I need to remove just a thin strip where my side skirts go for the 3m tape on the side. The guy I had put it on obviously wants to milk me for a few benjamins to remove probably less than 6 sq. inches of coating....even if I tape it up, etc. What method do those of you in the know use to remove ceramic coat and how do you know when you have it off? I have a bottle of 3M adhesive promotor but understand it won't work on ceramic coat. Thanks in advance! Itching to install these but want to make sure I do it right!

 

Which ceramic coating? Need to apply polish with an orbital buffer to remove coating. Very time-consuming process. It may be best to just pay the detailer to remove then reapply after side skirt installation.

 

I don't remember the brand but it's supposed to be a heavy coating and he guarantees it for 7 years. So your saying there's no way to remove just a small strip by hand? I have lottsa elbow grease if needed!

 

How would polish and an orbital buffer remove ceramic coating?

My buddy needed a small section removed and I used a Meguiar's #9 with a medium cutting pad.

I'm by no means saying my way is the right way or polish is the wrong way.

 

Acetone would do the trick and not damage the paint.

 

I’ve done this before, start by wiping isopropyl alcohol 91% on the area you want removed. Let it sit for a minute and wipe off, this can be repeated a few time. This alone will not remove the coating but will soften it up. Then move to using a buffer with a cutting compound (Maguires ultimate compound is pretty mistake proof) feel free to use what you like as long as it’s at least a mid-grade cutting compound. You may need to do several passes. Once you think you got it take a small piece of 3m tape and test to see how it’s sticking. You may need to repeat the process a time or two. When you’re all set do a final wipe with the alcohol.

Apply the 3m adhesive promoter and you off to the races. I would also use a hairdryer to heat up the area and the tape. Good luck!

 

Google says....and I can neither confirm nor deny.....good luck seems like it won't be a big deal....(for a small area)


To remove a small section of a high-quality ceramic coating, you can try lightly polishing the area with a medium-cut polish and a microfiber pad, or use a clay bar with a lubricant, followed by a thorough wash and a test for complete removal.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Preparation:

• Thoroughly wash the car: Start by washing the car with a wax-stripping shampoo to remove any loose debris or contaminants.

• Identify the area: Pinpoint the small section of ceramic coating you want to remove.

2. Chemical Removal (Optional):

• Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA):
  Dampen a microfiber towel with IPA and gently wipe the area in a circular motion.

• Repeat IPA application:
  Continue applying IPA and wiping until the coating appears to be broken down.
• Clay Bar Treatment:
  Use a clay bar (lubricated with a clay lubricant or soapy water) to remove any remaining contaminants or residue.
• Wheel and Brake Cleaner:
  You can also try a diluted solution of wheel and brake cleaner (5:1 with water). Test in an inconspicuous area first.

3. Mechanical Removal (If Chemical Removal Fails):

• Light Polishing: Use a medium-cut polish and a microfiber pad to lightly polish the area.

• Machine Polishing: If using a machine polisher, start with a medium-cutting pad and a medium to light polishing compound.
• Check for Removal: After polishing, thoroughly clean the area and spray it with water to see if the coating has been removed. You should be able to feel a "squeaky clean" surface where the coating has been removed.

• Removing old ceramic coating for new coating?
  Apr 10, 2020 — I think most consumer coatings should disappear with just a polish. A quality swirl remover with an LC orange or equiv...

 

As others have said. You have to buff it off. If its just a really small area, you can probably tape it off and buff by hand with some Mcquari\es Scratch x 2.0 or other compound like this that will get the job done real quick. Be careful not to start burning through your clear coat and marring the surface.

 

Wow I did not know ceramic was that tough. No experience stripping in off but I've never seen anything a course or medium rubbing compound could not cut. I got some heavy duty compound I used to debure some curb rash. I'd try a claybar too. Both methods allow you to go easy.

 

I have a friend who is has a detailing business... He's had to do it so that a hot rod with flames that had the flames scratched.... so that the flames could be repaired... PITA to get thru the ceramic....

As others have said, ... Orbital with care and compound.....

Good Luck.

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. Lots to think about! Sure would be nice if acetone would do the trick as that would seem to be the easiest!

 

orbital, , orange cutting pad, medium to high speed, meguires ultimate compound… Done it many times… Doesn’t damage the clearcoat.

 

Yeah, I did not know ceramic coating was that tough to remove, but I guess it does make sense since it is supposed to protect the car so well.

 

This is exactly what I did, I just installed the Z06 rockers a few weeks back and it worked perfectly.

 

It's good to know that Ceramic Coating is that tough.

 

Isopropyl and then hit it with some of this stuff. (link below). We use it before wrapping cars so it does a great job at removing anything on the surface. Plus a bottle will last you a long time, it Dillutes like 10-1 with water.

 

Really??? Acetone does not damage the paint???

 

acetone will work then hit it with a clay bar wipe with glass cleaner good to go. You can also use a clay bar and buffing compound

 

Acetone, IMHO, is too aggressive. I would use a clay bar and distilled water. It will take longer but you can't damage the paint.

 

The guy that did mine said it could be removed with a 50-50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water, applied with a microfiber towel. Don't know if that applies to all brands of ceramic coating, or just the brand he used.

Good luck!