tank pad on a bike, left a HORRIBLE fade...how to fix

[jp2005]

ok i bought a lime green gas tank used, and the person had a tank pad on it--well i took off the tank pad, and to my amazement it left NO residue, but it did leave the outline of the design on the tank pad well, i have not began to touch it with anything, because i wasnt sure of what to use...well the shade of green is completly different in that area, but i want it to match...what is the best way to do this paint gods ?

[Teak]

Do you have a picture of the tank and the damage?
What products do you have?

From what you mentioned, I think the rest of the tank faded where as what was cover by the tank pad did not. I would try buffing the rest of the tank to remove the oxidation and to restore the color.


Eric

[black240sx]

Do you know if it is single stage paint, or clearcoated?

[Murr1525]

If the paint is truly faded, it wont really match ever. But if it is just oxidized, then there is hope. Working by hand, the best steps to start with would be:

1. Give a good wash, maybe with Gold Class.
2. Clay
3. ColorX - This is a good starting point for restoring old finishes.

If that works, you can always touch it up a little more in the future, with something mild like DC#1, and a pure polish like DC#2. Then wax with your favorite wax.

[Tim Lingor]

Hey,

Do you have some photos of the tank that we can look at?

Tim

[LiquidBlack]

Perhaps try Deep Crystal Polish or colorx. Use this for reference:

http://meguiarsonline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9151

[jp2005]

well i washed it, scratchxed it, and waxed it with goldclass--and still NOTHING...after looking at it close, it has like a brownish tint, where the tank pad was, and where the design was it doesnt have the brown

can a shop even take care of this, w/o repainting?

[Teak]

What type of tank pad was on the tank? Leather? Vinyl? Plastic?
How was the the tank pad removed?
How was the adhesive from the tank pad removed?


Eric

[roushstage2]

I think it's one of the ones that stick onto the middle of the tank, kinda like a sticker.