MagicianB

Yes I officially have a new decoration on my rear bumper, the black plastic outline of another car's license plate. Guy rear ended me when I slowed down at a stop light Anyway it's not that bad so I'm happy about that. What I'm not happy about is figuring out how to remove the black plastic. Some rubbing with towels + water got some of it off but not all totally. The paint is all still there I believe, just a layer of black plastic stuff over it. Anyone know a good way to get it off? Using my fingernails doesn't totally get it off hehe.

revstriker

I would suggest trying WD-40, and a little light rubbing. Automotive stores and hardware stores also sell different types of "gunk" remover, but I'm not knowledgeable enough to recommend a brand.

You may want to try and post this over on the Detailing forum.

MacPhisto

Try some mild cleaner wax - the combo cleaner/wax that you can buy at the hardware store, etc. That should get it off, and give your plate a nice shine!

session

When that happened to my Civic because an idiot in a van decided to brake going up a hill in the snow, I was extremely pissed. However, I picked up some 3M Fine Abrasive and blotted it on in small areas, rubbing very lightly. It'll come off no problem, then just apply your favorite wax.

FrankW

get some paint thinner. Wash and wax right after you use the paint thinner though.

mleskovar

Be careful with your MB paint, it's not what it used to be....MUCH thinner and more brittle now. Try using Klasse All In One to remove the smudge. Then polish the rest of the car with it. You'll be amazed at how well it works and how long it lasts.

OneFastBenz

Using an automotive paint reducer ( bought at any automotive paint supply store), will remove almost anything, and not hurt the already hardened paint. If this does not work go to an auto parts store and pick up some 2000 grit color sanding paper, sanding with 2000 grit would take a long time to rub through the paint, though will sand anything on the surface off right away. After the 2000 grit paper you will have to buff it up using some Heavy Cut rubbing compound any a terry cloth. Then just go over the area with a sealer/ cleaner wax to seal the surface.

Now the next question is how do you get the guys blood of your car, the guy who hit you that is, and for that question you will have to e-mail OJ

MagicianB

I would've punched him but I didn't want blood on me when I got to school :-P Anyway I'm gonna try something once I get some spare time. You can't even see the mark from like 8 feet away so I'm not in too much of a hurry. Thanks for all the suggestions though!

Matt230K

Why isn't he footing the bill for the repairs?

MagicianB

I just thought it wasn't really worth asking for a few bucks from the guy. I actually should take part blame for it but it really was his fault But anyway yeah, just a hassle to ask for like $20 so I can buy some remover stuff heh.

Matt230K

He would probably be delighted to get out of it for only $20. Although not as delighted as getting out of it for free.

02Impressor

I had the same exact thing. I slammed into someone and my bumper got all 'smudged' up. Using water and then scratching it with your [long] fingernails will get it off without leaving any damage. Try it. But scratch it hard and profusely not softly.