Debadged with a small problem. Need your help please.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 73
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From: So Fla
2007 W203 SS
Debadged with a small problem. Need your help please.
I was able to debadge the rear last night using the hair dryer/floss method and that was simple. The PITA was trying to remove the adhesive. I used Goo Gone and the hair dryer to finally (with lots of elbow grease) removed all of the material… the problem is that I can still see the outline of the emblems clear as day. I thoroughly cleaned the surface, used my clay bar and even applied Zaino swirl remover to no avail. 
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,403
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
When I debadged mine you could see the outline as well. I fixed mine by polishing the area with a DA and Menzerna Super Intensive polish. Seems the badges slightly etch the clearcoat. Your Zaino is probably not quite abrasive enough to remove the etching. Try something with a little more abrasive, like the Menzerna SIP, as the MB ceramiclear is really hard to polish out since it is REALLY hard.
Last edited by johnand; Apr 21, 2010 at 09:31 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 289
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From: Orlando, FL
2003 C320 4Matic
after i got all the glue off i washed the car and then took the buffer i've got (Porter cable dual action orbiter or something like that) and buffed where the 4matic was with some meguiars medium abrasive compounding, was gone in a minute
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,601
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
Mine wasn't very obvious and the difference faded away within a few weeks of sun exposure and washing. How old is your car? There is the potential of UV fading of the paint if your car is old enough or has had intense sun exposure.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 73
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From: So Fla
2007 W203 SS
Hey, thanks for all of your suggestions and comments!
I looked up PPG Ceramiclear and was pleased to see how durable the clearcoat is. Going to find a good compound and put the elbow back to work.
Thanks again!
I looked up PPG Ceramiclear and was pleased to see how durable the clearcoat is. Going to find a good compound and put the elbow back to work.
Thanks again!
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Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
Menzerna polishes are designed for the ceramiclear, so that is what I would recommend if you are going to buy something new.
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Orlando, FL
C240
I think it's because our cars are older and the paint has faded a tone or two, but the paint that has been forever covered by the badges received no sunlight exposure, hence the darker outline.
I waxed it and left it alone. A few washes and some weathering took care of it. (Parked in sun..)
I waxed it and left it alone. A few washes and some weathering took care of it. (Parked in sun..)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 73
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From: So Fla
2007 W203 SS
So on my way home yesterday, I remember buying a bottle of Kit scratch removal for the girlfriends car a while back (for the door handle area). It was a bit more abrasive than the Zaino and took about a half hour of buffing but it's all gone. The compound buffed that section to a super smooth and scratch free finish too.
If the cheap old polish I used worked, I can imagine a polish specific to Ceramiclear. I think the claybar, compounding (probably Menzerna) and a lot of Zaino is in the very near future.
Thanks again for all feedback!!
Thanks again for all feedback!!
Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 195
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From: VA
2005 c230k ss, 2005 Land Rover LR3, 2006 Honda S2000
When I see debaged cars I always think of people that, for example have a e320 or e350 sport, throw AMG wheels on it and try to pawn it off as an e55 or e63. Same with BMW owners, 540i with M wheels on it and no badge. I know you guys arent trying to do that, but that what I think of when I see a debaged car.
