Thread: Using petrol as a car polish for Defender?

Haven't tried petrol but swear by metho. A bit on a rag and go to work. Be gentle & don't rub too hard or some paint might be the casualty. But gentle rubbing has never hurt the paint. This can be done whether the vehicle is washed or not. Gets off the tar & bugs as well.

I should say that I have not done this on newish vehicles, only older ones.

When i was a wee lad, i was painting my first car, dad told me to cut it back with petrol and wet and dry, he was apprentice panel beater of the year 3 years in a row in his day, so took his word for it. He's passed on now, and still have no idea why he said to use petrol. Anyone??

I could see how it would give a good result. It's full of oil and has great cleaning properties. Be more worried about the long term effects

I knew a bloke who had an olive drab Series that had been polished shiny! He used RP7 I recall.

I can't see the clear coat on a modern car liking the idea of being rubbed with petrol. Obviously they're resitant enough for quality purposes, but I'd be reluctant to experiment with mine!

Originally Posted by Loubrey

I can't see the clear coat on a modern car liking the idea of being rubbed with petrol. Obviously they're resitant enough for quality purposes, but I'd be reluctant to experiment with mine!

There is absolutely no way you would want to use that method on a new car.

Also, bear in mind you would be exposed to a LOT of chemicals if you used petrol to polish a car.

Originally Posted by isuzurover

There is absolutely no way you would want to use that method on a new car.

Also, bear in mind you would be exposed to a LOT of chemicals if you used petrol to polish a car.

Not to mention the fire risk. It is probably successful because of the solvent properties of petrol removes both most of the dirt and the top few molecules of paint, exposing a fresh surface.

I remember being told fifty years ago that kerosene produced the shine I had just admired on a truck, but was warned that it was a very temporary shine.

John

wait, you clean your defender?