Forum Discussion

DreamComeTrue's avatar
DreamComeTrue
Explorer
Oct 11, 2018

Adhesive Removal for Decals/Graphics

I live near the Pacific Ocean on the South Oregon Coast. I have a 2010 Cougar Fifth-wheel RV. Because of high winds and driving rain the decals/graphics and stripes on the Cougar have become tattered over the years. I used a heat gun to remove the decals/graphics over two days, but this heavy-duty adhesive is very difficult to remove. I have tried many adhesive (not glue) removers, and the only one that works that does not remove any of the finish is lacquer thinner. It is a tedious job, and I am wondering if anyone has a better idea. Goo Gone and Goof Off don't work at all. Acetone takes off the finish. The heat gun softens the adhesive, but it hardens again almost immediately, and scraping it while warm doesn't work either. I am guessing there are others who don't thank the Cougar makers for this series of RV's because of this adhesive and decals that are guaranteed to shred and peel. I see the newer models (and even the older models) have a totally different way to seal those decals/graphics. I would like to see manufacturers allow buyers to choose not to have any of the graphics.

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  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Oct 12, 2018
    Citrus air freshener...I had my doubts but you will be amazed and you'll smell good too. It is now my first choice for cleaning and removing decals.
  • bpounds's avatar
    bpounds
    Nomad
    Oct 11, 2018
    First, I don't think you can blame salt spray and wind for the graphics failure. Mine are doing the same thing, on the side that faces the sun. No salt and no wind here.

    Second, I have not tackled this job yet, but when I do I'm going to try the Magic Eraser pads in a drill motor.
  • Veebyes's avatar
    Veebyes
    Explorer II
    Oct 11, 2018
    Naptha is another good residue remover. Lacquer thinners works too.
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2018
    I used mineral spirits to remove the adhesive after removing the decals with a heatgun and plastic scraper.

    Just be careful around painted surfaces...the mineral spirits will remove the paint.

    Wash and wax the siding afterwards....

    I did end up with ghost images of the decals but no adhesive. The decals had been on for over 15 years.
  • BB_TX's avatar
    BB_TX
    Nomad
    Oct 11, 2018
    After removing my decals, some with heat gun and scraper and some with 3M Eraser wheel, I used 3M Adhesive Remover. I used a towel that I had prewetted with remover. Then I held the towel under a section of adhesive while I moved the can of remover across and above that section of adhesive letting the liquid "sheet" down over the adhesive and soak into the towel. Then I used the soaked towel to wipe away the adhesive. The adhesive remover basically melted the adhesive and it wiped off fairly easily. Key is having the towel thoroughly wet with remover.
  • Ed9824v's avatar
    Ed9824v
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2018
    there is a rubber wheel about 4 in in diameter that is specifically made to remove the decals. removes decal with the adhesive.
    https://www.amazon.com/Remover-Stickers-Minutes-Wheel-toolkit/dp/B00VFACQRE/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1539289060&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=decal+remover+eraser+wheel&psc=1&smid=A2EZNOFZAZVR8
  • George3037's avatar
    George3037
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2018
    lacquer thinner and WD40 have both worked for me removing decal adhesive. Both do remove any wax or polish you may have. Also works on black streaks.
  • md_procouple's avatar
    md_procouple
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2018
    It's not just Cougars... We have a Montana, with the same problem, I also took the heat gun approach. and still have quite a bit of adhesive. One of the things I used was 3M adhesive removal along with the heat gun and plastic scraper. Still have a quite a bit to go. If and when I get it all gone, will "Replace with Painted on designs, a fellow camper did that and it looks good and it's more durable. Good Luck, and Happy Camping !!
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Oct 11, 2018
    Thats what I have used along with a scraper or a single edge razor blade. Be very careful using a razor blade. You can easily gough the fiberglas.

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