Modern Vespa

I got a flat tire in the fall. The local Honda dealer had a CG2 in stock, so I had it towed there to get the tire replaced.

They were a bit cheaper than my dealer, and getting it done in-town was certainly more convenient, but they weren't terribly diligent. They left the residue of the old weights behind when they put on new weights. (Worse, the new weights disappeared within a month.)

I finally got around to cleaning the residue off today. I used Goof Off out of habit to dissolve the adhesive. It didn't seem to have any effect on the adhesive, but it did soften the paint. As you can see, the paint on the edge of my rim wiped away.

So, don't use Goof Off to clean your rims. It won't help clean, but it could damage your paint.

Goof Off is a great solvent, but you sure don't want to use it on paints or plastics. Goo Gone is a better product for more delicate surfaces.

I was just going to post something just like that! I have heard others getting the two mixed up as to which one is the right "tool" for a job.

That looks like the paint was damaged by a screwdriver prying off the weights before the Goof Off ever got to it. Your problem isn't the Goof Off - it's the mechanic.

WD-40 is paint safe, and with a bit of elbow grease will soften and remove the tape residue from wheel weights. You can also purchase 3M trim adhesive remover for stubborn stuff, which is also paint safe. I just used that to de-sticker a scooter I just bought.

Apparently the name was never more appropriate, so effective that it also cleans the paint but removing it from the rims.

Goof Off has a very strong solvent smell - I only use it on bare metal. I don't think I've used it at all in many years, favoring instead pure acetone, which is cheap and quite safe (believe it or not). I believe Goof Off contains xylene, a cool solvent that is less volatile than acetone.

Goo Gone has a very strong citrus smell - have never had a problem with it on paint or plastics BUT it will take off the outer layer off vinyl, so be careful with it around seats!! Every time I use it I imagine the Tropicana Gorilla or Chiquita Banana lady with the fruit hat are paying me a visit to kick the adhesive's a$$.