Graphic and striping Removal

[vman60]

Beings my coach is 23 years old, I am going to remove the striping and graphics when I restore the outside oxidized and chalky fiberglass finish. Has anyone tried any products that would make this job any easier? Thanks. Tony

[Wanabee FTer]

I removed a few graphics from my coach, the removal was easy. Getting rid of the residual glue is a little tougher. I used a heat gun on low heat to remove the vinyl graphics, (a hair dryer won't work) and then I followed up with good adhesive remover (3M or Goof Off will work)

[vman60]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wanabee FTer I removed a few graphics from my coach, the removal was easy. Getting rid of the residual glue is a little tougher. I used a heat gun on low heat to remove the vinyl graphics, (a hair dryer won't work) and then I followed up with good adhesive remover (3M or Goof Off will work)

Thanks for the reply, but I think a hot gun on my coach would take the rest of my natural life, considering its 34ft and has striping on top and bottom. I know they make a chemicle that removes stripes, I just can't rememeber what its called.

[Wanabee FTer]

It's not what you think. Start by pulling at one edge and walk back with the heat gun while heating the vinyl up and down. It will mostly come off in one big piece. If the vinyl is cracked to badly to remove in one piece, you could use a putty knife and heat gun. Anything strong enough to dissolve vinyl graphics would likely be bad for the gelcoat.

[The General]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wanabee FTer It's not what you think. Start by pulling at one edge and walk back with the heat gun while heating the vinyl up and down. It will mostly come off in one big piece. If the vinyl is cracked to badly to remove in one piece, you could use a putty knife and heat gun. Anything strong enough to dissolve vinyl graphics would likely be bad for the gelcoat.

Tony,
I'm with Wanabee FTer; I believe that this is the fastest way to go.

Steve

[Elkhartjim]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vman60 Thanks for the reply, but I think a hot gun on my coach would take the rest of my natural life, considering its 34ft and has striping on top and bottom. I know they make a chemicle that removes stripes, I just can't rememeber what its called.

They do make chemicals which will remove the decals. Any chemical strong enough to dissolve the the decals will also harm the paint if you're not careful. In another life, we would sand the decals off with a DA (dual action) sander. Yes, this would require re-painting the vehicle but there usually is no way to remove the decals without damaging the paint surface. Remember too, the paint under the decals will be a different color because it has not faded. Just my experience.

Here are a couple chemicals but be very careful.

Permatex Decal and Paint Stripper 16 ounce aerosol can

Amazon.com: KLEAN-STRIP EAD908 AIRCRT DECAL/ADH REMOVER: Automotive

[vman60]

Thanks guys. I was researching on line last night and 3m makes a stripe eraser that you use with a srill. its a eraser wheel, I might try that 1st. I also now rememeber that areosol can that is in the above post. Thanks for reminding me what it was. I just think 34ft top and bottom, both sides, front and back using a heat wood work, but would take forever. Thanks for the reply's. you guys are great. Tony

[Roger G]

There is no easy way. A heat gun and 3M adhesive remover in your best option in my opinion. If your decals are still pliable then they should peel in one piece if your patient. If the decals are brittle, which is most likely due to the age of the RV then it will be very time consuming. Compartmentalize , one strip per day/ week until your finished.

[Elkhartjim]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vman60 Thanks guys. I was researching on line last night and 3m makes a stripe eraser that you use with a srill. its a eraser wheel, I might try that 1st. I also now rememeber that areosol can that is in the above post. Thanks for reminding me what it was. I just think 34ft top and bottom, both sides, front and back using a heat wood work, but would take forever. Thanks for the reply's. you guys are great. Tony

We also used the erasers but only for pin strips. You will need a pick up load to remove as much as you have. It almost used one to remove the average pin stripes on a car. You still have the glue to contend with after you've "erased" the decal. The eraser will not remove the glue.

If you decide to use the eraser, you can buy a kit with a small pneumatic tool included. The nice thing is its small, that drill is going to get heavy as you gett'er done!

Eraser Tool with 12 Erasers