarks from vinyl trim, and can be used to remove tree sap or fuel stains from paint surfaces.

Notes- use caution if you use WD-40 for bituminous asphalt removal as it contains strong hydrocarbon (aliphatic) solvents, which may compromise the integrity of the clear coat causing it to occlude (become opaque, clouded or yellowed.

Alternative products

1. CarPro Tar X is a citrus- based solvent that has a coloring to identify tar contamination; apply it to a dry surface to ensure it won’t be diluted by water. After shaking the bottle and spraying onto a dry surface, allow it to dwell for anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes depending on how thick the tar contamination is. DO not allow Tar X to dry on surfaces or apply in direct sunlight.

2. Wurth Clean Solve is fast acting and will not leave film residue, safe to use on all painted surfaces. Quickly removes track rubber (from tyres) paint overspray, adhesives, tar, grease, oils, silicone and waxes. Can be used on acrylic finishes, aluminium, plastics, vinyl’s, fabrics, glass, and fibreglass

Always use the least abrasive product first-

a) A safe solvent - (Stoner’s Tarminator, Simple Green® Aircraft & Precision Cleaner, Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or Mineral spirits (White spirit)which is used as a cleaning solvent in asphalt products

b) Detailer’s Clay

c) A chemical / abrasive paint surface cleaner (Zaino Paint Cleaner Z-PC or Zaino All-In-One Z-AIO)

d) An abrasive polish

e) If the surface has been etched use an abrasive polish and a polisher (Rotary or Random orbital)

d) The same rule applies to abrasive polishes and foam pads –

After the paint surface has been subjected to a chemical cleaning its protective layer (s) have been removed and the paint surface left without protection, so it is very important that a wax or polymer protection be applied immediately.



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