Bug and Tar Sponge!? How...

I just received it, and this thing is crazy rough, sharp, hard etc. How does this not scratch?

I bought it after reading Fminus likes it and claimed it did no damage, as well as pics to prove it, as well as other claiming its good. I guess I'll have to see? But I'm actually scared to use it!

Anyone have some experience with it?

 

I use bug sponges on every detail that has bugs, it works really well and I don't get any scratching with it. Once you dip it in water it gets a lot softer.

 

I would like to know more as well, and here some feedback. During a demo at a show we put on I tried it dry on a dark car to see if it would scratch and it didn't. At first it seems like there is no way that it could ever not destroy the paint but when we tried it didn't dry.

 

I have used it a few times when the front was just covered in bugs. I put it in a bowl/bucket of warm water for a bit to soften it up and then used it. You could prob just use cool water but thought warm water would work better.

 

One thing I have a question about. How do you clean it well with all the pores (that get tar, and bug guts in them)?

 

Just rinse it under a hose or the sink, spray some APC in it and work it in and squeeze the water out. Most of the junk should come out. Also when using it I like to keep the bucket close so put it in and clean it was I go so the junk does not get worked it it deep.

 

Bug Sponge - was the brainchild of Ian Harold Brown of the 3M labs in St Paul, Minnesota. This sponge featured rigid polyether reinforced with an abrasive and hard-wearing polyethylene compound to effectively remove dried-on insect residue from vehicle surfaces.

This remarkable product quickly and safely removes the toughest bug grime and tar residues, without marring the paint finish. Since its introduction in 1974, the bug sponge has been one of 3M's least known success stories.

Always use wet, as your using a bug sponge, periodically place it in a bucket of water with a d-limonene (citrus) based cleaner (P21S Total Auto Wash or Optimum Power Clean) and squeeze between your fingers

 

You really need to soak it in soap and water to see how it becomes safe. It was really nerve wracking when I used mine for the first time on my black car with soft paint because it is one scary piece of a tool but it worked just as promised with no marring whatsoever. If you are still too nervous, try it on an inconspicuous area and you will see no marring is done.

 

Good thread. I have one that has been sitting on my shelf for about 2 years, which I haven't used because it scares the crap out of me. Reading this thread convinced me to try it.

 

It's an awesome product. Using it for the first time reminded me of using ONR; I was very skeptical but it exceeded my expectations in every possible way. Using it in warm water with a hint of soap, it has yet to scratch any paint and/or chrome.

I'd recommend it.

 

Thanks for the help I'll try it out over the weekend when I get a chance. I'll report on my findings (Black Honda= super soft paint)

 

Lol, showed my dad them told him the facts and he pretty much swore at me, that out of all the crazy things I showed him, this is the most stupid thing by far and he wants it away from him vehicles. Going to try it anyways on his Prove him wrong (or not...)

 

I have the LC ones and they work great. I also have the MF towel from Poorboys that removes bugs (mesh type) and it doesn't induce any marring. Both are great products.

 

Darn it! I just remembered that I was so scared to use this thing that I threw it in as a freebie in a trade.:fs:

 

which brand did you buy

id like one for cleaning under my guards - my GTR will remain at stock height for a while, so i can actually reach in there atm

i bought the vikan wheel brush but its too thin and small, takes forever and i end up with bristle marks where it hasnt been cleaned with enough pressure grrrr

 

One tip I'll give you is that as well as having it wet, I put some ONR on it to decrease the chance it may scratch. That way if you have to rub with a bit more gusto, you can do so safely. The lubricity of the ONR helps the sponge, IMO. I've had mine for a few years; I think I got it at AG, I don't remember. Point is, they hold up well.

 

Just to add a bit of advice: the bug/tar sponge should be used with little pressure if any as the sharper edges of the foam seperates the bug remains from the paint just by you gliding it on the paint. It literally should take no pressure and you will see the bugs lift right off while eliminating the chance of scratches.