removing decals

[jvb]

anybody know any good tricks for removing old stickers from fiberglass? i need to peel the old reg. numbers off and they are really on there...

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: removing decals

Heat gun and old credit card (I use the fake ones discover sends with the "offers" - make sure not to over heat and damage fiberglass<br /><br />GooBGone - works well but still takes alot of elbow grease.<br /><br />Buffing wheel with buffing/rubbing compound - makes quick work of decal...just be careful not to put too much pressure or you burn/damage fiberglass.<br /><br />or any combination of above.<br /><br />-JustMrWill

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: removing decals

There are two ways to do it that work really well.<br /><br />1. Use a hair dryer to gently heat the decals, and carefully work the edges with a plastic scraper. Don't hold the dryer in one place too long...keep it moving, because gelcoat melts very easily.<br /><br />2. Buy the 3M electric drill attachment that is made for exactly this purpose. That's what the pros use. It has a bunch of tiny hard rubber balls on SS wires and rips the stickers off without leaving a mark on the gelcoat.

 

[karrick]

Re: removing decals

If there is any residue, WD40 will help loosen it to be easily wiped off. <br />Good Luck

 

[Nos4r2]

Re: removing decals

soft plastic scraper and then repeated cleaning with a pad soaked in lighter fluid works well.

 

[umblecumbuz]

Re: removing decals

Hair dryer, then thinners on a rag to remove any stickiness, then polish to stop the thinners discolouring the gelcoat.

 

[Stratocaster]

Re: removing decals

Here are a few more mechanical devices for graphics removal:<br /> http://jcsonlinetoolshed.com/section.php/730/0

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: removing decals

WD40 will help loosen it to be easily wiped off

WD40 is the ductape of liquids. It takes adhesive off great. Also works wonders as a cleaner especially for oil and grease. It's even (an illegal) fish attractant! The stuff is amazing!

 

[jvb]

Re: removing decals

i used the hairdrier trick. i think the stickers were 20 yrs old! a little heat and the peeled off with a plastic scraper. i used goo gone to remove the adhesive. took a while, but it worked great!

 

[Holdimhook]

Re: removing decals

WD40 is the ductape of liquids. It takes adhesive off great. Also works wonders as a cleaner especially for oil and grease. It's even (an illegal) fish attractant! The stuff is amazing!<br /><br /><br />Ralph, I'm going to start a thread on that very subject. (Mods, please move it if I put it in the wrong place).

 

[MWBROWN]

Re: removing decals

I just took of my old numbers with no problem by peeling them off with my finger nails. They had only been on 2 years. <br /><br />A great item for cleaning the surface before the putting on the news ones, is the Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. Got the hull clean without chemicals.

 

[fireship1]

Re: removing decals

The old heat and peel works everytime. Even on twenty year old decals.