Adhesive Removal for Decals/Graphics

[DreamComeTrue]

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.

[BB_TX]

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]

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]

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.

[Yosemite_Sam1]

Try hot cooking oil.

[md_procouple]

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]

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.