Tar & Glue Removers

What Is Tar and Glue Remover?

Tar and glue remover is a solvent-based product that dissolves petroleum-based and adhesive contamination. Active ingredients are usually citrus-based solvents, petroleum distillates, or a combination of both. A good tar remover works fast: from 30 seconds to one minute. It is easy to use. Spray it on, wait for it to break down the bond, and wipe it off.

Types of Contamination

Tar and glue remover removes:

• Road tar
• Adhesive residue
• Sticker glue
• Tree sap 
• Industrial fallout
• Paint overspray

Road tar sticks to lower panels, sills, and behind wheels after motorway driving or road construction. You can easily recognise it because it looks like black spots. Adhesive residue, on the other hand, comes from stickers and parking permits. And there are other hard-to-remove residues: tree sap that drips onto paint when you park under trees, industrial fallout from factories, paint overspray, and so on.

How to Use Tar and Glue Remover?

Wash the car first to remove loose dirt so you are not grinding it around when wiping off tar. Spray directly onto the contamination, wait a minute (the solvent must penetrate), and wipe it thoroughly. For stronger tar removers like Tarpen, spray onto a microfiber cloth and work the product gently. Be very careful around plastics, chrome, and rubber seals because strong solvents can damage or discolour these materials. After removing tar, rinse the area thoroughly with plenty of water to remove all solvent residue.

When the contamination dissolves, wipe gently with a clean microfiber. It should come off easily, but stubborn stuff may need a second application. Do not scrub. Use fresh sections of cloth or multiple cloths as they get contaminated. To finish, rinse the area with water after wiping to remove solvent residue.

FAQ – Tar and Glue Remover

Is tar remover safe for paint?
Yes, when used properly. Do not let it sit longer than a minute or two.

Will the tar remover remove wax or ceramic coating?
It is a strong solvent so it can remove it if you leave it sitting too long. Rinse quickly after wiping, and it will not affect protection.

Can I use the tar remover on glass?
Yes. The tar remover works on glass, chrome, plastic trim, and any hard surface.

How long does it take for tar remover to work?
It takes from 30 to 60 seconds for most contamination. Stubborn tar or old adhesive might need 2 or 3 minutes, or a second application.

Can I use household products instead of the tar remover?
Do not do it. Whatever you come up with, like the WD-40, petrol, or white spirit, they will work but they are harsh. You will end up with damaged paint, stripped protection and residue still left on the bodywork.

Can I use the tar remover on matte paint?
Yes, but test the product first on a small part because matte paint is more delicate. Do not scrub. Rinse the car thoroughly after applying the product.