WMRiceman

I have track numbers on a oval magnetic sheet. The car got rained on with the numbers attached at the track. When I got home I noticed a discoloration where the magnetic sheet was. I have tried waxing, buffing, rubbing compound (lightly) and even scratch remover. Nothing will remove this stain. Looking straight at the car it is not noticeable but at an angle with the sun on it, it's very apparent. Any ideas what to do short of taking it to a paint shop? Thanks

Tom W

In my experience, a bit of heat usually removes it (as in leaving it in the summer sun for a couple hours).

WMRiceman

Thanks for the reply. It's been like this for over eight months now, lots of Florida sun beating on it. I thought the same about it just going away with heat, no luck. I was thinking of wet sanding but I'm a little afraid.

dfinnegan

Have you called the manufacture of the magnetic numbers?

WMRiceman

I have not contacted the magnetic number folks. I don't even remember who I bought them from. I've used the numbers for years with no problem. I think I'll give the clay bar a try before any wet sanding.

elbeee964

Try this same post over at the Concourse & Car Care forum. They have some pro detailers who might know what ails you.
(I thought time & sun would do it, too. Good luck.)

WMRiceman

Great idea, I didn't even think of a different forum. Thanks

dfinnegan

How long were the numbers on? Perhaps it's not the rain, but the sun that caused the discoloration??

WMRiceman

I only put the numbers on at the track, maybe twice a year. The numbers only stay on for the weekend; on Friday afternoon and off Sunday night.

Ritter v4.0

Hmm. Can you take a photo- will it show up? Its hard to imagine a magnet leaving a mark- its of course a polar bond, not adhesive. Unless its the adhesive on the other side that adheres the numbers to the magnetic backing is the cause.
If it is "Goo Gone" is great for removing sticky adhesive residue.

Bearclaw

This is a known problem with these magnetic signs. People have also had some bad experiences with magnetics bras. Go to the websites of mag sign manufacturers and you'll see warnings about this, but in my opinion this should be shouted from the rooftops because these magnetic stickies are everywhere now. They tell you to take the sign off every couple days and clean behind it, because moisture migrates behind the sign and has nowhere to go. It then infiltrates the paint layer. I had some recent experience with a small sticker on a clear-coated car. I've gotten up to a medium-duty compound, and have made it a lot better, but it's not completely gone. I searched the Concours forum, and Anthony's suggestion to someone was to find a highly competent detailer who might be able to buff it out, and cross your fingers. I can't believe the problem is more than a few .0001's deep, but it would take somebody skilled and careful with a rotary to attempt this.

If you find a resolution, please post it.

Ritter v4.0

Good to know. It never rains in Atl so this has not been an issue to date.

Dwane

I'm an auto dealer and sometimes I cannot correct the discoloration....
Go see someone who is competent and make sure he checks the paint depth, before starting anything!

WMRiceman

Thanks for all the ideas. I think I'll take it to a trusted detailer and have them give it a shot.

Oracle

I was told to use a thin paper or clear food wrap (the clear sticky one) between the metal and the magnet to prevent any discoloration, I know it doesn't help but for the future..