Best Way To Remove Decals ?

[Kingham]

I posted recently about my van decals rippling and shrinking.

https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/a-good-reason-to-stay-below-140-mph.197717/

What’s the best way to get the old ones off without damaging the paintwork ? I’m thinking that they will have to be removed at some point, so I might as well do it now and have a plain bonnet until the replacements arrive.

The top layer that is shrinking looks easy enough, but the underlying black layer that can be seen at the bottom of the decal feels a lot more substantial.

 

[hilldweller]

First try is careful use of a heat gun.

 

[Camping Gaza]

Hair dryer, less powerful than a heat gun on a low setting, get a corner going. WD40 gets most sticky labels off things, and also try lighter fluid, but be careful on plastic surfaces.

Theres a thing out called a toffee wheel that car detailers use, goes on the end of your drill I think. Google search it.

Try at your own risk, I accept no responsibility for any damage caused

 

[wiljoy]

Leave in the sun for about 45 minutes. This should activate the glue enough to SLOWLY peel from a corner a small section at a time. Using strong heat could seperate the graphic from the glue so you then gave to remove the glue,messy. Show care as your van is metallic. When the graphic is removed you will notice a colour difference but the new graphic should cover this.
I remove graphics from dozens of vans, buses and emergency vehicles every year and after 40 years I've found the easiest way is how I've advised. DON'T USE ANY POWER WHEELS OR POLISHING DEVICES unless you want a respray.
Any questions please feel free to PM me.

 

[Silver-Fox]

As said hair dryer.
You can also buy a product called just the tonic from AD a detailing shop that will remove any residue.

You can also buy panel wipe that should clean it up as well.

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[Camping Gaza]

Leave in the sun for about 45 minutes.

Great Idea.... Trip to Spain YES!!!!

 

[Bart]

Hair dryer to remove decals >> then painters panel wipe to remove any left over glue.

 

[glenn2926]

When I was a panel beater we just poured a kettle of boiling water over the decals and then they peeled off fairly easily.

 

[colyboy]

HAIR DRYER

 

[gloworm]

Had ours changed by a professional, He used hot water, came off easy & clean, a wipe over with cleaning solution and new ones stuck on,

Eric

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[Northernraider]

Hairdryer and patience is the best way

A heat gun is too hot , and not water runs off before having any real effect.

I stripped all the graphics off my mobilvetta in a day with hairdryer

 

[Minxy]

Do not under any circumstances think that a wall-paper steam stripper will work! Not if you still want some paint left on!