I took the trim off as I am going to line the bottom any I did not have any trouble getting the 3M tape itself off but now you can clearly see where the tape was. I think this is due to my Jeep being white and dirty water collecting under the trim and sitting on top of the tape. Anyone have any ideas on how to clean this up? Some sort of wax or polish perhaps?

 

Try using a light-cut. Or a clay bar.

 

If it's not adhesive, a good clay bar and lube will clean the surface but you will need to follow the clay with a paint cleaner and then wax.

 

Goo gone?

 

I have this same problem on the driver's front door of my white 98. I tried everything. Goo Gone, Goof Off, paint thinner, lacquer thinner, 3M adhesive remover, bug and tar remover. Nothing worked. Finally, I color sanded with 1200, then 1500, then 2000 grit wet/ dry sandpaper. Then I polished it out with 3 progressively finer 3M polishing compounds. I can still see it, but it's much fainter now. I assume something chemically reacted with the paint and stained it pretty deep into the clear coat or paint layer.

 

Of course done with a buffer.
If that doesn't clean it up then you might be out of luck.

 

I agree, a great combo.

How is this coming along guys? Have you been able to give it a shot?

 

FYI

Do not use rubbing compound, it is a completely different animal and serves a completely different purpose.

 

I find rubbing the side of the truck along a tree or boulder gets it right off.

 

That'll take care if it too lol.

 

I use rubber eraser wheels at my shop for pin stripes and molding tape/double sided tape. They work great and are designed not to hurt the clear. As long as you use it right it will get the adhesive off without damage. I have a low speed drill I use specifically for that. Most bodyshop supply stores have them.

 

Sorry I read your post to quick. Compound and a buffer usually works and if not maybe some 2000 grit wet and a buffer

 

Can you take a pic of what you are dealing with?

We can go from there. If it's just discoloration, it should come out pretty easily.

BUT, if there is more, you may need to do a couple extra steps.

 

Why not try Polishing Compound? Not Rubbing Compound...that would be too much. When I took mine off (mine is white too), after I got the tape off, I used 3M adhesive remover, then whatever was left came right off with Polishing Compound. I use Turtle Wax PC; comes in a green round can thing. It worked great, and I really can't even tell that there was ever trim there.

 

Polishing compound is an option. But the difference between a polish and a cleaner is that a polish is more abrasive than the cleaner. Most cleaners have abrasives also but they are much smaller.

While the polish might work, a cleaner will work better when there is contaminants in the paint as in this case. The paint is discolored.

Just like anything, you should always start with the less aggressive approach first and then go from there. Especially since the clear coat on vehicles these days in only a couple thousands thick. You want to remove the least amount as possible.