Getting old decals off the engine cover?

[deejaycee_2000]

Hey guys

How the hell do you get 18 year-old decals off a outboard's engine cover? I'm getting an old cover of mine air-art sprayed but the guy said I must just get the decals off, now I know why .... I tried everything, but as soon as you get to lift a little corner it wil tear in and you have to start all over again .... I tried boiling water, but it is basically the same and then the glue stays behind, anyone have and tips or tricks to make this easier for me? ...... what a mission, I am thinking about sandblasting it off ....

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Getting old decals off the engine cover?

try an electric heat gun, and scraper, then goo gone to get the glue.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Getting old decals off the engine cover?

thanx, but won't the heat gun damage the cover?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Getting old decals off the engine cover?

get it hot enough just to loosen the decal.

 

[Major Woods]

Re: Getting old decals off the engine cover?

"Goof off" works great on old stickers.
http://www.drugstore.com/qxp81953_332828_sespider/goof_off/the_ultimate_remover.htm

 

[Windykid]

Re: Getting old decals off the engine cover?

I have had good luck with WD-40 and some patience.

 

[dreamchaser]

Re: Getting old decals off the engine cover?

TD is right, and use a 1 sided exacto blade for skinnin the decal, there super sharp be carefull....

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Getting old decals off the engine cover?

Then there is Berryman's Chem Tool spray (normally used for de-varnishing carburetors) which would surely melt them but it might attack the paint beneath too.

Mark

 

[TriadSteeler]

Re: Getting old decals off the engine cover?

I used a single edged razor blade. If you get it started and then pull on it while moving the blade where it is attached it will peel pretty easily.

I then removed the glue with Acetone. My cowling was Merc Aluminum wraparound. If your cowling is made of plastic DO NOT use Acetone as it will break down the plastic and frost it.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Getting old decals off the engine cover?

that goof-off stuff looks like it can do a good job, just a pitty we don't get it here ..... my heat gun was broken so I used the wife's hardryer and nail polish remover, worked great, thanks guys ......

 

[colofiremedic]

Re: Getting old decals off the engine cover?

Here is an Idea for you. I am refurbing a 16y/o pontoon boat. had the fence rails powdercoated and needed to remove all of the old striping without removing the paint. You can go to most any auto paint store and buy an "eraser wheel" It fits on the end of an electric or air powered drill and spins. It is amasing how well it removes the stripes and glue but does not touch the paint (unless you stay in one spot too long) They run about $10 a piece but are well worth the money. I had tried everything prior to finding theese. would'nt use anything else if I had to do it again. Let me know how it works. Sorry I cant remember the name of the wheel. Just tell the person at the auto paint supply store what you are trying to do and let him/her know about the wheel. I actually had to educate our suppy house about these. He was able to order them and now carries them in stock. Good Luck