Skip to main content
Back to Intelligence

How to Remove Bugs and Tar from PPF Without Damaging It in Calgary

By Ahmed
Jul 12, 2023
Share:
Car bumper with bug splatter and tar being safely removed from Paint Protection Film

Summer road trips mean bug splatters. Construction zones mean tar. While PPF protects your paint from etching on Calgary roads, aggressive scrubbing can mar the film itself. Here is the safe way to clean sticky contaminants.

The "Soak, Don't Scrub" Method for Calgary Drivers

The biggest mistake owners make is grabbing a paper towel and scrubbing hard. This creates micro-scratches in the film's top coat.

1

Pre-Soak

Spray the area with a dedicated bug remover (like Gtechniq W8) or a soapy water mixture. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Do not let it dry.

2

The Hot Water Trick

For really stuck bugs, soak a microfiber towel in hot water (not boiling) and lay it over the bumper for 5 minutes. The steam softens the organic matter.

3

Gently Wipe

Now that the bugs are soft, gently wipe them away with a clean microfiber mitt. They should slide right off.

Removing Calgary Road Tar from PPF

Tar requires a solvent. Use a citrus-based tar remover.

WARNING

Avoid solvents containing Naphtha or Kerosene if possible, or rinse them immediately. Prolonged exposure to strong solvents can cloud the PPF. Never scrub tar; let the chemical dissolve it.

Prevention is Best for Alberta Roads

A Ceramic Coating applied on top of your PPF makes this process 10x easier. The hydrophobic surface prevents bugs from bonding strongly, often allowing you to rinse them off with just a pressure washer. Check out our cleaning product guide for more tips.

Award Winning Service

Experience The Best.

Don't let another commute compromise your vehicle. Get a quote from Calgary's Consumer Choice Award winner today.

Calgary's Premier PPF Studio Location

Come See The
Difference.

Our climate-controlled facility is purpose-built for precision application. Stop by, meet the team, and inspect our work in person.

Visit The Lab

#2 - 239 61 Ave SE
Calgary, AB T2H 0R4

Serving Calgary & Area:

Airdrie | Cochrane | Okotoks | Chestermere | High River

Get Directions

Direct Line

Speak directly to an installer, not a receptionist.

(403) 830-3311

Hours

Mon - Fri9am - 5pm
SaturdayBy Appt.
"I was hesitant about who to trust with my new Corvette. The team at PPF Pros explained everything, showed me their shop, and the result was absolutely flawless."
J
James T.
C8 Corvette Owner
5.0
Google Rating
Open Now accepting Drop-offs