aluminium trim disaster

[Alligator881]

Just took delivery of a phantom black RS4 Avant three weeks ago and am loving it. Was keen to look after it properly and so paid to have it valeted today to clean off the accumulated bugs etc (lazy, I know). The idiot valet must have thought that the aluminium was are chrome and has used something that's left the classic milky white marks all over the window trim and roof rails. Now I can't get them off and it looks terrible. Am totally gutted. Any ideas guys?

[audijohn]

Just took delivery of a phantom black RS4 Avant three weeks ago and am loving it. Was keen to look after it properly and so paid to have it valeted today to clean off the accumulated bugs etc (lazy, I know). The idiot valet must have thought that the aluminium was are chrome and has used something that's left the classic milky white marks all over the window trim and roof rails. Now I can't get them off and it looks terrible. Am totally gutted. Any ideas guys?

Welcome Alligator881, try on a small area a gloss finish like gloss guard, it will get under/remove whatever staining he has left on your anoddised surounds provided he has NOT used abrasives.
Good luck it should come back to life .

[pippyrips]

I have the same problem on 1 piece of trim, done before i bought the car. I am very interested to hear of how people have removed these marks successfully myself.

[Alligator881]

Thanks for the responses guys. I'll try out the Gloss Guard tomorrow and will let you know how I get on.

[rAudiguy]

Good luck pal, Lesson learnt? clean your car yourself that way you know it been done right!!!

[pippyrips]

Thanks for the responses guys. I'll try out the Gloss Guard tomorrow and will let you know how I get on.

Good man - make sure you do

[Virdee Autos]

On my B5 the roof rails, window mouldings and mirror caps are matt aluminium

And after washing the car several times, and using a spray on aqua wax, I also had these marks.

Last time I deailed the car, I used a normal polish, that is used on the bodywork, and they came up a treat. And so far so good.

Try it out, you won't risk doing any damage as its just normal polish.

[pippyrips]

Alligator881 - how did you get on?

[Alligator881]

No joy I'm afraid. Tried gloss guard, normal polish and aluminium polish and there's no difference. Have decided to have all the aluminium trim replaced as there seems to be no alternative..

[audijohn]

No joy I'm afraid. Tried gloss guard, normal polish and aluminium polish and there's no difference. Have decided to have all the aluminium trim replaced as there seems to be no alternative..

That is bad news mate.
Valeter should pay.

[rAudiguy]

That is bad news mate.
Valeter should pay.

John I agree,

Mate have you even taken this up with the valeter or vandals as they should be called!! You should at least go down there and speak to the manager! it's not on that they've caused 100's of pounds worth of damage to your car and you fit the bill for it! Have a word at least!!

Good luck

Jim

[TDiAvant]

Have you tried a claybar, it's about £18 and worth a try before spending ££££ to replace the trim http://www.meguiars.com/?auto-detailing ... e-Clay-Kit

[ChrisRS4]

I hate to put a downer on things, but it sounds like they may have used an acid based cleaner. If so, the only options are to sand it down (very carefully) or replace it.

Most important thing you need to do is get in touch with the company that did it and find out what products they used. Also find out how they propose to compensate you for the damage.

Have you considered a professional detailler (not a valetter)?

[pippyrips]

Have you priced up the cost of replacing? i did last week and have decided i can live with it!!!

[Virdee Autos]

I hate to put a downer on things, but it sounds like they may have used an acid based cleaner. If so, the only options are to sand it down (very carefully) or replace it.

Most important thing you need to do is get in touch with the company that did it and find out what products they used. Also find out how they propose to compensate you for the damage.

Have you considered a professional detailler (not a valetter)?

Echo the above. Definitely seems to be an acid based.

And let a pro look at it, before you do spend serious amounts of £££.