• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Best Stuff for removing adhesive residue from paint.

W

WackyDan

Diamond Member
Long story short... I have some towing mirrors for the truck that slip on over the existing mirrors and look factory for the most part. Far cheaper than buying Ford's towing mirrors wich were not an option on my truck - but could be installed - but I would lose all power adjustments, folding, etc...

So...

I had to tow this weekend and didn't have the 3M clear body tape yet, so I used some strips of electrical tape to prevent any potential rubbing between the slip over mirrors and stock mirrors which are partially painted....Removing said tape after a day of towing and sun left some residue... Not horrible, but I'd like to remove it.

What are some clear coat safe chemicals for removing the residue?

FYI... For the $50 for the mirrors, they worked freaking great.
 
I've used Goo-Gone with varying levels of success, depending on the particular adhesive. Should work well for electrical tape, since I would assume the rubber/PVC/whatever part all came off. It's less effective when there are bits of the 'tape' material covering the adhesive- have had that happen with masking tape...little tiny bits of paper made it a pain. Also, I had done the 'stick the tape to your clothes to make it less tacky' trick, which seemed to end up being counterproductive, as the lint and crap doesn't dissolve.
 
Goo Gone worked for the residue from removing my spoiler... and that was some serious adhesive. It took over an hour and the paint wasn't damaged as far as I could tell. It's not citrus based though, it's made from some petroleum based oil and citrus oil.
 
But for vinyl sticker residue I used quick detail spray. The Meguiar's one is mostly isopropyl with some other chemicals that may or may not be harmful
 
Last edited:
All I know is goo gone seems harmless. I'm sure it strips your wax, and you risk swirl marks and whatnot from whatever you're scrubbing with. But none of that is as serious as actually damaging the paint.

I've also used some really serious 'bug and tar' remover for tree sap and the like. Seemed to just be paint thinner or something, heh. But still didn't hurt anything. Modern clearcoat is some hard shit.
 
Lighter fluid works well. It's mostly water and won't damage the paint. I always wipe with water after just to be sure.
 
Throckmorton said:
Is lighter fluid really mostly water?
Click to expand...

I do not believe that is correct. If lighter fluid contained a large amount of water, wouldn't it sizzle/pop/crack/ect and generally be pretty terrible as a fluid for lighters with a wick?

The volatile part is some kind of light hydrocarbon. I think the rest is a paraffin.

Or perhaps he meant charcoal lighter fluid...but I don't think that's a very standardized substance? As in, different brand, difference variety of stuff that goes boom.
 
lighter fluid is generally straight light naphtha, I suppose treated to remove most benzene, though.

'charcoal lighter fluid' is more or less kerosene, afaik (so a bit heavier, less volatile, less vooompf when lighting).

I usually try alcohol first, then move on to varsol (~kerosene) or acetone.
 
Last edited:
WD40 for everything. After working on my car of bike ,I spray it on my hands and use a rag to wipe off the grease.
 
Before you start removing ANY adhesive you heat it up FIRST (with heating gun or hairdryer).

At that point, you can pretty much take it off with anything....rag?

😉
 
Brake fluid will take it right off.*







*Just to be clear it will remove everything down to the metal
 
Last edited:
Midwayman said:
Brake fluid will take it right off.
Click to expand...

Ban.

Edit: And just so it's clear, brake fluid will eat any paint or plastic it touches. Ignore this troll.


In reply to your edit, brake fluid won't consistently remove paint to the metal. If you're trying to do that then you should use paint stripper.

There is absolutely no reason to 'apply' brake fluid to anything on a car, not even as a hack job type of fix.
 
Last edited:
SpatiallyAware said:
Ban.

Edit: And just so it's clear, brake fluid will eat any paint or plastic it touches. Ignore this troll.
Click to expand...

Yeah, well I already know that. I know about goo gone and so forth. I just want to use the friendliest chemical I can that will get the job done with no ill effects to the paint and plastics.
 
WackyDan said:
Yeah, well I already know that. I know about goo gone and so forth. I just want to use the friendliest chemical I can that will get the job done with no ill effects to the paint and plastics.
Click to expand...


Technically the "friendliest" chemical would be warm water. Soak a towel in hot water, lay it on the mirror, carefully try to buff the residue off with a MF towel.


Personally I would use goo gone. You don't want to "rub" the stuff off or it creates micro scratches. I would dab it on, let it sit for a few seconds and try to blotch off. Electrical tape residue can be a PITA so I wouldn't go in thinking this is a 2 minute fix.
 
If you care about your paint, stay away from acetone. It's great at adhesive (or nail polish) removal but it's so harsh on paint it leaves it flat. No more gloss for you.

Bug & Tar Remover might work. It's safe for paint. It'll kill plastic though. Directions say to rinse after use. It has a definite hydrocarbon odor.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top