HELP! Can't remove adhesive from paint.

[BOFFROAD]

I began to debadge my car the other day and started by removing the SportEdition4WD badging located on the drivers door. After using some floss, a heat gun, and some WD-40 I was able to remove the badging along with the thick adhesive, however, there is still some glue stuck on the paint outlining the letters that won't come off. I tried Goo-Gone, Goof Off, and some other cleaners which did not make a difference. Then ordered some 3M adhesive remover from Amazon, which still won't do the trick.

If anyone has had this problem and found a solution or has any ideas please let me know.

 

[wadle5]

In very small amounts. . .
paint thinner on a rag
rag to vehicle
Immediately washing vehicle after.(what we use in the body shop for stubborn issues)


Or have you dried goo gone? Possibly a buffing wheel/heavy compound also could maybe take it down? Just be sure not to do anything too crazy or long as the paint/clear is very soft.

 

[LOSTR4]

Or Goo-Gone works amazingly too...

 

[wadle5]

Or Goo-Gone works amazingly too...

hence why I said goo gone. . . . .
I don't know if he had that speciality item hanging around which also usually takes more time and trial runs.

Because I mean who doesn't have paint thinner lying around the house. .
:repuke:

 

[Hossdawson]

Goo

Hi
I've used WD40 to get stuff like that off.
Hoss

 

[Range]

In very small amounts. . .
paint thinner on a rag
rag to vehicle
Immediately washing vehicle after.(what we use in the body shop for stubborn issues)


Or have you dried goo gone? Possibly a buffing wheel/heavy compound also could maybe take it down? Just be sure not to do anything too crazy or long as the paint/clear is very soft.

Or Goo-Gone works amazingly too...

hence why I said goo gone. . . . .
I don't know if he had that speciality item hanging around which also usually takes more time and trial runs.

Because I mean who doesn't have paint thinner lying around the house. .
:repuke:

You're both doody heads. He said he tried goo gone.

OP, try a clay bar you would use for waxing your car. There's usually 3 types (soft, medium and firm). Heat the area well, apply some soapy water and use the clay bar on the area.

 

[LTDSC]

3M eraser wheel /thread


UNLESS its embedded into the paint like mine was. My paints smooth as tits, but the markings are still there from the adhesive.

 

[chompster4runner]

3M eraser wheel /thread


UNLESS its embedded into the paint like mine was. My paints smooth as tits, but the markings are still there from the adhesive.

I like the tits part :naughty:

Soak it with goo gone and then use a plastic credit card to scrape it gently.

 

[4gin007]

wax or rubbing compound might be the best way, since you've tried everything else. I don't think paint thinner will do it. the other chemicals you've tried are very similar to paint thinner. you may have the best luck with buffing compound but unfortunately the emblem tape probably itched into the clear and you will always be able to see where the emblems used to be.

 

[brianhuntRVA]

I'm thinking the same as 4gin... Something semi-abrasive might do the trick. Meguiars ScratchX is my go to product. Followed by a coat of wax.

 

[andrew90lx]

You can try a clay bar. I have used it with great success to remove overspray. I also have used lighter fluid or gasoline with the clay bar.

 

[gm350reratliff]

It's not left over from the tape and those outlines won't come off. It's from years of sand, dirt, tiny pebbles that get trapped in between the emblems and the paint. Overtime they slowly start eating away the finish and now we have this.

Just a few months ago I decided to de-badge my 08. Only removed them from one door and noticed exactly what you have. Tried literally everything and although they were less noticeable, they were still there and it bugged me. So a few days later I re-installed the emblems and just dipped them. I knew I should have removed those damn letters when I bought it back in 2008!

 

[BOFFROAD]

Thanks for all the Ideas, I'll try the clay bar, 3M eraser, scratch remover and any if those don't do it, the paint thinner.

 

[blackoutt]

WD 40 and some elbow grease works well. You'll have to clean the greasy film off after obviously.

 

[JustinB]

Honestly when I encountered that issue I used a hair dryer (heat gun), my thumb nail, and patience. Patience being the key, I noticed when I got impatient I ended up scratching the paint, or putting a tiny fingernail dent in the paint since it was warm.

My finger got hot under the hair dryer so I'd heat it, put the hair dryer down, scrape a bit with the nail, and do it again.

This may or may not be a good method, all I know is it worked for me and I didn't see it here so thought I would throw out another idea for ya.

Good luck!

 

[BusinessHippieRH]

Non-acetone nail polish remover worked for me (both for this and spray paint over-spray)... not nearly as harsh as paint thinner/acetone. The thinner is likely to damage your paint. That's kinda what it's for...:nono:

 

[wadle5]

That's kinda what it's for...:nono:

It's actually to remove any abnormalities and yes if in copious and left for extended periods of time can eat through the paint. But as stated and if careful it will work as explained and shouldn't damage the paint.