Removing white 4x4 lettering from mudflaps

This is by far the simplest. Use a sanding block to make good contact with just the letters, and finish up with some 400. It'll look like it was never painted.

 

I bet goo gone will take it off.

No matter what chemical you use to remove it wash it off VERY well with warm water and a little tiny but of dish soap. Then treat the whole mud flap with a rubber/plastic protectant.
The use of most of those chemical cleaners can dry out the plastic or stain. You want to clean it and apply a product that will condition it so you aren’t left with discolored flaps.

 

I used brake clean and a rag. Came right off.

 

Acetone and a wire brush

 

Chop em off above the lettering

 

Just get rid of it. Lol

 

Seems like a lot of work for something you could buy on ebay for less than $ 25.

 

Lacquer thinner and some Scotchbrite wiped the white paint off and then some Back to Black plastic restorer. Looks like they came from the factory all black.

 

Resurrecting a very old thread to ask a question. I am planning on touching up the white 4x4 on the mudflaps and unsure which type of paint to use. Here is what I currently have...

- Rustoleum ultra cover spray paint in a rattle can (says good for plastic on the can, but it might not adhere to polyethylene as well)

- Rustoleum oil based gloss white protective enamel paint

- Rustoleum satin white low sheen finish paint

- Sears latex outdoor paint

Thoughts/opinions on which would be best to use?? Or is there another type of paint that I should buy to use??

Thanks!!

 

I peeled them off, they were decals

 

Interesting thread! I find it hard to believe that nobody who 'four-wheels' has not had the mud flaps snap off? My 2001 flaps were great, made of rubber so they 'flapped' over rocks. My 2005 and 2010 were hard plastic and do not 'flap' over rocks or ledges. I lost the 2005 flaps twice (dealer replaced them the first time). When I got my 2010, I just removed them (all four). Yes, I like to flaunt that my truck is a 4x4 and with the Second Gens, the mud flaps are the ONLY visible indication, since the Off Road TRDs with there side stickers also come in 2WD. I did add an A-TRAC badge I had made... since A-TRAC is a 4x4 system! LOL

 

I replaced mine with trimmed mudflaps from a prerunner.

 

I used 70% isopropyl alcohol. Elbow grease and time. Cleaned up with good car soap.
I like the Brazilian look.

 

Maybe add glitter? LOL

 

The latex won't last if it sticks at all, all those other will need some form of plastic adhesion promoter to prevent flaking off in six months, I'd honestly get a can of Krylon Fusion it has plastic bonders premixed in ready to go and sticks to most plastics pretty well though no paint will stick or last like factory, pretty sure they use an epoxy paint and have it torched on.

 

The OP left 5 years ago, but his thread lives on!!

 

For future use and as a lab dude that deals with these types of chemicals - go the mechanical route.

Most of the solvents suggested above will also eat into the plastic enough to warp it.

(I mean, I'm stupid enough to use solvents, but there's a technique to it. You splash a shop rag with your paint solvent, rub it clean, then immediately chase it with isopropyl to neutralize the reaction, and then immediately chase it again with water. But technically, that's not what you're supposed to do, and I'll immediately disavow if you follow this and damage your shit.)

 

I used a drywall sanding block. Just be careful not to hit the surrounding areas. Gives the 4x4 a slightly matte finish so it doesn’t blend into the flap

 

All 4 of mine have fell victim to rocks and mud. Never saw the point in replacing them just so they could get ripped off again. Plus I like the look without mudflaps.

 

Have you tried driving through mud?
...that should cover it.

/friday