Community Forums

kerrbe · 03-14-2012, 02:34 PM

Started removing more decals today. I originaly tried the hair dryer route and it was not working very well at all. Most of my graphics are really dried out and cracked. Ordered this stuff called Vinyl-Off. Wow I was impressed. You lightly sand the graphic and it really helps if your working in the sun with some heat. Spray on the Vinyl-Off and wait 5 minutes. I then took a plastic ice scraper and started scrapping them off. Took about 2 hours to do a 4 foot area. Posted pic of how bad the graphics were.

Chickenman · 03-14-2012, 02:49 PM

That is going to be a job. I plan on removing mine after this camping season. I do not look forward to the work.

Are you getting new graphics made?

Stnlss · 03-14-2012, 03:27 PM

Removed mine last summer. Decals on the gel coat were not easy, but they were easy compared to removal from painted surfaces. 03 Phaeto looks pretty good with only the gel coat and actual painted surfaces.

kerrbe · 03-14-2012, 04:39 PM

Not sure if we will have new graphics or have them painted on.

toadog · 03-14-2012, 05:03 PM

I am getting ready to do the same think, I wonder if you used the hair dryer at the same time if it gets a little easier ? Let us know how it goes,good luck.

Vegasdan · 03-15-2012, 09:37 AM

No one that has ever done this process, including myself, would ever say this is an easy job. Took me a couple weeks working a couple hours each day with a hair dryer. I'd recomend buffing the sides out once you've got the graphics off (I hate the word decals as that's a different product alltogether). Then get painted or new graphics applied.

kerrbe · 03-15-2012, 10:36 PM

I agree Vegasdan its not easy and its going to take me a month to get them all off. And thats only if the weather stays warm. Had an estimate today to get new graphics and he quoted me $1000.00. He doesn't want to do a mock up of the new graphics unless he is sure I am commited to using him. Well I don't know if I want to use him until I see what he comes up with????

sgtjoe · 03-15-2012, 10:59 PM

There is a wheel made by 3M that is supposed to work really great on removing the stick on thingees. If I ever remove mine they will be painted on. That way you can wax them. I was told decals are good for 7 years.

farmallbob · 03-16-2012, 05:51 AM

have used an old steam iron over a wet towel to heat and remove decals before. Works better than the hair dryer. Have also used a heat gun, but you have to be carefull not to overheat.

njs42 · 03-16-2012, 08:48 AM

Watched a friend remove a portion of his on a 5er. I was exhausted just watching.
Personnaly if I ever do it I will have it painted back.

On a slightly different note from the thread; my graphics still look great at age 10. The instructions say to not wax them emphasising nothing petroleum based and I have avoided it religiously. I also cover my rig when not being used--most of it's use has been in the desert hot and dry. Still they look great.

This year they seeemed to fade a bit so I used Protectant 303 on them come what may. so far they really seem to like it and they look almost new again. We shall see.

Elbow grease in copious quantities seems to be the most used substance for graphic removal. But the end results are usually well worth the effort.

kerrbe · 03-16-2012, 09:00 AM

I do have the 3m wheel and it does work. Just trying to get the knack of it. Right know it only seems to be coming off in really little pieces so I will keep watching the videos on u-tube and try to figure it out.

toadog · 03-16-2012, 03:19 PM

I find that learning how with your efforts is encouraging me. I will wait for the warmth of the summer. I will keep watching, good luck.

Texun1 · 03-19-2012, 07:29 AM

Long and slow process... Go out and buy a heat gun. Much better than a hair dryer. The good news is that by the time you have it down pat the job is over.

Dogpatch · 03-19-2012, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sgtjoe

There is a wheel made by 3M that is supposed to work really great on removing the stick on thingees. If I ever remove mine they will be painted on. That way you can wax them. I was told decals are good for 7 years.

Go with the specially designed wheel from 3M. You use it with a drill. The guy that does all our company vehicle graphics uses it for removals. Took a complete door decal off my truck in about 3 minutes. Removes decal and glue. Most autobody supply shops have them. Maybe a place like NAPA Auto as well.