decal removal

[hungryjack]

looking for the easiest method to remove original grahics (decals)from fiberglass rv. currently using the hairdryer/blade method. very time consuming with low productivity

[Retired_JSO]

A few years back, I removed all the decals from our 04 Sandpiper fifthwheel then repainted the design back on. I found that using my daughters wallpaper steamer made short work of most of them.

[rgatijnet1]

If you use a heat gun, keep the heat low and use it just long enough to soften the decal. Too much heat can affect the glue used in the construction process and lead to the sidewall becoming delaminated. A hair dryer works the best, and is the safest for decal removal. It is not an easy process but they can be removed, usually in pieces.

[Dale_Traveling]

I did the heat gun method on one side of the coach a few years back. It was a job. Took several days. Started the other side yesterday with a WHEEL. Much easier, cleaner and quicker.

[Deano56]

i used the wheels but go thru them fast, cheaper to buy a steamer and is faster

[Deano56]

get a decent steamer, then use orange cleaner, that what a body shop would do

[bshpilot]

Plus 1 on the Eraser/Wheel in a drill.

Depending on the age of the stickers heating them might not be viable.

I had some very stubborn stickers the body panel covers at my fuel tanks (under my doors) - i was able to remove SOME of the sticker but the glue remained behind, no amount of goo gone or aero paint prep would touch the glue.

a few minute w/ the Eraser Wheel in an electric drill and the glue was gone & the paint looking like new !

[sjholt]

If you are still having problems removing the decals try this:

http://crystaltek.us.com/crystaltek-vinyl-off.htm

I had to use this with heat and plastic razor blades to get the 19 year old decals off. Oh ya- it also takes time too!

[19D20]

Heat gun and sharpened credit card. (Drag a old credit card through one of those "V" shaped or a multi disc sharpeners) Less chance to scratch the paint/gel. I see Amazon has plastic single edge razor blades now.

Joe R.
SW Washington

[lots2seeinmyrv]

I used a hand held garment steamer and it helped loosen up the decal. Pull up on it slowly.

[Dick_B]

Try searching this Forum for `decal' then search the results for `remove' or `removal'. It's been discussed previously.

[draboo]

IAMICHABOD wrote:
I used the WHEEL to get them off.

Yep,works great. I went to a automotive specific paint shop and found them for about 10 bucks each.

[ScottG]

Skip the hair drier and use a real heat gun. Hold it about 8~10" away and keep a steady pressure. You'll feel the heat doing the job. Don't hold it too close or the decals will tear off in small sticky pieces.
They come off surprisingly fast if you use this method and it leaves almost no adhesive behind. In fact it really only leaves it where you start and stop for the most part.

[IAMICHABOD]

I used the WHEEL to get them off.

[scbwr]

WD40 helps in removing adhesive residue.