r/AutoDetailing • u/dracyul • 2d ago
Question Tried to remove paint transfer with WD-40 + magic eraser, what shall I do next?
Before and after attached
Should I try acetone or some sort of compound, or just scrub harder with the magic eraser (was scared of doing that) + WD-40, or let a professional handle it? It doesn't need to look perfect, just less visible
Used a clay mitt and rinsed the area after but haven't waxed it since I assumed it'll make it harder to remove the rest of the paint
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u/Vader425 2d ago
Lmao. Stop while you're ahead. Magic eraser and acetone shouldn't be in the equation.
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u/nossody 1d ago
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u/LandoClapping 2d ago
magic eraser? bro... that's squishy sandpaper.
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u/Spiritual-Handle7583 2d ago
What grit tho? Like 800?
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u/ARottenPear 2d ago
Wayyyyyy higher. Magic Eraser is ~3000-5000 grit. I wouldn't use it on paint but it's not as bad as people are making it sound. People wet sand their clear all the time. Compound is abrasive too, no idea what the equivalent grit would be.
Again, I'd still never use a Magic Eraser on my paint but it's not going to cause irreparable damage unless you really go to town.
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u/InResponse23 1d ago
That's not accurate. When dry Magic Eraser has an equivalent grit to 500-800. When WET its higher like you said, but straight out of the box it's very abrasive.
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u/ARottenPear 10h ago
Magic eraser is supposed to be used wet and OP said they were using it with WD40 (wet) so that's what I referenced.
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u/InResponse23 8h ago
Ok, but magic eraser dry against paint can do some serious damage. Seriously fast.
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u/Spiritual-Handle7583 1d ago
Thank the Car Gods because I've definitely used the magic eraser + WD40 hack on my WRX bumper lol this was after a 90° turn at like 5mph in a snowy parking lot turned into 320° turn/slide into very blue cart corral (this was when decided it was time for new tires)
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u/marcodinson 2d ago
To be fair, I’ve used WD40 with Magic eraser to get paint transfer out successfully, followed by ScratchX and Wax.
I think the severity of it makes the difference
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u/miwi81 2d ago
To get paint transfer off?!? Paint transfer can buff off, ffs
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u/Autokosmetik_Calgary 2d ago
It's actually better to remove transfer with a solvent first, but you can just use an mf towel and gunwash. Polishing should be a last resort for removing anything because it will create an uneven finish or high spots in the clear.
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u/miwi81 2d ago
No, I think the last resort is sanding, which is what he did 🤣
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u/Autokosmetik_Calgary 6h ago
You disagree that using a solvent to remove transfer before polishing is a best practice because sanding should be a last resort? (???)
It's fun to get 7 downvotes with a bunch of comments below that have nothing to do with what I said, but if anyone else is reading this, message me if you need professional guidance. All the best to everyone.
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u/mightdothisagain 1d ago
It is always best to remove the transfer first like you said. However a solvent doesn't really matter, because modern paint is resistant to most solvents once cured. The ones that will affect paint quickly enough to matter are going to attack your good paint too so they're best avoided. I always start with a strong ratio of shampoo and water, and mechanically wash off and loosen as much as will come off. Then I use clay with a detail spray for lube to remove as much as possible. Then cut and polish.
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u/Alswiggity 1d ago
You're objectively correct but still getting downvoted.
Don't worry man, it's Reddit.
You should always always always try actually cleaning it PROPERLY with the CORRECT cleaners. Acetone won't do anything. Bug + Tar remover as plan A, polish is plan B, compound is plan C. Going direct to buffing may not create a noticable difference in your paint, but you definitely removed clear coat and castrated yourself on how many future polishes you have left. Some brands use thicker clear coats than others.
To just remove paint transfer, sanding should NEVER be an option and is unnecessary.
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u/Ewtbp 2d ago
So your paint is most like still damaged/marred, and it’s just the fillers in the polish and wax hiding it. Once you degrease your car, the paint damage will show. (Assuming you applied this by hand, and not with a polishing machine)
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u/marcodinson 2d ago
Not saying it’s the best approach, just stating that it worked for me and OP probably saw the same ChrisFix video lol
I’m no professional or claim to be but was satisfied with the end result. I understand many here are professionals and have their own way of tackling this
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u/lunarc 2d ago
Yikes. Magic eraser is never the answer.
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u/manuel_f_p 2d ago
He probably watched the same video from ChrisFix that I did one time to help get paint transfer off of my truck. It did work, but I was nervous the whole time.
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u/DavidinCT 2d ago
Use a rubbing compound.... and scrub..
DO NOT use a magic eraser, they are pretty much a fine sandpaper, they will damage the finish more than helping it.
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u/scottwax Business Owner 2d ago
Start compounding, don't overwork the paint that doesn't have paint transfer on it.
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u/Horizon2217 2d ago
I used a quick detailer and clay bar to remove paint from my bumper before. Worked well without damaging the paint aslong as you're not too rough and make sure it's constantly lubricated. But you're probably gonna need to polish it after since you pretty much sanded it.
