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View Full Version : Taking paint off of frame w/o damaging clear coat?



roguedog
01-17-2007, 12:23 AM
So I have a bike frame that someone used as an art project. I think it's oil paint or it's latex.. more likely the former.

So I found a site that supposedly tells me how to take this off without damaging the clear coat (of a car but I figure it's the same for bikes??).

Let me know if any of you have better ideas or if this advice sounds lame.

From site:

This is not hard to take care of if you are careful. If you have a newer car the paint is usually a clear coat finish. Some are softer than others and can be damaged so don't use buffing or rubbing compound on clear coat unless you are an expert!!

Instead try the following.
Go to a paint store or H Depot and get a bottle/can of Goof-Off.
Go to an auto store and purchase a clay bar and some detail spray. If they don't know what a clay bar is RUN.

WASH THE CAR use lots of water to remove ALL surface dust and grime. If you use Dawn dish soap in the water (make a strong mix) you can get a lot of stuff off, (including your current wax coats). Don't use force just cleaning surface dirt and loose stuff with the wash. Don't pick at the paint blotches!

Rinse and dry the car--use lots of water to rinse.

Use the goof-off very sparingly with a very soft cloth or Q-tip to remove the BIG blotches. Work slowly, don't use pressure. Clean the spot as much as possible and then do a little more until you have removed the majority of the blotch. You will see how this works when you do it--remember be careful and deliberate do not rush. Do all the spots that you can using this method.

Next spray an area with detail spray to get it WET. Use the clay bar in straight back a forth moves to remove the remaining paint blotches. Do not go in circles and DO NOT push hard. Treat the paint with care, you don't need force. you need time. Gently dry the area with a soft towel (USA made cotton bath towel or microfiber towel don't use foreign made cotton). IF spots remain, repeat the clay on that area until clear. Repeat as needed over the entire body until car is spot free. If you clay bar the entire car your paint will be very clean and ready for a new coat of wax. It will also look like a new paint job cause the clay takes away most surface crap that has attached to you car's finish.

Next WASH the car again don't skip this wash. Dry the car and then wax the paint to protect.
You will not need to work hard to put on wax just get GOOD wax like Meguiars or similar, easy on easy off.
Remove wax with cotton or microfiber towels. Remove in straight lines not in circles.
Finally---
Go in the house, get camera, take picture, take picture to work and show friends.

roguedog
01-17-2007, 12:24 AM
And.. what is so magic about Dawn dish soap anyway??

I read all sorts of things that say to wash or bathe things in Dawn dish soap...

KnottedYet
01-17-2007, 06:45 AM
Dawn and Joy, I've heard urban legends about the cleaning power of both. Boaters seem to like Joy.

Me, I like Dr. Bronners....:D and Simple Green. :D

Can you take those instructions in to a paint store (not the paint dept of a big-box store, an actual Paint Store) with the bike and ask for their advice? My dad was manager of a paint store and he was always helping people figure out what kind of paint was on something, and how to get it off.

(maybe call and explain the situation and ask when someone who knows how to help you will be in)

mimitabby
01-17-2007, 07:08 AM
the clay bar is a kind of clay (very very very fine particles make clay)
that you can rub across a finish without scratching your car.
the gunk gets stuck in the clay, so you knead it a little until you have a nice fresh surface.

have you tried just fussing with it by hand, does the bad paint peel off?