Removal of graphics

[cgmartine]

Hello, I have a 2008 Class C Tioga with faded decal graphics on the sides of the motorhome. I am ordering replacement graphics from Fleetwood and would like to know if just using a heat gun will accomplish the removal. I plan to tackle the job myself and will install the new decals. Has anyone done this before? Will the decals come off in one piece and easily? Anything else to apply before I use the heat gun? Thx.

[ScottG]

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.

[sch911]

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

[cgmartine]

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.

[the_bear_II]

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.