Auto body repair & detailing: Sign Residue, magnetic signs, adhesive

Question
Hi Gary. Call me Dave.
We live in NC and it has been relatively hot the past few weeks.I own my own business and purchased magnetic door signs for both our vehicles. Recently my wife was home and prepping the van to wash it. She went to remove the door signs and they wouldn't budge. When she forced the issue the signs peeled off but much of the magnetic backing remained on the the finish. After talking with my business rep. he spoke with a local auto man who said to try using a blow dryer and heat the material. It should peel right off. Well after about a half hour on each side and burning fingers I managed to remove much of the mass off the doors but there remains many small bit of the brown rubbery material still on the paint. I tried rubbing compound - NO LUCK. Even "Goo Gone" didn't work although it managed to smear it a little. I left it on for a good 3 to 5 minutes, too. I had thought of using "Goof Off" but I'm afraid it would be too aggressive and damage the finish even further. I'd like to try and remove this stuff myself before I bring it in to a professional and sink all kinds of money into this. Any ideas? Please help!!
Thanks.

Answer
Hi Dave,

I would try a good quality adhesive remover. Try 3M Adhesive Remover. Adhesive remover shouldn't harm your finish at all. However you will need to polish and apply a coat of wax after you have used it.

In the event that adhesive remover won't cut it you may have to resort to a bit stronger solvent to cut the goo. Try using an Acrylic Urethane solvent. You will have to go to a auto body shop or an automotive paint store to find it. Since this is the same solvent that is used to thin your paint when it is applied you will need to use the utmost care. Saturate a white absorbent paper towel with the solvent and then try a small spot that is inconspicuous to check for color removal. If you don't get any color you can then proceed to try it of the goo. I hope this helps out.