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u/Coriandercilantroyo 1d ago
Clay bar is what the car wash guys did for me when I swiped a painted pole
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u/ceepyou 2d ago
This is the way. Start with less abrasion if at all possible. Take your time, do perpendicular motions and stop if you're worried, take a step back and assess the situation. You'll need to polish at the end anyway, but a medium to light polish after clay bar should get you most of the way with patience. You got this, just be cautious. While it's "just paint," it's a lot harder to put back what you take off. I've yet to burn through a panel by just being deliberate. Wish you the best OP!
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u/Righteous_Fire 2d ago
I see you watched the ChrisFix video on this. He's a great source for car knowledge, but for detailers, we would use different stuff. For the average person, it will be fine.
You need 2 microfiber towels, 1 small container of acetone (goof off works too, but I prefer acetone) , and one large container of water.
Method:
Apply acetone to towel 1. Soak towel 2 in water.
Take acetone towel and rub area gently for a few seconds.
Immediately wipe with water towel to remove acetone from surface to avoid damage. Don't wring towel before.
Repeat until paint transfer is gone.
Wash normally.
Next is for advanced options. YMMV.
Wash area as normal and apply isopropyl alcohol to remove greases/oils/etc. Apply touch up paint if desired, then allow plenty of curing time, light wet-sanding with 2000 grit. Compound/Polish to remove marring and scratches. (You don't need a machine, but it helps. I would use Meguiars Ultimate Compound and Polish if doing by hand.)
Here is an AmmoNYC video on removing paint transfer
Here is a video on touch up paint
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u/RobustPickle 2d ago
lacquer thinner and shop towels. that's what i use. doesn't leave marks either.
edit: DO NOT use microfiber. the colors will bleed onto the paint. use specifically shop towels. you can get them at any hardware store.
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u/Timely_Wasabi_4140 2h ago
Same here. Takes off paint transfer in seconds. I use it on the blue shop towels.
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u/Status-Practice-6897 2d ago
Try paint thinner or gasoline
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u/Ham-Berg 1d ago
We always use laquer thinner. We’ve always got it laying around for paint work. Works everytime and it’s fast.
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u/Big-Jump1201 2d ago
Laquer thinner
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u/JuriaanT 2d ago
Try compound polish first, it carries ‘no’ risk compared to the thinner.
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u/Ham-Berg 1d ago
Unless it’s uncatalyzed clear coat or just freshly painted, what are the risks? We use it all the time for painting transfer amongst other things.. that and brake cleaner. But we’ve never had a problem with it.
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u/JuriaanT 1d ago
Brake cleaner and laquer thinner could be terrible for the surrounding paint if youre not careful/leave it sit too long/use it on a hot surface. With compound or polish, this risk simply does not exist.
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u/Artistic_Bit_4665 2d ago
Brake cleaner and a towel. If it's paint transfer it will take it right off. If it's the clear coat scuffed it won't do anything.
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u/No-Maintenance749 2d ago
acetone free nail polish remover, not the normal stuff, if you go down that road, soft cloth, warm soapy water afterwards
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u/-StRaNgEdAyS- 2d ago
Hand polish it. Rought cut then fine. That looks a bit more than buff out marking.
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u/IronSlanginRed 2d ago
If you just want to make it look nicer, rubbing and polishing compounds are available in wax style tins. Use a microfiber with the rubbing compound to get the transfer off, then use polishing compound to shine it up, then wax it.
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u/KowalskiTheGreat 2d ago
I've found brake cleaner usually works pretty well, I spray it on a (clean) rag first instead of directly on the paint, never had a problem as long as the paint is more than a year old
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u/Elcomandante626 2d ago
If this is a catalyzed clear coated finish, meaning it’s cured and hardened, you can use acetone or lacquer thinner for the paint transfer, you can then do a one step polish to restore some of the gloss. No acetone or lacquer thinner on single stage, you’ll remove the paint transfer and the paint of your vehicle with it.
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u/RockerDad984 2d ago
I've used turtle wax bug & tar and it worked. but it was a much smaller amount of paint. Might be worth trying?
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u/ReverendJonesLLC 2d ago
I watched a painter at a body shop use oven cleaner and it worked like a damn. Timing is everything. Leave it in too long and you’re screwed.
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u/CarpetReady8739 2d ago
Since the metal and the paint are usually harder than the plastic, more than likely you’ll be able to get most of that plastic off of there; I highly recommend a product called Gel Gloss. You’ll be amazed with its ability to clean most of that up. Give it a try.
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u/JoeDonDean 2d ago
Lacquer thinner will probably do it. Put a little on a terry towel, not shirt material. Make sure you wax it after, it’ll take everything even remotely like protection off. It’s my immediate go to, strips off anything that’s not original to the finish. Buff and wax after.
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u/txbill101 2d ago
Get paint code and get small amount at a auto paint store. Spray on paper plate and apply with tiny craft brush
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u/ClickKlockTickTock 1d ago
"I tried this shit that doesn't do anything as well as sandpaper so I'm not sure what else to do"
Its boofed so, now you have to polish it when you could've just clay barred it lmao.
