I recently bought one of those "Support the Troops" Magnetic Decals for my boot. One day after washing my car I noticed that I forgot to remove it. So afterwards I decided to take it off and wipe it down a bit. When I did, I noticed the paint under the decal had turned matte. ( Not Glossy or Reflective) I tried to wash and polish it out but after a few weeks later and 2-3 more washes with the decal off, the mark is still there. Does anyone know what caused this mark, what it is and how to get rid of it?

 

Its caused by dirt getting under the magnet and then being ground into the paint by the magnet moving ever so slightly as you drive.

 

Do you know how to get it out?

 

The first thing I would try is a clay bar. that would be the best way to start getting the deep down dirt out. From there you can start polishing to bring back the luster.

 

My thoughts exactly. After the clay bar, I'd likely go with 3M Swirl Mark Remover followed by your favorite wax/sealer. Should then be good as new.

A word to the wise: Do be cautious to use applicators and wax removal towels that are paint-friendly. You don't want to introduce scratches while removing the haze left by the magnetic.

 

I would use their pro product #9 (swirl remover) or the consumer product #2 (step 2 - deep crystal polish).

Make sure you wax after, because the paint will be unprotected after applying either product.

Deep Crystal Polish - Step 2

or

Swirl remover #9

Hope this helps.

 

I've had very good luck lately with the Sonus line of scratch removal products. They make it in 3 grades to progressively work the finish back to a high gloss.


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