Removing all traces of wax.....

[intergalactica]

Hi,

I'll be placing several emblems (with double-sided tape) on the fenders of a new Toyota and would like to remove all traces of wax from these areas to make sure that a secure bond is created between the sheetmetal and the emblems.

What would you recommend I use to remove the wax?

All comments and suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Accumulator]

I'd use a solvent made for pre-paint prep; that's what a shop would use for this. Something like PrepSol, PreKleano, 3M Adhesive Remover, Wurth Clean-Solv, etc. Your dealer's bodyshop oughta give you a little if you ask nicely, especially since you just bought something from them.

[Mike Phillips]

I would use a paint cleaner like ScratchX by hand and thoroughly apply and rub the product into and against the paint and then wipe off any excess residue. This will get the paint squeaky clean.

Then I would actually wax the area to leave behind a protective coating and leave the finish smooth and glossy.

Then I would apply the new emblems. The adhesive on the tape will still stick very well if not as good or better plus the paint around the emblems will now look good and be protected.

[Accumulator]

intergalactica- There you have it, the two most opposite opinions possible

Mike- I suppose a lot of it depends on the adhesives and wax/LSP in question. I've had adhesives utterly refuse to stick to certain LSPs until I stripped them off with a solvent, most recently when doing the field-expedient repairs to the S8 following its deer incident.

[Mike Phillips]

Originally posted by Accumulator
intergalactica- There you have it, the two most opposite opinions possible

Mike- I suppose a lot of it depends on the adhesives and wax/LSP in question. I've had adhesives utterly refuse to stick to certain LSPs until I stripped them off with a solvent, most recently when doing the field-expedient repairs to the S8 following its deer incident.

I agree with you on this, that is you need to test the LSP first, but in most cases that I have experience with using Meguiar's waxes, I haven't had any problems with adhesive tape sticking to cleaned and waxed paint.

Definitely worth a little testing but I sure like the idea of the paint surrounding an emblem looking good and being protected.

[Accumulator]

Originally posted by Mike Phillips
.. in most cases that I have experience with using Meguiar's waxes, I haven't had any problems with adhesive tape sticking to cleaned and waxed paint....

OK, that's good to know. In the S8 situation it was *not* a Meguiar's LSP.

And yeah, that's the last opportunity to do a no-hassle waxing of the area in question. Once the emblem's on there it's gonna be a lot more work!

[SiriusRIMZ]

I'd combine both ideas here.

Clay, Then either scratch-X or body solvent, then #21.

[intergalactica]

Thanks for all the advice!

I have decided to use Eastwood's Pre Painting Prep prior to placing the emblems. After installing the emblems, I will carefully reapply my favorite wax: Synthetic Sealant #21.

Once again, thanks!