Stop using wd-40 for everything it gives me the ultimate eye roll now lmfao. You could've just sprayed water, you're literally just wet sanding except with wd-40 for no reason.
Last time I had paint transfer a little clay bar got it all off, if its bad enough, I just used a little bit of finish polish.
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u/Forsaken_Pea6904 1d ago
Both elements qualify to be repainted… If you don’t want it to look normal, ignore.
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u/Apprehensive-Sell623 1d ago
I bought this stuff online and it worked almost as good as claimed. It’s called Scratch Removal Cloth. It’s the best scratch and paint rub remover I’ve used. Most of the time I used cutting compound but this is less harsh and does a better job. They claim it is nanotechnology
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u/ldtravs1 1d ago
Professional. Machine polish and compound will be fine - anything else and you’re trashing the paint around and underneath.
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u/Ok-Driver9192 1d ago
By the looks of that picture it looks like the paint has already been removed and by that I mean your paint. Looks like a trip to the body shop to me.
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u/ArtistSchmartist Dynosaur Detailing 1d ago
Professional detailer here, please step away from the vehicle.
My advice is to hire a professional.
Neither WD40 or Magic Erasers should ever be used on paint. And DEFINITELY not acetone.
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u/Getbackinyourhole 1d ago
Turtle wax rubbing compound and a microfiber for 20-40 minutes should take away the large white scratch
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u/Getbackinyourhole 1d ago
Turtle wax rubbing compound and a microfiber for 20-40 minutes should take away the large white scratch
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u/Dissk 1d ago
This sub is gonna tear you up, but if you're an average dude with an average car, just scrub a bit harder with the magic eraser and use some more WD-40. Make sure to keep it wet and don't swirl the magic eraser. I did this on my commuter car to remove paint transfer and it's almost completely undetectable.
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u/TheOwlHypothesis 1d ago
Bruh magic erasers are abrasive.
I know everyone already hammered you on it, but that's the key point to remember. They work because they're abrasive
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u/DistributionDue8470 1d ago
Magic erasers will sand and destroy everything they touch. I wish they were never invented. Every Tom, Dick and Harry thinks they’re the answer. You clay bar this next time OP. It’ll work a lot faster and won’t add any additional damage.
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u/InResponse23 1d ago
Dude...you clearly have the internet. How the hell did you land on effin wd40 and sandpaper?
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u/No1worldchamp 1d ago
Looks like you have gone to the primer, might aswell try 1500/2000g wet dry paper and polish it up with some 3M green fast cut compound. But I would say your chances are low and probably looking at a respray……
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u/Beaniefacia 1d ago
I would wet sand everything out using 6 hundred grit, all the way up to 2 or 3 thousand grit sandpaper in a buffer and then respray it, after coat it with 2K lacquer.. You can find tutorials on YouTube on how to do all this.
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u/Evelynmd214 1d ago
You need to repaint after the magic eraser
Clay bar was your missed opportunity
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u/Overkill_3K 1d ago
Polisher and compound would get most of the transfer off. Wool or Microfiber best bet. Something with heavy cut like M105 or 110
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u/Blueberrycupcake23 1d ago
Is the white paint that was scraped on by sideswiped another vehicle? Looks like some of it came off.. but I’d buff it out with compound..
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u/Comprehensive_Dolt69 12h ago
Try to wash it off, try using a clay bar, then use a scratch repair paste, I’ve had good luck with turtle wax. Should apply moderate pressure when doing this. If that hasn’t helping get their rubbing compound. And after you would typically wax it and you’ll definitely want that after using a magic eraser.
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u/Environmental_Till87 10h ago
I’ve always used isopropyl alcohol and it comes write off without damaging my paint 🤷♂️
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u/Zipster- 9h ago
That is more like paint removal versus a transfer. I say that because in your second picture, it looks to me like you've removed the transferred paint but are left with apparent clear coat and paint damage. Sorry to say! If you use your fingernail and it catches in the scratches, you have clear coat/paint damage, unfortunately.
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u/Jeffries848 8h ago
Small amount of thinner on a rag and wipe lightly. Don’t let it sit more than 20 seconds.
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u/Bowtie_Brigade 1d ago
Use a blue scotch pad; only blue. Will not scratch the paint and usually takes off scuff paint pretty easily. Keep area moist with detail spray while doing it.
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u/Jeppedy 2d ago
Keep going with the magic eraser. Yes, you're sanding down the paint. With luck, you sand down the transferred paint without impacting the body paint. Then polish. If you go too deep and sand down the base coat, treat it like a paint repair
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u/Enleyetenment 1d ago
This would have to be a last resort that follows many MANY other better options. You literally went front paint transfer removal to repainting.
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u/Alswiggity 2d ago edited 2d ago
Well because you probably marred the shit out of your paint with the magic eraser, you'll have to polish after.
Bug and tar remover should work. Compound and polish afterward.
The compound can also take it off but its a bit harsh imo.