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How can I remove image left behind by sticker on the black rear fender?

A

Allen42

Active member
There is an obvious rectangle on the bottom of my rear mudflap where I assume the previous owner had a sticker. It's not residue or sticky I don’t think, as it does not feel any different.

I’ve tried scrubbing with Dawn, and with rubbing alcohol, and then waxing it, but it’s still quite evident.

I’m not a huge fan of the trim shine like products that basically paint your rubber and plastic with a petroleum based product.

Does anyone know of a proven, reliable way to fix this?
 

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TAPE OFF THE REST OF THE MUD FLAP, AND LET THE SUN FADE THE "STICKER AREA" FOR A WHILE!!!! :shocked::shocked:;)you have tried most of the normal cleaning agents. maybe it might some "back to black" that you don't want to use that might hide it
 
Or try a heat gun with a disperser tip, start too far away and very, very gradually get closer while sweeping (fanning) the heat over that part of the fender, be VERY cautious about getting too close or keeping the heat in one spot. When the plastic get's warm enough it will "Flash" and turn darker, remove the heat and let the fender cool.
Both my '13 RTL and '18 RTL had very sun faded rear black plastic fenders and this method corrected both. It should blend that darker spot.

Heat Gun Dispersal Nozzle.png
 
DGoebel said:
Or try a heat gun with a disperser tip, start too far away and very, very gradually get closer while sweeping (fanning) the heat over that part of the fender, be VERY cautious about getting too close or keeping the heat in one spot. When the plastic get's warm enough it will "Flash" and turn darker, remove the heat and let the fender cool.
Both my '13 RTL and '18 RTL had very sun faded rear black plastic fenders and this method corrected both. It should blend that darker spot.

View attachment 208895
Click to expand...

I've seen those videos for stadium seats. Good idea. I have a heat gun, but no tip. Do you think that's necessary? Maybe I'll price a replacement fender before I try, just in case. :shocked:
 
Allen42 said:
I've seen those videos for stadium seats. Good idea. I have a heat gun, but no tip. Do you think that's necessary? ...:
Click to expand...
I've always had some industrial strength or RC Modeling heat guns that came with the disperser, it should work without, but again go slow and be ready to remove the heat. I imagine you'd have to use the highest setting and really hold it on there to actually melt the plastic, the heat just flashes the petroleum products in the plastic and brings the color back. I've seen them doing that to stadium seating and other sun faded plastics. Works great!
 
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Allen42 said:
I've seen those videos for stadium seats. Good idea. I have a heat gun, but no tip. Do you think that's necessary? Maybe I'll price a replacement fender before I try, just in case. :shocked:
Click to expand...

Be careful but you don't need a tip though it helps with directional control
We do this trick in our yacht/boat repair business.
Like DGoebel stated, is how to do it!
 
The fender around that spot has faded over time and the sticker has kept that spot from fading so the spot isn't the problem area. Buy a bottle of 303 Protectant and use it ACCORDING to directions. It doesn't leave an oily or "shiny" finish and I think you will be pleased with the results. Much cheaper than replacing a fender because of that small spot.
 
Navydad said:
The fender around that spot has faded over time and the sticker has kept that spot from fading so the spot isn't the problem area. Buy a bottle of 303 Protectant and use it ACCORDING to directions. It doesn't leave an oily or "shiny" finish and I think you will be pleased with the results. Much cheaper than replacing a fender because of that small spot.
Click to expand...


303 seems to be a brand, and they have a lot of products:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=303+prot...,aps,114&ref=nb_sb_ss_pltr-data-refreshed_1_9

I'm thinking maybe this one?
https://a.co/d/f1s3WR4
 
Dammit, NavyDad!!! That stuff worked so well I ended up doing ALL of the plastic and rubber on the bike! My shoulders are killing me! 👊🏻🤣

The “wipe until dry” part is important and the hardest part.

Great suggestion!

Pics: (Remember this is an old 2019, not a new bike!)
 

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I have used 303 spray on my truck tires for over 20 years. It absolutely stops ALL weather cracking on tires. And this was in the Florida sun. Just plain good stuff.



2023 RT limited
 
Allen42 said:
Dammit, NavyDad!!! That stuff worked so well I ended up doing ALL of the plastic and rubber on the bike! My shoulders are killing me! ������

The “wipe until dry” part is important and the hardest part.

Great suggestion!

Pics: (Remember this is an old 2019, not a new bike!)
Click to expand...

:roflblack: Yeah, my 2015 looks like that as does my 2008 Burgman, my 2017 Guzzi, my wife's SUV, etc. etc. Ibuprofen helps with the shoulders. :roflblack:
 
Allen42 said:
There is an obvious rectangle on the bottom of my rear mudflap where I assume the previous owner had a sticker. It's not residue or sticky I don’t think, as it does not feel any different.

I’ve tried scrubbing with Dawn, and with rubbing alcohol, and then waxing it, but it’s still quite evident.

I’m not a huge fan of the trim shine like products that basically paint your rubber and plastic with a petroleum based product.

Does anyone know of a proven, reliable way to fix this?
Click to expand...

Try a little paint thinner.
 
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