Removed tank sticker -- now need advice

[postoak_imp]

I bought my Valk when it was one year old and the original owner had left the safety sticker on. I had it off about 5 minutes after I got home using methods I no longer remember. Then, I wiped the tank down with WD-40 and everything looked good.

But, I've come to realize that when the tank surface dries that I have tiny white scratches in the clear coat starting at where the outside of the sticker was and extending out about 3/16 inch.

It's no biggie, but I'd like to get rid of those really fine scratches. I have on hand some Flitz metal polish (and of course, toothpaste). I was wondering if any body has tried to polish clear coat with some mild abrasive like either one of those and did it successfully. Or am I flirting with danger even thinking about such a thing?

[Lord Popgun]

Go get a swirl remover for auto paint. You really don't want to cut through the clear coat. Work up from there with a stronger scratch remover if needed. Some are a combo and do both swirls and minor shallow scratches.

Always start with the least aggressive and work to the more aggressive.

[postoak_imp]

Thank you popgun; it shall be done!

[Lord Popgun]

Good for you!!

I forgot to say, finish it up with polishing/waxing with your favorite stuff.

Then enjoy your ride.

[Nappi185_imp]

I bought my Valk when it was one year old and the original owner had left the safety sticker on. I had it off about 5 minutes after I got home using methods I no longer remember. Then, I wiped the tank down with WD-40 and everything looked good.

But, I've come to realize that when the tank surface dries that I have tiny white scratches in the clear coat starting at where the outside of the sticker was and extending out about 3/16 inch.

It's no biggie, but I'd like to get rid of those really fine scratches. I have on hand some Flitz metal polish (and of course, toothpaste). I was wondering if any body has tried to polish clear coat with some mild abrasive like either one of those and did it successfully. Or am I flirting with danger even thinking about such a thing?

I have had great success removing fine scratches and swirl marks in the clearcoat on other bikes using a product called Malm's Ultra Fine Polishing Cleaner. With a little patience you can get most scratches/swirl marks out. Then use their pure carnuba wax (contains no compound) to seal and protect the work you did! http://malms.com/malms-ultra-fine-polishing-cleaner.php It isn't cheap, but rarely does anything that works well is. Also, a little goes a long way.

[postoak_imp]

Well, that worked well. I got something called VSS from the ChemicalGuys just because that's what popped up on Amazon. Anyway, 15 seconds with that and that area looks like new.