I searched for a while so I didn't create a post that had been discussed, but didn't find anything. I have fingerprints right by the window on both sides of the car's black pillars (between the two doors) right above where it says "RX8" in chrome writing. I've tried washing, rubbing, windex, wax, rubbing compound, and nothing is taking these smudges off. What have you guys used/recommend. Its really annoying to have a 100% clean car and then see fingerprints all over the glossy black pillar!

rubbing alcohol. careful it removes paint also.

i also have a question about the pillar...what does anyone use to keep it looking new. I have tried many different things and they all just come out smudged looking or streaks. I use armor all on the plastics and wax the body but not sure how to treat the area between the windows. After you would use rubbing alcohol what would you use to keep it looking new?

+1 for rubbing alcohol but dilute it 1 to 1 with water

alright sounds good guys ill try that and then wax it quick to keep it protected since it most definitely will strip it. Thanks for the tip!

Sounds like your talking about an after market C pillar.


That is vinyl. You can always use Mcguiars plastic polish

quick detailer

Mt car is SS, but the pillars are glossy black and say "RX-8" in chrome at the bottom underneath the glossyness.... if that makes sense. They look like they'd be stock, I haven't looked at other 8's pillars i guess. Im guessing i shouldn't use rubbing alcohol now... maybe ill do a tiny test pot with a q tip and see if it ruins them

that piece is plastic right? i think anything that cleans plastic without removing the glossy finish should be safe.

of all things guitar polish comes to mind. but, diluted alcohol or vinegar sounds like it might work.

be safe tho and test it out first

alright, i tried the rubbing alcohol and no dice, they're still there. I have thisstuff called plastix that I used on my back window of my S2000, but tat didn't work either, guess its time for new pillars!

mother's back to black might do the trick

you got a pic?
sounds very weird to have smudges that won't come off on the b-pillar applique. i usually just clay and wax. never had a problem.

does the car sit out in the sun A LOT??? b pillars faded?

So the finger prints are melted into the pillar?

Hmmm ... sounds like whoever put on those b-pillar appliques got their fingers on the adhesive and transfered some of it on the front. Strange that you couldn't get those off with rubbing compound or PlasticX, since those are mild/fine abrasives.