Best way to remove older decals

[johnnymag3 2,559]

Looking for the best way to remove old decals without hurting the paint. Have never taken them off, but its time to give the 1257 a new set...

 

thanks, John

[WHNJ701 4,165]

Heat gun, or oven cleaner

[johnnymag3 2,559]

26 minutes ago, jabelman said:

Heat gun, or oven cleaner

I do not want to hurt the paint....will oven cleaner destroy the paint Jason??

Edited November 2, 2020 by johnnymag3

[Achto 28,265]

13 minutes ago, johnnymag3 said:

Looking for the best way to remove old decals without hurting the paint

 

Hair dryer or heat gun will aid in removal. A gum eraser wheel on a drill is the best way to remove old decals and glue residue without damaging the paint. I prefer a 3M brand one but here is a more economical one.

 

https://www.amazon.com/VViViD-Diameter-Remover-Including-Adapter/dp/B084D43QF7/ref=pd_sbs_263_27?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B084D43QF7&pd_rd_r=d3801901-1002-4472-a639-f85909d705ab&pd_rd_w=n5dgy&pd_rd_wg=a7VS1&pf_rd_p=ff9b5089-1414-4e8f-9675-3397e98bf276&pf_rd_r=41EZYMFZXG4HR82F3F6Q&psc=1&refRID=41EZYMFZXG4HR82F3F6Q

[Pullstart 63,648]

If you heat the backside of the panel too, it heats the glue before the decal.  More likely to separate right the first time 

[peter lena 9,002]

In addition to the heat gun, a fresh  industrial razor blade, one sided ,in the holder will start the edging for a possible peel off, pete

[Vinylguy 4,690]

Heat gun plastic razor blade. heat and peel slowly heating as you peel.

the original decals have been on for 50 years. The slower you peel the less adhesive residue remains on the paint.

oven cleaner is a last resort as it can and will harm paint if it is on too long.

Edited November 2, 2020 by Vinylguy

[Vinylguy 4,690]

As Pullstart said. Heat the backside of the panel first to soften glue then heat the decal left or right end edge and lift with plastic blade.

 

 

[Achto 28,265]

A little how to for those who have never used a gum wheel to remove decals.

 

 

[squonk 42,005]

I 2nd the gum wheel

[Zeek 2,286]

On 11/2/2020 at 2:01 PM, Vinylguy said:

Heat gun plastic razor blade. heat and peel slowly heating as you peel.

the original decals have been on for 50 years. The slower you peel the less adhesive residue remains on the paint.

oven cleaner is a last resort as it can and will harm paint if it is on too long.

 What he said  I use Xylene to remove residue without harming paint. You can get it at box stores.

Edited November 6, 2020 by Zeek

[rmaynard 15,820]

On 11/2/2020 at 2:01 PM, Vinylguy said:

Heat gun plastic razor blade. heat and peel slowly heating as you peel.

the original decals have been on for 50 years. The slower you peel the less adhesive residue remains on the paint.

oven cleaner is a last resort as it can and will harm paint if it is on too long.

 

I agree with the heat and plastic scraper. But I get the rest of the glue off with VM&P Naptha.

[rjg854 11,739]

WD40 works pretty good on glue residue, also

[DennisThornton 4,770]

On 11/2/2020 at 1:28 PM, Achto said:

 

Hair dryer or heat gun will aid in removal. A gum eraser wheel on a drill is the best way to remove old decals and glue residue without damaging the paint. I prefer a 3M brand one but here is a more economical one.

 

https://www.amazon.com/VViViD-Diameter-Remover-Including-Adapter/dp/B084D43QF7/ref=pd_sbs_263_27?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B084D43QF7&pd_rd_r=d3801901-1002-4472-a639-f85909d705ab&pd_rd_w=n5dgy&pd_rd_wg=a7VS1&pf_rd_p=ff9b5089-1414-4e8f-9675-3397e98bf276&pf_rd_r=41EZYMFZXG4HR82F3F6Q&psc=1&refRID=41EZYMFZXG4HR82F3F6Q

 

I always used heat but as I was going out of the repair business 3M was offering their removal wheel.  I've never used it but gathered it worked well.  Glad to here it does.