Gas etching in paint

[Flyingfanatic]

I`ve got some gas that spilled and then sat on my motorcycle tank. It etched into at least the clear on the tank.



I have tried to wet sand it and now the tank is very dull. I then went over it by hand with a buffing compound which helped, but there is still some dullness left.



What do you guys suggest to fix it?

[Jesstzn]

You will need to drop to something less abrasive to clear it up like SMR or a fine polish.

[Flyingfanatic]

What is SMR and where do I find it?



Sorry, but I am not totally familiar with all the terms.



Thanks!!!

[LouisanaJeeper]

swirl mark remover

[Frank F.]

What grit sandpaper did you use? If it was 1000 or higher you can buff it out with Menzerna Intensive Polish followed by Menzerna Final Polish.

[Flyingfanatic]

I used 2000 grit, but I hit several spots pretty hard because as I wiped off the dust, it didn`t appear to be making it through the etching.



Where can I find the stuff you listed?



BTW, I have buffed it out with a rather aggressive buffing compund by hand and the section sanded is still dull, but a bit better than before.

[Jesstzn]

Menzerna can be bought here .. they have an introductory kit that is great. I use/like the Menzerna because it is water based and has no fillers or oils.



Proper Auto Car (http://www.properautocare.com/polish.html)

[jerry@robs]

I`d stop for a moment and read more about restoring a sanded surface before buying all the polish/compounds mentioned. I think you need to learn how to use these products before proceeding, honestly, i dont think reaching for the 2000grit was a good idea since most fuel can be taken off using a cleaner wax, if that doesn`t work, move up to a polish and compound... I`m just afraid you`ll cause more damage to your surface.

[shaf]

As good as they may be, I would hesitate to recommend a relatively expensive, enthusiast-oriented mail-order product to someone who just wants to fix a single problem....



The simplest and most expedient solution is to go to a local auto store and buy a scratch remover by Mothers or Meguiar`s.



As said, wetsanding it should have been your last resort, not one of the first. One common Autopian principle is to attempt a repair with the least aggressive method possible first, and then move up to stronger methods only once those fail.



For the meaning of SMR and more acronyms used here: http://www.autopia.org/display.php?file=acronyms.htm



Good luck!

[Flyingfanatic]

Well, that`s the theory I thought of too with the less aggressive methods.



I did try Meguiar`s #6 cleaner wax before anything else and it did not touch it. I have also used Maguiar`s scratch remover (on my car before) and I didn`t notice a difference.



I think I`ll just empty the tank and take it to a good body shop and have them tell me what the fix is.



I know it is very hard to diagnose a problem without looking at it. Although I am open to any other suggestions.



Thanks for the help guys.

[Flyingfanatic]

Hey theveed, do you have any suggestions on where to find info on restoring sanded surfaces?

[jimmybuffit]

You might spend less money taking it to a `Autopian` type detail shop.



*Sounds like* I could fix it for about $40.



Jim

[Flyingfanatic]

Where do I find an Autotopian detail shop?



Anyone in KC have any connections?