Can anything be done for shadows of removed decals?

[atikovi]

It took me about 8 hours over 3 days to remove all the decals on this 2005 Smart:



I used the DA with #83 and then Synthetic Sealant by hand. The paint looks great but there are faint shadows of the removed decals. Will they fade into the rest of the paint over time?

[paudashlake]

Re: Can anything be done for shadows of removed decals?

You MIGHT be able to clay bar the car and that MIGHT take all of the wax and discoloration off, then wax, buff, and protect it like usual.

[Tuck91]

Re: Can anything be done for shadows of removed decals?

then wax, buff, and protect it like usual.

What does that mean?

[paudashlake]

Re: Can anything be done for shadows of removed decals?

Hah. Not sure. Thats my grasp on what you do after you clay a car. You know..Wax it, then buff the wax off, then put on the protectent.....Right?

[Eddie6th]

Re: Can anything be done for shadows of removed decals?

Unfortunately,if this is caused by sunlight,there is nothing can be done. The shade difference will always be there.

How long were the stickers on for? If since '05,that is quite long. Having said that,I removed the civic sticker from my car after about 7 years and didn't make any difference.

Is there more of a difference in shade on top surfaces than the sides?,or is it the same all round.

[atikovi]

Re: Can anything be done for shadows of removed decals?

More visible on hood and fenders, hardly any on the doors.

[Eddie6th]

Re: Can anything be done for shadows of removed decals?

More visible on hood and fenders, hardly any on the doors.

I reckon that is caused by sunlight then. You could try adding DC2,pure polish to your process before waxing. This will add oils to the paint. It might not make that great a difference,but improve the overall appearance.

As time goes by and the uncovered paint changes,so will the previously covered parts. So there will always be a slight difference. It might improve a little with time.

[Tuck91]

Re: Can anything be done for shadows of removed decals?

Hah. Not sure. Thats my grasp on what you do after you clay a car. You know..Wax it, then buff the wax off, then put on the protectent.....Right?

Its not that simple.

[Murr1525]

Re: Can anything be done for shadows of removed decals?

The 'shadows' are actually the original color of the car, while the uncovered paint has faded. The best your can do is clean/polish the entire car, so that hopefully the faded paint is restored.

[rusty bumper]

Re: Can anything be done for shadows of removed decals?

Will they fade into the rest of the paint over time?

They will.

Just give it some time and patience.