Removig Decals - please help

[Alex]

I need to remove some decals from my dad's truck (highway truck) all i know is that the paint is a single coat.

I have no idea on how to do that without damaging paint so any suggestion on product and tools will be appreciated.

I have a picture to give you guys an idea of what the truck looks like.

[Superior Shine]

Better you than I !!!!!!!!!!!!


Use a heat gun to heat up and soften the decal. That will make it easier to peel off. DON'T LEAVE IT TOO LONG AS TO BURN THE PAINT.

If glue from the decals remain use a product such as 3Ms adhesive remover or simiular.

Have fun.

BEFORE --




AFTER --

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

In addition to what Joe mentioned, you might also look into a tool like this:

http://www.topoftheline.com/eldecrem.html

[Alex7938]

WD40 is good for removing sticky stuff from surfaces,
just spray it on leave for a minute then wipe with a cloth or spray onto a cloth the rub the glue off

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Originally posted by Alex7938
WD40 is good for removing sticky stuff from surfaces,
just spray it on leave for a minute then wipe with a cloth or spray onto a cloth the rub the glue off

Hmm... not so sure I'd grab for WD40 on the paint, but I suppose if it works...

I would much rather use a prep product like Body Solvent for that task... or even prepsol/wax and grease remover that is designed for use on/with paint.

[Superior Shine]

We found body solvent was absolutly useless for removing or even softening glue.

[Alex7938]

Originally posted by Shiny Lil Detlr
Hmm... not so sure I'd grab for WD40 on the paint, but I suppose if it works...

I would much rather use a prep product like Body Solvent for that task... or even prepsol/wax and grease remover that is designed for use on/with paint.

the amount of times my girlfriend has spilt petrol down the side of the car because of her nails is unbelievable, but we've had no problems with damage( it was cleaned, sometimes after her day at work) and i should imagine petrol is alot harsher on paint than WD40?

[Alex]

thanks for the input i will try that
and i will try to post some before and after pics.

[Shiny Lil Detlr]

Originally posted by Alex7938
the amount of times my girlfriend has spilt petrol down the side of the car because of her nails is unbelievable, but we've had no problems with damage( it was cleaned, sometimes after her day at work) and i should imagine petrol is alot harsher on paint than WD40?

Well, yes, but that doesn't mean that it is the best method by any means, though. I guess this is just another case of where I prescribe to the "use the least agressive product first" theory. I'm not above trying WD40 or gasoline, but only as a very last resort.

[Jbirk]

WD-40 works great for removing adhesive. You should try it sometime. It does not harm paint either. The bad thing about WD-40 is it leaves a mess of smears that are very difficult to remove.

[benhui86]

Goo Gone perhapes? never tried it but always read great things about it....

[sean]

When I remove residue, I use the lighter fluid for Zippos. It's naphtha based. I'm not sure what it does to paint on cars, but I have used it on very expensive guitars and antiques so I assume it is safe. Out of all the products I have used to remove sticky residue, naphtha was amazing.

[Five Star]

be careful using a heat gun as you may damage the paint.

sometimes if its in direct sunlight the surface temp will be hot enough to soften them up.

I just removed decals off a cargo van this week.

heated up a corner with a hairdryer. got it started and pulled it off.

by leaving 98% of the decal cool while removing it. most of the adhesive came off, but not all.

but that worked for me, on that 1 vehicle. different vehicles different vinyls call for different measures.

then i had some adhesive remover from some graphics company laying around to remove the excess