My car was written on with a paint marker. How do I remove it? Finish is clear coat cobalt.Can i use turpentine ? What solvent will not damage clear coat. I dont think paint marker is water soluble...no luck there..

I'm not going to ask how the paint marker got there.

However, I would recommend going to a professional car-care centre that is able to remove and restore the paint work. You might want to try applying a compund polish but I doubt if it might work.

If you're unable to solicit good advise from the car-care centre as I doubt they wouldnt do anything else except polish and wax, then go to the nearest panel-beater or equivalent where they might be able to help you. I have a panel beater which I frequent for this kinda problems, and I suspect what he might do is:

1. sand it down with fine sand paper (almost like a cardboard paper), and to which the paint will lose its gloos;
2. apply compound; and
3. wax it off.

Its the (1) bit that I fear you might damage your paint work if done on your own. Too much is not good. Too little wont do either.

Let us know what you decide and we'd help you along the way.

__________________
... Kerry

126 tailed by a 203, 129 leading the pack.

A trip to your local autobody supply store should provide
you with the answer. I believe Dupont makes a product that
comes in a one pint can that was designed to remove over-
spray and pain from newly painted road lines on car. Part
number escapes me. If you regularly wax your car you
could try putting wax on it. I have used this on paint
from road lines and it worked, as long as you catch it soon.
New wax removes part of the previous layer and does not allow paint to bond.

Hope this helps,

Gary

I have many years experience with problems of this nature. If the paint on your 300Td is original, (NOT repainted), then just go head and use any solvent you have to remove the marker. Mercedes original finishes are so resiliant and durable I have yet to find any solvent that will harm them with the exception of a strong acid or chemical paint stripper such as zip-strip.
I suggest laquer thinner or enamel reducer. The worst thing that could happen is a slight dulling of the paint which is easily restored to gloss with an application of polish or wax.

If your car has been repainted, be careful, I probably would not use any laquer thinner, but enamel reducer would probably be OK. Just use your head and try small areas and small quantities of the solvent. You cant get in to too much trouble doing this type of thing no matter what you use. Even if you use something which softens the paint , just wipe it off and come back the next day, hit it with the buffer and it will be fine.
Bill

__________________
J. William Tarbrake
NY State Dealer 7014303DLU
Registered repair shop R7014303
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