Removal of graphics

sch911 wrote:
You may want to consider getting an Eraser from 3M. You'll have the graphics off in no time at all...

Hey that's a great website. Thanks for that tip.

That's how to do it, a little at a time. Be careful not to stretch it.

Sir, your suggestion on using that soapy water in the bottle is an excellent idea, that way I can slide it around and also get it into place while I work out any bubbles. I am now very confident I can do it myself with a little bit of patience. One last question. Once I start attaching one end of the decal, do I roll up the rest and slowly remove the backing as I move along and attach it to the wall? I don't think I should remove the backing all at once and try to get it into place in a single motion. Does that sound ok?

cgmartine wrote:
I don't want it to come out with any bubbles and not straight, even though I will be following the outline of the old decal.

Miix a little dish detergent in a spray bottle with water then lightly spray the area before you start placing the decal. You can then use a squeegy to work the bubbles and water out from under the decals. That's how the pros do it on a regular basis.

I used a heat gun to remove the decals on our front cap before having it painted.
Keep the heat gun about 8~10" away and just keep an even tension on the decals. They will come off easily if you keep the right amount of heat on them. Don't get it too hot or the decals just tear into pieces and cause you more work.

You may want to consider getting an Eraser from 3M. You'll have the graphics off in no time at all...

Yes, I've already looked at that video you are referring to. Because of the cost of each replacement decal, I only plan to do one graphic at a time. They are actually not bad, just some fading, but no cracking. I am hoping each decal will come off in a single piece. All the graphics flow in a straight line, with no curves. I think my major concern is placing the new decal. I could not find anything on Youtube about this. I don't want it to come out with any bubbles and not straight, even though I will be following the outline of the old decal.

Depending on how bad they are you may be in for a lot of work. On our 38 ft RV it took me about 10 hours total using the heat gun method. I used a plastic scraper to loosen the decals that I couldn't pull loose. Once you get the graphics off then you have to use mineral spirits to get the glue to come off and then clean with simple green or other soap to remove all the residue. Lots of elbow grease.

Do a search and look for someone's post where they used a 3m Graphic buffing wheel. It's much easier or hire a detailer to remove the graphics.