graphite clean up question

[Curtis]

My son's car got fairly dirty from all of the graphite we added when we attached the wheels, etc. I tried to clean it off using a few cleansers but nothing really worked. It smeared more than anything. As the saying goes, it's better to look good than to run good. Do any of you have any suggestions as to how to clean the graphite off and make the awesome paint job shine again? We want to do our best not only to win districts but look good while doing it.....vanity has it's merits.....

 

[Papa V Racing]

I have used awesome all purpose cleaner .. Now I did not have any wax on my car just clear coat when I cleaned it... so you want to try a small amount on a cloth.. Graphite cleaned right off the counter top when nothing else removed it ..... we use it in the house for everything... We pick up a 1/2 gl for $3.00 at Dollar General...

Not sure on how to make it shine as I have read many types of wax used ... Sorry ...

V

 

[Chief]

409 is my choice for cleaning..use the swab end of a Qtip....but be careful with cleaners as they can hurt your paint depending on the type of paint used. Most things from a rattle can wont hold up to some strong chemicals...
3M performance finish wax is good but I prefer Meguires synthetic

 

[W racing]

Olive oil works great. I believe vegetable oil as well. Also gets graphite off doors and mill work. Dont ask me how I know.

 

[Curtis]

WOW!!! I have to admit, I was skeptical, but using olive oil not only works, but works very well. It took all of the graphite off the paint and left the paint nice and shiny again.

You said not to ask......ok I won't but.......thanks.

 

[W racing]

We had a bit of graphite on our hands while opening the back door of the house which made the door black and also got it on the hardwood floor. Glad it helped. We used it on our car this year as well.

 

[Crash Enburn]

WD-40 is another option I'd heard about and tried successfully. I'd expect the olive oil to be a little less (possibly?) caustic, though.