Question for the car cleaning experts

"Stapleface" (patrickgruden) 05/27/2016 at 07:11 • Filed to: None

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So, a number of months back I removed the dealer decal from my vehicle. I can still see the outline of the dealer decal on my trunklid. When I originally removed it, I also used goo gone to be sure I got everything up.

To this day though, I can't completely remove the remnants of the decal. I've even clay barred the spot. The spot is smooth to the touch, but I can definitely tell where the decal was still. Any ideas on how to get rid of this (it essentially looks like I pealed the sticker off and dirt stuck to the car)? Maybe a cutting compound on a DA?

Urambo Tauro > Stapleface 05/27/2016 at 07:22

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Is it just an outline, or would you describe it as more of a “shadow”?

I have a shadow on my car, where the paint faded a little before the badge was removed.

Svend > Stapleface 05/27/2016 at 07:27

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As Urambo says. It’ll be a faded area from where the UV light has faded the paint around where the sicker has been.

A light to medium polish will remove some of the faded clearcote giving a more even look. Two or three minutes by hand will sort it no problem.

Stapleface > Urambo Tauro 05/27/2016 at 07:30

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I guess you'd say a shadow. But the sticker was probably on the car for only a couple of weeks, if that. You wouldn't think that short amount of time would do it in, but automotive paint is pretty crummy these days.

Svend > Stapleface 05/27/2016 at 08:52

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Clearcote on a car can be affected by even minor things such as young childs fingers (which secrete natural oils) and hand moisturisers.

A light polish will remove them no problem.

after

Group B Enthusiast - Captain of the supercharged barge > Stapleface 05/27/2016 at 08:55

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Could it be described as a discoloration, or more of a ghosted reflection? (i.e. Could I still walk up and point it out in low-light conditions?)

As Svend said, you should be able to wheel it out.

Stapleface > Group B Enthusiast - Captain of the supercharged barge 05/27/2016 at 08:57

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I'd say more of a discoloration. I'm going to take Svend's advice and try a light rubbing compound. What's the worst that could happen?

Group B Enthusiast - Captain of the supercharged barge > Stapleface 05/27/2016 at 10:23

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Worst case scenario, the clearcoat is stained, and it won’t come out. haha

vicali > Stapleface 05/27/2016 at 11:29

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Level up to paint correction. I would M80 on the PC if clay didn’t help. If you want to do it manually you can hand apply M80 too.

Wax it after you’re done.

Stapleface > Group B Enthusiast - Captain of the supercharged barge 05/27/2016 at 14:00

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Okay, shut your mouth. Lol