Forum Discussion

Tikkamike's avatar
Tikkamike
Explorer
Mar 10, 2015

Removing old cracked decals

I recently purchased my first TT a 2000 22' Terry. and the "Terry" decals are all in bad shape especially the front one. so I decided I would remove them. I only did the front one so far it was the worst and biggest. First I tried the 3M stripe off wheel. it works great but rubs the paint off.. so then I got a heat gun and plastic scraper, it worked well but sometimes if the metal was too hot it would rub paint off... then once I was done I had to remove the adhesive.. some came off some cant my touched by the adhesive removers that I tried.. It looks better but I am not too happy with the results> I think the age of my trailer is a factor. 15 years in the sun is a long time.. here are a couple pics though

before


after
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2015
    If you end up with some rough or off-color areas underneath the decals, using a couple of rubbing compounds and a buffing wheel may blend the surface back towards the original. It won't add paint, of course, but may improve the look.
    White, unfortunately, is about the hardest color to match with new paint.

    Good luck with your project.
  • dadmomh's avatar
    dadmomh
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2015
    A heat gun on LOW or a hair dryer and lots of patience. Definitely would not use a scraper....you can accomplish this with a fingernail or two. Goo Gone is the next step and then wash with a mix of Dawn and water. You're done.
  • mrmeagle's avatar
    mrmeagle
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2015
    The best thing I've found for removing left over adhesive is WD-40.
  • Tikkamike's avatar
    Tikkamike
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2015
    old guy wrote:
    mine are curling at the edges and I figure I will hit them with a plastic putty knife and just wait for the sun to catch with the rest of it. they want an arm and a leg and a case of beer for new ones. My father in law always said, let the next guy worry about it. LOL I guess he was talking about you.


    Well its mostly just a hunting camp so I am thinking the next guy can get the rest of them! smart guy, your father in law!
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2015
    Looks good so far.

    It is hard work but once you find the right amount of heat with the gun, the decal comes off easily without taking off the paint. I would try Goof Off to remove the adhesive...first make sure it won't remove the paint.

    Another option is to have an RV detailer remove the decals and adhesives. They have the right stuff & experience to do the job
  • old_guy's avatar
    old_guy
    Explorer
    Mar 10, 2015
    mine are curling at the edges and I figure I will hit them with a plastic putty knife and just wait for the sun to catch with the rest of it. they want an arm and a leg and a case of beer for new ones. My father in law always said, let the next guy worry about it. LOL I guess he was talking about you.

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