Took badge off, it was etched in the paint?

**Clifford** · 05-14-2016, 08:09 AM

I recently removed the "TACOMA" side badges from my '09. I did the traditionally fishing line and pull method and then used label remover after. I couldn't get everything off and for good reason, it appears the glue, or maybe the badge etched into the paint-see pictures. I tried sanding with 2000 grit, buffing with m400 and then polishing it out, but it is still there.

Has anyone encountered this before with a resolution other than touch up paint? If I went the touch up paint route it'd be pretty extensive.

How can can I fix this as simply as possible?

Sanded

After buffing, just next to the shadow you can still see everything.

Other side wasn't as bad, but nonetheless.

**goldenlight** · 05-14-2016, 10:25 AM

I had a simmilar thing happen when I decided to remove my wind deflector. I put it back on since I couldn't remove the etch mark.

**TTQ B4U** · 05-14-2016, 10:31 AM

FWIW pehaps it show more in person than in the pics but I wouldn't stress too much over it. I would bet the average Joe wouldn't notice it. At least I really don't in the pics provided.

**Clifford** · 05-14-2016, 01:01 PM

Originally Posted by pdqgp

FWIW pehaps it show more in person than in the pics but I wouldn't stress too much over it. I would bet the average Joe wouldn't notice it. At least I really don't in the pics provided.

First pic shows it best. End result is just a polished look of that so its glossy. It's just the knowing I didn't fully complete what I was after.

**Mike@DedicatedPerfection** · 05-14-2016, 11:45 PM

It is the double sided tape that caused this. With it being on the paint for 7 years it has set in so to speak and expanded/contracted on the surface with the sun and cold weather. There is nothing more you can do other than live with it. Unless you want to have the doors repainted.

**Don M** · 05-15-2016, 06:37 AM

Originally Posted by pdqgp

FWIW pehaps it show more in person than in the pics but I wouldn't stress too much over it. I would bet the average Joe wouldn't notice it. At least I really don't in the pics provided.

I tend to agree. My Suzuki had the same issue on the trunklid when I removed the stylized "S." IF YOU LOOKED FOR IT SPECIFICALLY, then you could clearly see an outline, but you had to be looking for it, wanting to see it. And even when I pointed it out to people, 90% STILL couldn't find it.

It took me a LONG time to understand that my cars are STREET cars, DAILY DRIVERS, and by nature will have or develop minor defects that I can do nothing about short of drastic (and expensive) measures. THIS is why I haven't gone screaming to a shrink about the nasty RIDS on my Camaro that would require a repaint of an entire panel for a few SMALL scratches ... I understand it's a 3 y/o car with just over 30,000 mile and it had a previous owner that didn't COSMETICALLY take care of it.

(DEEP BREATH)

As long as the Tacoma is kept the way it is now, polished to within an inch of its life, no one will notice or really care about some shadowing that 98% of the people couldn't see it they tried. Detail your truck, ENJOY your truck, but don't STRESS OVER your truck.

<getting off soapbox>

**Mike lambert** · 05-15-2016, 07:44 AM

It is a chemical reaction from the adhesive that caused it. Hit it with 3000 again and polish it out. You will always know it's there but most people won't.

**GSKR** · 06-05-2016, 09:23 AM

If not perfect I would personally put a new one on.That color will highlight the etching,besides i think on that truck it look nice with the emblem just my take on this .

**Crispy** · 08-09-2016, 07:53 PM

I really can't see much in the pictures, it is most likely fading differences betwen covered vs uncovered area. This looks like etching, but if you clay it and doesn't make any noise it is not "etching". I had a decal I removed from a freinds trunk that looked similar. I was lucky it was single stage paint (2011) so came right out with buffing only. Try the baggy test and see if any above surface defects can be felt. If not it is fading.

**Trip** · 08-09-2016, 07:59 PM

I have seen way worse don't fret about that, the sun will fade that in no time. I didn't even catch it until someone mentioned which pic it was. I have done al of my cars ranging from brand new to old. No one will ever catch that. Save the door repaints and buy more detailing product. Cheers