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[windmill john]

I washed my bike today. Can’t recall the last time I used degreaser if I wasn’t removing an engine, but... I sprayed the engine with some and hosed down afterwards.

Now, the black engine plates, brake pedal, a panel the other side is marked with, what looks like spray; see picture.

What!. I’ve tried polishing it and nothing is touching the staining. Any ideas how to clean this

[trophyvase]

That suggests that it wasn't GUNK that you used.
What was it?

[windmill john]

Wish I’d used GUNK!

WD40 Fast Acting Degreaser.

[stinkwheel]

It almost looks like it's dissolved a little of the alloy and depositied it on the paint.

Data sheet says it is just an organic solvernt so it shouldn't...

Aluminium and aluminium oxide will dissolve fairly readily in caustic soda solution. I have proved to my satisfaction that even strong caustic solution will not touch the standard factory paint on bullet frames and engine plates. My 350 bullet frame spent three days in a caustic dip tank (usually for stripping paint and varnish off doors) and came out exactly the same as it went in, minus a little oily muck.

[windmill john]

The only fact I can give you is, I’m never using that bloody spray again!

[Trev]

Sorry to see that. Not sure what you used but I avoid MucOff on anything alloy or even alloylookingish as have had too many similar experiences, ain't supposed to do it but it does.

[windmill john]

Mentioned above, it was WD40 specialist fast acting degreaser.
Can’t recall why I got it. I think it was on offer and I used it to clean a lot of the crap of my old CB500T removed engine, round the drive sprocket area.

It’ll go in the bin now! I’ve actually emailed them. Not complaining, just if they have any idea how I can get it off! Or at least get my black paint... well, black!