shadowing paint (ghost lettering)

[kachun]

Hello all. I am new and I need help

I just removed some of the emblems (letters actually) on the back of the hatch yesterday. Took all of the adhesive off with WD-40 and then give it a wash and wax after. But when I was checking out for any leftover goo today, I notice that there is a slight shadowing on the paint where the letters are. So I am wondering how can I remove that difference in color? With a paint polish?

Thanks in advance.
Sam (I am a banada haha)

[Magic]

You gotta live with it, or repaint!

The problem is the paint has been preserved (where lettering was covering) and the rest wasn't (exposed). If you have ever seen a Black Bra on the front of a car and years later when they remove it, the paint underneath is in perfect condition and the rest looks like crud. It's kinda the same thing. So now in order to correct the problem you would have to remove the clear coat in that area (not recommended, don't try) and get down to the paint, and blend out the paint in this area (impossible) to match the surrounding area.

I know some would say to wax it, so it would maybe hide it a little better. But again your waxing the clear coat not the paint underneath were the problem is. I tried to explain it the best I can, maybe some other people will chime in and explain it better.

I know it's not what you wanted to hear, but good luck!

Magic

[Murr1525]

Have you clayed, used a paint cleaner, and polish on the rest of the car as well?

You have to hope that it is just a difference in dirt/no dirst, not actual fading or anything.

[Jeff Smith]

Re: shadowing paint (ghost lettering)

Originally posted by kachun
Hello all. I am new and I need help

I just removed some of the emblems (letters actually) on the back of the hatch yesterday. Took all of the adhesive off with WD-40 and then give it a wash and wax after. But when I was checking out for any leftover goo today, I notice that there is a slight shadowing on the paint where the letters are. So I am wondering how can I remove that difference in color? With a paint polish?

Thanks in advance.
Sam (I am a banada haha)

What year is the car?
How old is the paint?

I removed my badging but it was about a month or so after buying my truck. So, by it being a newer paint, I did not have the issue as noted by magic.

After removing all the glue I simply ran the PC over it with #80 a couple of times and that did the trick. Then re-waxed.

But if your paint is older, that paint under the emblems and badging has not been exposed to the same elements as the rest of the finish has. So the age of the paint, as well as the general condition of it needs to be taken into consideration.

[kachun]

thanks all for the replys.
I havent tried claying it, I might do it when I get my hands on some

the car/paint is 2005 and it is not kept in the sun for a long period of time. What is the #80 you are talking about Jeff?

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

It basically comes down to the old saying: "You never know what you can do until you try". While I agree that some ghosting on some vehicles may be permanent, since yours is fairly new, there is a chance that the rest of the paint may be brought up enough to match those areas.

I would suggest using Meguiar's ScratchX and piece of 100% cotton terry cloth. Another alternative and perhaps a better one would be to use a G100 DA Polisher with #80 Speed Glaze or #83 Dual Action Cleaner Polish.

Here are a few links that may help with whichever method you may choose:

How to remove a defect by hand with ScratchX

What it Means to Remove a Scratch

Recommended Products - G100a Dual Action Polisher

How To Remove Swirls By Hand

Using the G-100 to remove swirls with the Professional Line

#80 Speed Glaze



#83 Dual Action Cleaner Polish




Good luck and keep us posted!

Tim

[kachun]

Awesome Tim.! I will try that indeed. Thanks alot