Decal removal

[geeco1]

I have acquired a fiberglass truck topper. It was previously owned by someone who had decals of his business name and phone number professionally applied. What is the best way to remove these decals without damaging the finish of the fiberglass? I tried a small razor blade, but the decals are thin and tend to pull off in little pieces.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Decal removal

Heat gun and fingernails.

 

[DJ]

Re: Decal removal

Heat gun and fingernails.

Yes and "Goo Gone" for the remaining glue.

Or, 3M makes a great product for just that. It's available at any body shop supply house.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Decal removal

Yes and "Goo Gone" for the remaining glue.

Or, 3M makes a great product for just that. It's available at any body shop supply house.

I believe most NAPA shops sell the drill mounted eraser wheel and plastic razor blades Regardless the job is going to be a PITA :redface:

 

[avenger79]

Re: Decal removal

if it needs to be done now, use goof off. it's what i use on my new bikes to remove all the safety stickers. won't harm finish at all. otherwise wait until summer, park in the sun, when they warm nicely start peeling.

or the heat gun will work just don't burn it. possible depending on the type of heat gun.

 

[moki]

Re: Decal removal

A method I used requires access to a Model Airplane Hobby shop and a liquid called Ironex. It is used as a glue remover from heat irons. I had some around the house, and an ugly bumper sticker, and it was moments, and gone, no remaining residue. Afterwards, I used it in the auto body shop I worked at and the issue of glue residue showing up after sanding, priming, and more sanding was gone. I even took a small can to my favorite car salesman and he loved it.

 

[DJ]

Re: Decal removal

A method I used requires access to a Model Airplane Hobby shop and a liquid called Ironex. It is used as a glue remover from heat irons. I had some around the house, and an ugly bumper sticker, and it was moments, and gone, no remaining residue. Afterwards, I used it in the auto body shop I worked at and the issue of glue residue showing up after sanding, priming, and more sanding was gone. I even took a small can to my favorite car salesman and he loved it.

That might be what is in the liquid 3M product I mentioned. I figure body guys know the stuff.

 

[pushnwood]

Re: Decal removal

Goof off, way better than goo gone!

 

[DaleT]

Re: Decal removal

In my line of work, we use the 3M Ahesive Remover and a heat gun to remove shipping labels from pelican cases. It works really well for the vinyl labels as well as paper. One word of caution, read the ppe requirements if you are going to be using for prolonged periods. The adhesive remover contains Benzene. Since it's on a truck, I would assume you'll be doing the work outside but I'll state the obvious anyways, make sure you are in a well ventilated area.

We purchase ours from a marine supply store. Kind of on the pricey side but well worth it.

this is the stuff we use.

http://www.iboats.com/3m-General-Pu...0110658--**********.600998260--view_id.259837

 

[4poco]

Re: Decal removal

WD-40 works great . use it all the time for removing decals.

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Decal removal

I've taken off numerous old and relatively new stickers with a heat gun and fingernails as mentioned. Double caution on overheating! Sometimes, a hair dryer is better. It takes a bit longer but the risk of overheating and damaging the underlying paint is much less.

100% mineral spirits is a cheaper alternative than some of the other commercial products for removing any glue residue and it does a great job.

BTW- depending on how long those were on there, the paint may have faded quite a bit compared to that under the label. It may be hard to get it to match again but anything is better than stickers IMO.

 

[geeco1]

Re: Decal removal

I haven't been able to try any of these yet. I have to finish my boat project first. However, a friend of mine gave me a bottle of something called "Grog". It is supposed to eat the adhesive off as well. I will let you know when the weather warms up a little and quits raining.