removing plastic protector on rv ext.

[nimo]

Removing plastic film from front grill.
Hi all.
Ha have a 2003 36b peace arrow and I wonder if some of you have ever remove some of the protection plastic film on various part of the rv.
I did try on one corner where the previous owner had rub it during a parking experience. I succeeded to remove about 6 inches just by pulling on it, but that was my limit..
I tried a heat gun but just broke the free part..
Any advise is very welcomes.
puzzle

[pallencollin]

Try going to 3M or Diamond Shield's web site for instructions.


Peter & Kathy Collins
Woodland, Washington

2014 Entegra Anthem 42DEQ

[CVO]

Films can be a challenge especially as they get older. Some of the earlier films have adhesives that don't age well. Several tricks to try:

When trying to peel without heat try pulling straight up or back onto the film, either may work better.

When heating: If a quick warm over with the heat gun doesn't improve the removal try adding more. To much heat on the film as your pulling will weaken it and it will break off. To much heat can also set the adhesive causing it to release from the film and stay on the surface. Then you have a bigger project on your hands. Often a tough film will give up if you build heat carefully onto a small area of the panel, then give it a little dwell time so that the surface cools a bit but the substrate is warmer than the film. It then may release with a slow steady pull. Again, pulling at different angles may improve results.

If you having a tough time getting an edge to lift you can buy plastic razor blades at an auto parts store. They work great at working an edge without damaging the paint. Within reason, of course. Good luck!

[nimo]

Thanks to all of you. Yes in dead I will need some luck.
It look like a new skill to discover.
Irv2 always a good place for good advice.

[alvo]

If it's a pressure sensitive (aka sticky) adhesive, use a solvent. Bestine works well for this. If you get some under one edge it will soften and release the plastic. Afterwards a rag with more solvent will quickly remove the adhesive residue. You can get Bestine from an art supply store, traditionally used as rubber cement thinner, you can also use it to remove price stickers bumper stickers, old duct tape and things like that from virtually any surface without damage.

[Ramets]

Been there, done that. I believe if you google Diamond Shield removal you'll find a lot of advice.

[gjurrens]

How about Goo-Gone? Anyone try that, or is that too hard on full body paint?

[alvo]

Bestine (aka Heptane) works better and won't harm the paint.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by alvo

Bestine (aka Heptane) works better and won't harm the paint.

I've got a bottle of "Scrapper's Solution" that I got at a fabric store. Kind of expensive in that small a quantity, maybe I'll check for "Bestine" next. Never tired to remove the front mask and hope I never have to!