removing decals....any tips n tricks?

[nwcove]

anyone have much experience or tips on the best way to remove old decals from a fiberglass cowl?

thanks

 

[BonairII]

Re: removing decals....any tips n tricks?

Heat gun or hair dryer. You can also try Goo-gone or other adhesive remover spray(3M).

If you're repainting the cowling, you can just sand off the residue after getting the decal off.

 

[rickryder]

Re: removing decals....any tips n tricks?

Yes a heat gun to remove the decals and acetone or zippo lighter fluid for the glue residue

 

[sschefer]

Re: removing decals....any tips n tricks?

Vinyl Eraser, get them at your local professional automotive paint store. They're about 4" in diameter with a arbor that you chuck into a 3/8 or 1/2 drill motor. It works just like a pencil eraser and has about the same consistency. This is what the pro's use and they do not damage the paint.

Once you have the decal removed, 3M makes a spray that will take any remaining glue off. I can't remember the exact name so ask when you get the eraser. Trust me this is the absolute best method.

 

[Boss Hawg]

Re: removing decals....any tips n tricks?

Vinyl Eraser, get them at your local professional automotive paint store. They're about 4" in diameter with a arbor that you chuck into a 3/8 or 1/2 drill motor. It works just like a pencil eraser and has about the same consistency. This is what the pro's use and they do not damage the paint.

Once you have the decal removed, 3M makes a spray that will take any remaining glue off. I can't remember the exact name so ask when you get the eraser. Trust me this is the absolute best method.

No offence but that is just WRONG - I tryed that & its just a mess, time consuming & exspensive ! I have done A LOT of this sort on boats, trucks ect---
Just get a heat gun (20 bucks) & a little laquer thinner to remove glue residue & get it done

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: removing decals....any tips n tricks?

if the decal is cracked, I suggest 3m woodgrain and vinyl stripe remover, followed by a can of 3m decal adhesive remover. we used to buy it by the case load when I worked at a sign shop in college. Heat gun works well if the decal is not cracked.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: removing decals....any tips n tricks?

I used to have to pull all the decals off of trucks when the were turned in at the end of their lease when I was a diesel tech so I did it a lot. I always used a heat gun and a plastic razor blade. If you are not planning on repainting just be careful with the heat gun. To much heat in on place at one time and you can burn the paint. If you are repainting than go to town.

 

[nwcove]

Re: removing decals....any tips n tricks?

thanks everyone, looks like the heat gun, and solvent method is the most popular, time for a trip to the hardware store!!

 

[Bustedknuckle84]

Re: removing decals....any tips n tricks?

I use a plastic razor blade, heat gun, and either goo gone,acetone, etc. will work just did mine recently.

 

[Mike Peter]

Re: removing decals....any tips n tricks?

I?d suggest that you use the wonder wheel. It is quick, simple and chemical free.

I used the wonder wheel to remove decals on a boat I bought last year and it worked like a real wonder. No mess, no scratches and no time-taking like the other traditional methods.

I?m in love with this wonder product, helped me get rid of the decal within ten minutes. The wheel is made of soft rubber and can be used safely on all types of vehicle surfaces without damaging the paint. It works perfect for the old decals that have been baked under the sun for years.

Visit the decalstickerremover site to watch the video which shows how to use wonder wheel to take off decals.
http://decalstickerremover.com/

 

[ADK_Boater]

Re: removing decals....any tips n tricks?

Wow Mike Peter, that sounds so much like an ad...

Listen, nwcove, you don't need to spend money or buy new stuff.
A heat gun is nice and effective (and more dangerous if you make a mistake) but a hairdryer will suffice if you get the area warm enough or can't get a heat gun...the idea there is that the decals will be more pliable once heated up.
True the adhesive will get gummy, sticky and smeary.
So here is where the acetone (or lacquer thinner) comes in...you don't even need a ton of it. It does evaporate quickly, so just keep the rag or shop towels "wet". wear rubber gloves meant for use with chemicals...they're not expensive, but are a really good idea.

A scraper with a razor blade or a plastic scraper will help peel the decals off, that too will get a bit gummy so wipe it with the acetone.
Be carful with a razor blade as not to cut into the fiberglass...it's easy to do.