Need some help! Removing PAINTED pinstriping, experts only please!

[Chase@InsanePaint]

Ok, so I have a cool retro project in the garge right now, a 1989 Mercedes 300CE. The owner wanted the pinstriping removed, and it's painted on. NO PROBLEM. The entire car was going totally smooth. Light heat gun, 3M adhesive remover, a good MF towel, and some PATIENCE. It was a piece of cake, until I hit the driver's side door.....It's been repainted, which means the pinstriping is NEWER, and it's INCREDIBLY difficult to remove. The small 4"-5" section that's been removed (below), took 45 minutes!! And I still have the rest of the door!! My fear is that I'm going to harm the surrounding paint in the process. So I taped off around it, and decided to come in & ask for a 2nd opinion. Thoughts, gentlemen?? I cant just leave a random door unfinished, but I also want to be SAFE about the deal.

 

Here's where I'm at NOW.....

 

 

 

 

 

It might help to know, that I've already communicated the issue to the client, and he knows about this. He trusts me to do what is right. Thanks in advance for ANY help!!

[ForceofWill]

Hrm, being a pro detailer you wouldn't happen to have any Langka paint chip stuff lying around? I would try that blob remover if you did. Other than that, did you try compounding the stripes with the tape?

[Chase@InsanePaint]

No Langka. I'm thinking of trying a 4" Microfiber pad, on a drill, and using the adhesive remover......

[Chase@InsanePaint]

Sorry. Double post.

[ForceofWill]

Hrm, well you said they're painted on but probably by hand over the clear. I'd think with a 4" pad and some compound they would come off before the clear below.

[Chase@InsanePaint]

Correct, they're OVER the clear.

[07RS4]

No expert here...

[07RS4]

First three hits from youtube...

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuNiEAqwsYI]Painted Pin Stripe Removal - YouTube[/ame]

 

Another....

 

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgD9SJ_7Cto]Removing Pin Stripes - YouTube[/ame]

 

More oven cleaner references....better you than me.

 

How to remove painted pinstripes. Its easy! - MercuryMarauder.net Forums

[ihaveacamaro]

If it was painted on top of the clear, try some lacquer thinner. It is very good at removing paint transfer, so maybe it might be able to remove the pinstripe

[Chase@InsanePaint]

Thanks Dave!! Preciate ya buddy!

[Chase@InsanePaint]

If it was painted on top of the clear, try some lacquer thinner. It is very good at removing paint transfer, so maybe it might be able to remove the pinstripe

My fear of this is removing the PAINT in between the two stripes.

[The Ryan]

I used straight turtle wax rubbing compound years and years ago (over 10).. its basically like wet sanding. it will scratch the living crap out of the clear coat below it, and you'll have to polish it back to a shine, but it worked. I wouldn't recommend this method now 10 years later. I would use the drill and some 4" pads to save time.. I want to say the old method took me 4 hours just to remove the stripes then another 3 to do a 3 stage polish to remove all the damage I did with the rubbing compound.

[Chase@InsanePaint]

Thinking about trying wetsanding with 2k......

[Chase@InsanePaint]

No expert here...

Lol.....whatevs.....

[Odds and Ends]

if you're going to wet sand, start with 2500.....

 

- Darryl

[Green Machine]

Chase I am not an expert here but I read an article about using easy off oven cleaner with some q tips followed of course by a cleaner polish! Research first of course but it does work on stained windows!!!!! Good luck bud !!!!!!!!!!

[ihaveacamaro]

My fear of this is removing the PAINT in between the two stripes.

 

In my experience, Lacquer thinner won't remove anything that's clear coated. Essentially any modern paint system is safe. Again just my experience using it on about ten cars or so.

[Chase@InsanePaint]

In my experience, Lacquer thinner won't remove anything that's clear coated. Essentially any modern paint system is safe. Again just my experience using it on about ten cars or so.

Aaaaahh.....gotcha!! Thanks!!

[b_pappy]

Sorry I'm late to the party, anyhow, my stripper also uses lacquer thinner for removing the stripes. Most likely it is One Shot lettering enamel, tough stuff, but can be removed.

Bruce

[InDepthAutoDetailing]

Let us know what worked. I'm taking notes.

[IrishCurse]

I look to Chase as an expert, lol. Way over my head my friend.

[IrishCurse]

Matter of fact, I used his alcohol wipe down technique last night post polishing and to remove LSP in order to use QS, BG, then Americana. It was awesome, and something I'll do from now on. Removed all residue, cleaned, wiped completely streak free, and prepped the surface. I too am taking notes.

[Chase@InsanePaint]

Oven cleaner is soaking. 1st application soaked for 5 minutes, barely did anything. 2nd coat soaked for 10 minutes, little better. I'm gonna let this 3rd coat soak for 30 minutes. Keep y'all posted. Thanks for the help & support! If this doesn't do it, I'll be buying lacquer thinner tomorrow.

[Chase@InsanePaint]

Ok. So oven cleaner did the trick. Multiple applications & had to scrub a good bit with a MF towel. But it came off MUCH easier & quicker than what I was doing beforehand. CRAZY. I never would've done that on my own intuition. THANKS DAVE!!! Preciate the help everyone!!

[07RS4]

Shoot brother...that was Youtube. I never would have guessed it. Glad it worked for you! -D

[IrishCurse]

Mighty fine!