Hi folks, so I didn't even think about applying masking take to my stripes when I applied three coats gloss enhancer and sealant. Now there is dried up residue right on the edges of the stripes. It looks like crap to me.

Any advice how to take it off without scratching the paint and undoing all the work I put in?

Thanks!

 

Actone comes to mind

 

Actone?

I'll have to google that lol

 

When you do, try "Acetone".

That said I think before you try acetone you should see what it does to your paint. My guess is that it will do nothing good.

There are a bunch of knowledgable detail guys on the board. Wait till an expert weights in before you do something else you regret.

Rich

 

Yea...thought that's what he meant haha

I'm not going to try anything I'm not comfortable with, remember folks I just started. No wet sanding, no crazy acids and weirdness here.

 

I run a detail shop and I would say go with a basic stripper and just take it all off of your hood including the stripes. Yes you will have to reapply to the entire hood, but its probably the easiest way to do it. I personally love meguiars body solve becuase you just spray it on and get a separate wash mitt to wash with. Do this becuase if you use ur reg ones it really embeds in the mit and kinda takes some wax and sealant off for the next couple of reg washes. I think this stuff is best because you wash all the chemicals off of your paint for sure vs using a wipe off stipper. Make sure to wash and rinse the car really good after using it. Then just reapply ur sealant.

 

Dang, looks like I'll have to do the entire car again. The stripes go from the hood, to the roof, then to the hatch and wing..........Oh the joys of learning lol.

Thanks for the tip, I will give that a go!

 

bamboo skewers

not hard enuf to scratch the finish and plenty hard to dig out your 'finish' product's residue.

learned this trick from 'classic motorsports' mag. You can try toothpicks but generic wood breaks down MUCH faster that the bamboo

You can find bamboo in food or specialty stores as skewers for kabobs . . .

 

So I take it that removing and re-applying the stripes is simple?

 

No stripes are being removed, just the residue on the edges from applying product.

And thanks for the toothpick suggestion Capt, I thought about but wasn't sure that'd mess up the paint. Sounds like a good way not to redo the entire car!

 

NOT TOOTHPIC

Bamboo ... it DOES make a dif

 

Ok got it, bamboo skewer, NO TOOTH PICK!
Now I just have to find said skewer haha

 

Surprised no one mentioned the obvious....I would stay away from sharp objects. Take some 91% alcohol..get it from Target in the pharmacy section, and a white painters rag in bulk from Costco, wet the towel with the alcohol and gently wipe along the stripe edge. It will dissolve your gloss enhancer and sealent. Use some Quick Detailer to clean up any left over residue.

Richard

 

I'll give that a go, didn't want to take a skewer to my car lol. It just rained for once in SoCal lol, I'll give it a go this weekend.

 

Since you're in SoCal, you should swing by my shop and I can help you with your problem for no charge. If you are free tomorrow, a bunch of us MINI owners will be in Long Beach supporting ToyJam.org, a fundraiser/toy drive for a childrens hospital from 9AM to 2PM.

https://www.facebook.com/events/105135132979006/

Richard

 

I can't access that link as I am the only person in the world with out a Facebook lol.

Where is your shop located, I'll have to swing by sometime!

Unfortunately the toyjam is a no go for me. I work from 10am to 4pm tomorrow.....unless I can make it during lunch, hmmm???

 

Awww haha ok. The shop address is in my signature below. We are in Anaheim Hills, in eastern Anaheim. Basically the Imperial Highway exit off the 91 freeway next to In-N-Out on La Palma.

We are open Tues to Saturday 10-7 but tomorrow we are in Long Beach for this event. We can be available on other days by appointment.

No prob about ToyJam.

Richard