[bd5400]

I recently removed the "Volvo" letters on the back of my S80 so I can replace them with the spaced out version instead. I can't get the ghost image from the old letters to go away however and I don't want to half do it.

I used 3M automotive adhesive remover and dental floss the get the old letters off. Once off I used the adhesive remover to clean the area up and get any remaining residue off. I could still see the outline when I looked at the car from a certain angle and if I blew on the car like I was fogging a mirror the entire letter would show up. I could also physically feel it.

So next I tried to use some clay to get it off thinking that since I could feel it the clay would pick it up (and it was suggested on another message board) but it seemingly did nothing and I can still tell that it's there.

Does anyone know what else can possibly be done? I want to do it right even though 99% of people would never even notice since the outline is the same color as the car. I don't want to have to pay someone to mess around with the paint however so if I'm out of options then I may just have to suck it up and put the new letters on.

 

[bd5400]

It's a 2008. My first thought was maybe paint fade but even when you look at it from an angle the paint looks the same color inside where the letters were as it does outside of the letters. There's just this outline around where the letters were that you can both see and feel if you look closely enough. It's almost as if the clear coat is raised. If you run your nail across the back of the car it feels like little ridges.

 

[bd5400]

Ugh. I was really hoping it wouldn't come to that. I've never polished or sanded a car before and I don't know if I want to try it out just to get rid of the ghost image. I'm too afraid that I'll mess something up. Maybe I'll look around for some guides online and see how feasible it is right now.

Thanks

Edit: If anyone can recommend any products that I'll be able to pick up at a local auto parts store I'd appreciate it.

 

[bd5400]

For reference this is what it looks like:

Hopefully you can see what I'm talking about. I took it with my phone so it isn't a great image. This is the only angle where you can see it. Looking straight on or from most side angles you don't even notice.

I'm looking at Meguiars products online right now and none of the compounds/polishes list themselves as either "heavy" or "light". Is that the difference between a compound and a polish? They have an "Ultimate Compound" and a "Rubbing Compound" listed as well as an "Ultimate Polish" and a "Polishing Compound".

Edit: I figured out the different between "heavy cut" and "light cut" when it comes to polishers. Unfortunately the Meguiars ones are listed as machine only so I don't know if I'll be able to utilize them for anything with my hands. I don't want to buy an orbiter/buffer just for this small part of the car.

I realize that this have have been better suited for the detailing forum and you'll have to excuse my complete lack of knowledge about anything compound/polish related!

Thanks

 

[bd5400]

Thanks for the updates but since this was over a month ago I've already taken care of it (to the best of my ability at least). Hopefully it's useful for someone else.