[Astonian]

Hello all,

Decided to debadge 'Kat' today do remove some excess chrome and to leave a clean boot line. I have created a step by step guide on how to remove yours. Good luck

Stuff you need

• Boiling hot water
• Tar Remover
• Flat blunt instrument that wont scratch paintwork i.e. flat plastic card, dental floss or fishing wire
• Clay
• Polish
• Wax
• Clean cloths
• Microfibre cloths
• Bucket, shampoo and microfibre washing mitt
• Cup of tea

Step 1. - Preparing the badge area

Remove any dirt, grime around the badge to prevent scratching when removing letters by a quick wash down/snow foam followed by the preferred two bucket method and a clean microfibre mitt

Step 2. - Loosening the glue

Boil a kettle and pour the piping hot water over the badge to loosen the toughened glue. Perhaps 2 kettles will be enough to loosen but keep half a kettle ready which will be explained

Step 3. - Getting underneath the lettering

Take a flat blunt instrument to prise off the letters. They will be tough but be careful not to scratch paintwork. Apply more hot water to loosen the glue further

I tried paper originally but that failed. Reverted to using a flat plastic card but for best results use fishing line or dental floss

You may find that glue is left behind after peeling the letters. Simply apply more hot water and using your nail peel away the glue

Repeat steps till all letters are removed

Step 4. - Removing residue, glue and other contaminants


You will be roughly left with something looking like this:

Apply hot water again and wipe with a damp cloth vigorously

After getting rid of most of the grime and glue, it is time to get rid of the stubborn bits. You will require to use Tar Remover. I found some Mercedes Benz own Tar Remover released in 1994 in the house but worked just as well as new stuff which is available in your local shop

Following the instructions, I sprayed on the remover and left for 1 minute at a time before removing with a damp cloth

You may find that it does not get rid of all of nasties so persevere and repeat applying hot water before each application remover

Before:

After:

Step 5. - Prep new surface to hide any discolouring and prep paint

This stage is important for the blending of the new paintwork with the more travelled paint work. Stages will include claying the area, washing, polishing and waxing

Starting off with claying. Using plenty of Quick Detailer, keep surface well lubricated and clay using finger light pressure on surface to prevent scratches

1. Lubricate:

2. Clay

3. Wash


In order to prevent colour differences, polishing is key. Apply small blobs of polish onto an application cloth, in circular fashion apply to paint work and leave until hazey. Buff of using a microfibre cloth. I used Autoglym High Gloss Protection

I went on to apply Autoglym Deep Shine to make doubly sure of consistent paintwork

Using the same method as the polish using different application pads and microfibres

And finally seal with a good layer of wax. And rest

So you have transformed your rear end from this:

To this:

*To be used as a guide only. totalMINI nor myself cannot be responsible for any damage/loss sustained during the following of this guide*