Need suggestions on removing wax from Matte Stripes.

[Mike's Mustang]

Anyone have suggestions for fixing this wax on vinyl?

I bought my GT used and it was delivered on Monday. The pictures they had showed some minor things I can fix myself, like wax on trim. It didn't show the below on the stripes. So I'm not sure if the previous owner didn't know that you shouldn't wax over matte vinyl or if the delivering dealer did it. Seems they learned by doing the passenger side of the hood first since it's the only stripe that has this issue. My main ask is getting the vinyl to look good again. There's a lot more I'm in the process of correcting, like removing what looks like hard water marks on everything. You can see some remnants in the middle painted section. I've already gone over that section once, but looks like I need to do some more based on the picture. I've already polished it off all the glass. It was pretty bad.

Things I've tried on the vinyl:

• Just a wet Microfiber
• Matte Detailer - Chemical Guys
• Washed whole car with Chemical Guys Clean Slate

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[MissStang]

I would start with a ‘Magic Eraser’, very gently and maybe use some 99% Isopropanol on the tough spots.

Anyone have suggestions for fixing this wax on vinyl?

Things I've tried on the vinyl:

• Just a wet Microfiber
• Matte Detailer - Chemical Guys
• Washed whole car with Chemical Guys Clean Slate

 

[Mike's Mustang]

I would start with a ‘Magic Eraser’, very gently and maybe use some 99% Isopropanol on the tough spots.

Thank you!! Spent the last few minutes of my lunch break giving the Magic Eraser a try. Looks like it's working. Will have to wait until after work to see if that finishes it up. If not, I'll go to the store for some 99% isopropanol.

 

[Sofa King]

Be careful with those Magic erasers, they are much like a mild scotchbrite pad (mildly abrasive). My wife used one on her car (paint) and it need to be polished out as it left the spot looking dull. I told her to never take one of those to the car again!

 

[Mike's Mustang]

Be careful with those Magic erasers, they are much like a mild scotchbrite pad (mildly abrasive). My wife used one on her car (paint) and it need to be polished out as it left the spot looking dull. I told her to never take one of those to the car again!

Oh I know. I've used one to clean a wooden bar stool and ended up needing to restain and seal. A former co worker, that I mentioned that to, used one to clean her stained hands after a project. Ended up going to the hospital for the damage she did to her skin.

 

[marcus50]

Never use isopropanol undiluted, always dilute it for example 50:50 with water.

 

[RLE55]

Anyone have suggestions for fixing this wax on vinyl?

I bought my GT used and it was delivered on Monday. The pictures they had showed some minor things I can fix myself, like wax on trim. It didn't show the below on the stripes. So I'm not sure if the previous owner didn't know that you shouldn't wax over matte vinyl or if the delivering dealer did it. Seems they learned by doing the passenger side of the hood first since it's the only stripe that has this issue. My main ask is getting the vinyl to look good again. There's a lot more I'm in the process of correcting, like removing what looks like hard water marks on everything. You can see some remnants in the middle painted section. I've already gone over that section once, but looks like I need to do some more based on the picture. I've already polished it off all the glass. It was pretty bad.

Things I've tried on the vinyl:

• Just a wet Microfiber
• Matte Detailer - Chemical Guys
• Washed whole car with Chemical Guys Clean Slate

I'd send DFB5.0 a PM and see what he recommends. Being a professional detailer, he might have some tricks up his sleeve.

 

[BlackM]

The magic erasers are a pumice so be very careful! I would like to hear what the professional says on this subject.

 

[jawsr101]

pencil eraser

 

[OldCoastie]

For your Mustang's matte-black stripes, I would do this:

1. Wash the area first with car shampoo and clean water.
2. Use a soft microfiber towel—no abrasive cloth or polishing pad.
3. For wax residue, use a vinyl-safe cleaner or a small amount of 70% isopropyl alcohol diluted with water (about 1:1) on the microfiber.
4. Test it on a small inconspicuous section first.
5. Gently wipe the stripe—don't scrub hard.
6. Wipe again with a clean, damp microfiber towel and dry.

Important

Do NOT use:

• Automotive polish or rubbing compound
• Magic Eraser
• Clay bar
• Abrasive cleaners
• High-pressure spray directly at the stripe edges

 

[OldCoastie]

The magic erasers are a pumice so be very careful! I would like to hear what the professional says on this subject.

DO NOT USE THESE ERASERS YOU WILL DESTROY THE STRIPE.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

Good lord, don't use magic eraser on any part of you car especially vinyl. This is why advice on car forums can be a dangerous.

Id recommend using P&S Paint Prep. Its designeded to safely clean wax and grease off your finish before you apply new product/sealant.

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