Remove paint with out harming clear-coat

I just bought my taco and the previous owner had "my mickey" painted on the tailgate to remember there mother who passed. I am wanting to remove it and am looking for the safest way to do so. It looks like it is normal paint but I dont want to harm the clear-coat under it. I hear nail polish works but have not tried it yet.

 

Wow, good question. Might call a sign painter or a body shop and ask them.
Good luck and welcome to TW

 

Not the same exact situation but there are some good ideas in this thread. Another thing to consider is the previous owner taped off the area and roughed it up to prep for the paint. Your clear coat may be messed up regardless. Might want to seriously consider repainting, or at least have it priced out before you go about removing the paint on your own.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/detailing/111358-tips-removing-road-paint.html#post2128974

 

Hand lettering is usually done with "sign paint". Not automotive paint.

Try to find someone in your area that does hand brushed pin striping. The kind you might see on a street rod or custom car. They will know how to get it off without destroying the paint underneath.

 

Send PolishAndWax.com a PM, he's a member here and is always willing to help and answer questions.

 

Yep, I have gotten the same response when saying to use a small amount of acetone on the end of a rag. People who have obviously never tried it start freaking out. Either mineral spirits or acetone should take it off. Just use in moderation.

My old accord had a painted on pinstripe and the body shop actually wetsanded it off w/ 1500 and 2000 grit sandpaper then compounded and polished it.

 

Thanks I think I will try mineral spirits. They didnt rough up the paint befor they painted it on. I think its just sign paint so I should be able to get it off. I will also PM polish and wax.

 

Use some Goof Off. Don't let it touch any other plastics. If it does, you will have dull spots. Spray it onto a microfiber towel and wipe away. Keep a few towels handy as they will probably gum up or start to streak in the paint's(on the top of the clear) color.

It will come off.

 

You can also use thinners to remove the paint. Thinners is OK to use on factory clear finishes, and will not remove it unless you really work it too hard. Just a little will go a long way, and will remove the unwanted paint. It may dull your clear a little, just a little polish by hand, wax, and you're set.

 

Well, what happened

 

i had to leave town and while i was waiting for my ride to the airport i got bored and grabbed some acetone and went at it. it worked like a charm and didnt damage the paint. now there is just a slight shadow of the words because the paint under has not faded. thanks for the replies and if i had more time i would have tried mineral spirits.

 

You wouldn't happen to have any pics would you?

 

i will take some when i get back to my house in a week.

 

Giv'er a light polish by hand, and "my Mickey" is gone.

 

Here is what it looks like after you can faintly see it and I am sure it will buff out. I dont have a before picture but I am happy with the results.