[bluebu]

Hi all! I've recently started a new business, which is why I haven't been around much, and I'm having a problem I hope someone can help me with. I purchased some rubber like magnetic signs to put on my car which was painted a few months ago. At first there was no problem but recently I removed the magnet on the rear hatch only to discover that the paint behind the magnet appeared to be fogged. It's hard to describe but there was what appeared to be a gray film IN the paint. You could see where there had been air pockets trapped under the magnet because those spots were clear.

Luckily, I was removing the magnets because I was dropping it off at the body shop to have the hood repainted for the third time, don't
ask! , and they were nice enough to buff the whole car before they returned it to me so, the marks left by the magnets are gone but....I'd really like to use the magnets since it's cheap advertising and I've gotten a lot of business from them. Does anyone know what caused this to happen or if there's a way to remove any future marks short of buffing?

I should mention that the car had NXT wax on it but I had something similar happen to a race car that wasn't waxed at all a few years back. Hubby used a plastic drop cloth to cover the car and when I removed it a couple of days later, it was sitting in the sun, the plastic had left similar marks over the entire car. Looked something like the wrinkled plastic paint effect. Both cars have bc/cc on them. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Peggy

[metalmeltr]

Im not completly sure but it probly had something to do with the paint being so new. Next time clean the are with wax and grease remover and let it dry brfore putting on the magnets. Also make sure that the backs of your magnets are clean.

[bluebu]

Thanks, Metalmeltr! The paint being fairly fresh was my first thought as well but then I remembered something similar happening to our other car which had paint that was at least 10 years old on it.

I'm beginning to wonder if this was caused by moisture trapped under the sign. I had removed the signs, washed the car, washed the signs, and then put them back on just a few days before finding the marks under the one on the rear. The fogging under the sign was sort of similar to the white rings a wet glass will leave on a table top so.......lol I'm just guessing but I'm wondering if moisture, baked by the sun, would effect cc like this. (I say baked by the sun because the signs on the doors didn't leave any marks and really the only difference is that the sign on the rear gets more direct sunlight where the car is normally parked.)

I guess I'll invest in some static cling signs for the windows rather than risk my paint job but being the curious type I'd still like to understand what caused this.
Peggy

[esigns]

few tips on using magnetic signs

- paint must be at least 3 months dry before using magnets;

- any buffs, lacquers or coatings shall be completely dried according to manufacturer recommendations

- it is best to remove magnets once a day and clean back side of the magnet and the vehicle surface with warm water (put magnets back on only completely dry - both magnets and vehicle)

More information on magnetic sign use and care at http://***********

Thank you,
Stan

[35WINDOW]

what about using Vinyl lettering on your rear Window? I know it sounds holey but no Paint damage

[esigns]

Yeah, vinyl on window is the safest. Usually to make vinyl lettering stand out more on a clear or tinted window White colored lettering works best, or any other color with white or silver outline.

However, it is hard to make vinyl look as good as magnets on the side of the vehicle.

[Old Fool]

If I was going to operate a busines and advertise it on my vehicle I would have either a vinyl decal or a sign painter do it right, so as to not look like a fly by night outfit imho.

[dalesy]

Here are some other tips you might find useful.

You don't have to take the mags off every day. If you clean the back of the magnetics and wax the doors good, you should be able to wipe them off every week or so. Your sign supplier should have told you this going in, to save you this aggravation.

Magnet signs were never meant to be put on a vehicle and just left there. They trap dust and dirt between the sign and the car, and can actually cause rust stains to form. Enough dust and dirt on the back will also lessen the bond and cause them to blow off easily. They can also 'bake' themselves on to some finishes, and be a real bear to get off. Also, like many other things, there are many different types of magnetic materials. The good stuff is about the thickness of a penny. Don't let anyone sell you the thin cheapo stuff.

Old Fool
After almost 40 years in the sign business, I can relate to what you're saying about not wanting the magnetics to look 'cheesy'. I hate them too, for that reason. There is an answer, though, that I've done many times, with good results. It will cost a bit more, but the final result is well worth it.

Figure out what size you want your magnetics to be; then have the material background painted the same color as your vehicle. Then get a sign company to make you up a sharp layout, in complementary colors. The magnetics will look very much like they were done ON the vehicle, and not some cheapo piece of crap. Not as good as the real hand lettered job, but it'll look pretty decent. Many folks won't know the difference. Hope you can make this happen!

[Rix-Trix]

A fresh paint job has to breath. With waxes you should wait at least 3 months. I have watched many of my paint jobs become even more brilliant in the first 2 years to be finally cured. If you go to ***********.com there is the best article I have ever read on waxes, polishes, and cleaners. It is a bit of a long read but the info is worth it.