Don, it is all too easy on some machines to do this. I have done it myself although I thought I was good to go. I think sometimes the clear coat is compromised that you may not notice and before you know it, decals are silver or gone.
Billy does beautiful repaints. From the pictures he has posted, it looks like he goes to bare metal. But wait until he chimes in as he is the expert.
Would love to see some pictures of your crime and the recovery.