What Is The Paint Used To Label Parts From A Scrap Yard

[joelpsmith 1]

I finally got hold of a replacement wing mirror from a scrap yard. Only problem is that it has white paint "205" across the bottom edge.

 

Question is, does anyone know how this can be removed easily?

[allye 530 3 Cars]

T-cut or similar?

[GLPoomobile 958]

In theory it shouldn't adhere too well paint doesn't like textured plastic unless it's properly prepared and primed etc. Then factor in that it may well have been dirty and/or had silicone or wax on it from previous treatments (it's a distinct possibility).

 

I'd start by just trying to carefully pick away at it with a blunt knife or similar. Get as much off as possible and then try some light abrasive like toothpaste, moving on to something like T-Cut as suggested. You could use wet and dry, but it will remove the texture. Fortunately with it being the bottom of the mirror I guess it doesn't matter too much. Finally clean it up and recolour with either grey or black Plasticare.

Edited January 8, 2011 by GLPoomobile

[MerlinGTI 3]

Id be trying household thinners (not automotive!), panel wipe and other slow acting solvents first.

 

 

WD40 might even shift it! Its only them paint pen thingys.

[davepug205 7]

jetwash

[joelpsmith 1]

I got it off in the end with a bit of Autoglym Vinyl and Rubber care and rubbed it with some wire wool. It came off fairly easily, about 5 minutes of rubbing. It did smooth off the plastic's texture a little but since it was on the bottom edge no one is ever going to notice that.

 

It's a bit annoying since surely it would have been far more sensible to write on the mirror glass rather than the plastic, but never mind.

Edited January 10, 2011 by joelpsmith

[chipstick 382 1 Cars]

I used wd40 and a stiff brush from the lid of an interior cleaning foam on my front bumper when I dripped touch up pen on the grey plastic

 

Got it off in no time though. The brush took every bit out from in the texture and left no mark

[lagonda 42]

Brake fluid! Sorry, too late for you, but brake fluid (ordinary, not silicone) is superb for removing paint from plastic, rubber, etc, with no damage to the underlying surface. Great use for used brake fluid. Can be fairly slow acting depending on the paint, and might need several applications. Bonus of course is that it's water soluble so washes off easily. As it says on the tin...it WILL attack your car paint, so be careful if you're working on or near the car.

[blue_haddock 2]

We still use this occasionally at work to mark items. Have always used a dab of thinners on a rag to get it off.