Any tips for removing dried on buffing/polishing compound?
 

My painter got lazy with clean up after the job was done. I have some random spots of dried compound I can't get off. WD40 is slowly, and I mean slowly, removing it. I tried IPA/water mix, and wax to no avail. My next step is peanut butter. Is there a fast way to get this stuff off without harming the paint?

Did you try any liquid polish?

First, I would never use WD40 (or any petroleum-based product) on a painted surface.

You have some options, depending upon where the buildup/residue is:

- Clay bar, lubricated with spray detailer
- Spray detailer alone, applied with a microfiber cloth
- Tar & grease remover, applied with a microfiber cloth (I prefer R-M 900 Pre-Kleano, but there are others - you need to get this from an auto paint supplier)

I've got some age-old stuff stuck in my trunk channel (just noticed today). In close quarters like that (finger width), the clay bar is not an option. I'll try detailer first, before I resort to wax & grease remover.

Good luck, and remember that dry compound will scratch like sand unless you keep it lubed.

You can use an orbital polisher, too (with polish), but again, because the compound is going to be abrasive, you want to take the *least* abrasive path to its removal.

GL HTH

Thanks for the replies guys

A rag that's just damp with alcohol should work.

I tried that Jack and it didn't do anything. Peanut butter is working, but it's taking a little bit.

Lots of times using the exact same product will reactivate the old stuff. Not necessarily compound, but in general.