That doesn't look like damage, it looks more like the goo was smeared around. I've used it and it left a film like this and WD40 took all THAT off. Washed, waxed and it is good as new.
Was thinking the same thing, and adhesive can cause the same effect. Look good when wet, shit when dry. It just appears that you've got a sheen of glue on their.
Also, about the repaint... I highly doubt it. Remember he got it this way because of removing the warning label off the tank. Not many people would repaint a tank and put that warning label over it.