Subject: | Residue or Water Marks on Paint After Removal of Transit Protection Coatings |
Models: | 2001 Chevrolet Camaro |
2001 Pontiac Firebird |
The assembly plant in Ste. Therese, Quebec is currently using two different types of material for paint protection during transit and dealer storage. The opaque (nearly clear) material, Transeal™, is used on the horizontal surfaces (e.g. hood) and the white material, Rapgard™, is used on the vertical surfaces (e.g. doors, fenders, etc.) and the bumpers. Under certain conditions, these coatings may leave either a waxy or hazy film, an adhesive residue or water marks on the paint surface after removal.
This type of residue is usually caused by not removing the Transeal™ material correctly. The residue can be removed by washing the vehicle with a car wash-type soap and clean water. In severe cases, a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and clean water may be used.
The white material (Rapgard™) uses a light adhesive that may transfer to the painted surface during removal. The residue is usually detected when the vehicle is wet and a tell-tale image of the material can be identified by water beads. The area is usually not detectable when the vehicle is dry.
When removing the white Rapgard™ material, it is recommended that it be removed in one continuous motion in order to reduce the possibility of leaving an adhesive residue on the paint surface. If you stop or pause in the middle of a panel, it is possible that a small amount of adhesive transfer may take place. The adhesive residue can be removed using a car wash-type soap and clean water. In severe cases, a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and clean water may be used.
If moisture becomes trapped underneath the white Rapgard™ material, it may leave what looks like a water mark or track in the painted surface after removal. This can also be caused by not removing the Transeal™ material correctly. These marks will most likely come out by themselves as soon as the area is exposed to sunlight for a few days. The heat bakes the moisture out of the paint and the surface should return to normal.
As with all finishes, only a chamois or soft cloth should be used to wipe painted surfaces. Avoid using materials such as terry-cloth as it may leave fine scratches in the finish.