I guess detailing can have a steep learning curve at times. My latest problem involves paint removal from textured rubber. I taped off (poorly, not completely) the tail section of my car. Unfortunately the single stage red paint got on the rubber and I can't seem to get it off. So far I have tried APC, KAIO, lacquer thinner, and nail polish remover(acetone/water) and all have failed to remove the paint. The acetone did remove the paint from other trim areas that got paint on them, but not here. I was thinking of trying goof-off graffiti remover. Does anyone have any other suggestions or experience with this product? Note: the lighting in this pic got screwed up. The paint looks good throughout- like it does in the left hand side of the picture. The black louvers still need to be done. Any and all help is surely welcome.
Unwanted paint removal. Goof-off?
- Thread starter pcar 930
- Start date
imported_Jakerooni
New member
Because that is a very pourous "whale fin" there's a very strong possibilty you're going to have to get the fin re-dyed or repainted whichever the case may be. The porous rubber is very unforgiving to this type of thing and really won't let go of the pigment without harsh solvants. And by harsh I mean you'll usually end up damaging the foam before you get it all off. Safer bet to have it redone. That's just my experience though. And by what you've already done I'd say it's pretty on par. But there may be some other members that have had some success with this in the past.
MarcHarris
New member
I'm with Jake on that.
Additionally, if lacquer thinner didn't work, then goof-off type products won't work either (nor will acetone, ketone, etc type of things). They're all in the same family, but if they worked on other body parts, then they should work on this too. Hard part is they're strong products and you don't want to ruin the rubber.
Detailing can quickly have "uh-oh" moments, which is why it's important to ALWAYS stay on the safe side of things. Luckily, I think there's a possibility to re-dye some of that rubber strip / spot paint the affected area. Regardless, g/l to you
Additionally, if lacquer thinner didn't work, then goof-off type products won't work either (nor will acetone, ketone, etc type of things). They're all in the same family, but if they worked on other body parts, then they should work on this too. Hard part is they're strong products and you don't want to ruin the rubber.
Detailing can quickly have "uh-oh" moments, which is why it's important to ALWAYS stay on the safe side of things. Luckily, I think there's a possibility to re-dye some of that rubber strip / spot paint the affected area. Regardless, g/l to you
Try some 0000 steel wool on it, keeping the area fairly wet. Tape off the paint first and after, hose it off whichever way avoids the paint. If that doesn't work out, try an SOS pad w/ water, again avoiding paint contact. Last thing I can think of would be a 4:1 mix of glycerin to white distilled vinegar. Mix it up, dip a brush into it and scrub the rubber with it then hose it off. Good luck!