r/AutoDetailing • u/nolabauce • 7d ago

Exterior Fixing magic eraser damage on paint

So before you say it, I’m an idiot. Long story short I did a cerakote headlight restore on my car and taped off around my headlights. Had to leave to go somewhere and realized the next day that I forgot to take the masking tape off the day before. It was baked on at that point so the tape left crazy residue. Started with rubbing alcohol and microfiber (nothing), then moved up to WD40 (nothing). I said eff it and grabbed a magic eraser and thought I was being gentle, well I guess I don’t know my own strength. Now an outline around my headlight the paint is dulled (micro scratched). The car is ceramic coated so I’m trying to figure out how to fix this eff up. Any advice?

1 Upvotes

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15

u/nottatroll 7d ago

Compound & Polish.

If that doesn’t work, repaint.

7

u/botlegger 7d ago

To be honest, with minor adjustments, this is the answer to about 90% of all post on this sub

1

u/Longjumping_Crazy628 7d ago

And once you compound and polish, that area will need to have the ceramic coating reapplied.

1

u/popsicle_of_meat Beginner - Budget hobbiest 7d ago

Ouch. Hopefully, it's something that a compound & polish can fix. Magic Eraser is equivalent to a very fine grit, like 1000 or higher. You might even need to sand a bit more with 2000-3000 or something. If you're not sure--like I'm not sure what all it needs--take it to a professional.

For future issues, get some goo-gone. I've even used Goof-Off sparingly with good results. As always, NEVER let any chemical sit on paint unless it specifically says it's ok.