Decal Removal and Application

[Horse Newbie 7,075]

I've ordered a set of decals for my 1994 520H from @Vinylguy. I have found removing the old adhesive from the paint surface rather difficult. I have tried WD-40, mineral spirits, brake cleaner, vaseline, Goo Gone,  Goof Off, Windex, and about anything else I can think of.

Do any of you have any tips for removing the old adhesive ?

I plan on watching @Vinylguy 's tutorial on " Redoyourhorse.com before I apply the new decals.

Thanks, Tim

Edited February 13, 2021 by Horse Newbie

[WVHillbilly520H 10,373]

6 minutes ago, Horse Newbie said:

I've ordered a set of decals for my 1994 520H from @Vinylguy. I have found removing the old adhesive from the paint surface rather difficult. I have tried WD-40, mineral spirits, brake cleaner, vaseline, Goo Gone,  Goof Off, Windex, and about anything else I can think of.

Do any of you have any tips for removing the old adhesive ?

I plan on watching @Vinylguy 's tutorial on " Redoyourhorse.com before I apply the new decals.

Thanks, Tim

Did you use heat (heat gun/hair dryer) when removing them?, this usually lends to more complete adhesive removal.  Plain isopropynol alcohol may be your best bet now after heating with a hair dryer.

[Mike in NC 341]

3M makes an adhesive remover and it works great. Do you have an automotive paint supplier near you? They should have it. It comes in a liquid or a spray.

 

Here is a link of pictures of some of the 3M products. 

 

3M Adhesive Remover

Edited February 13, 2021 by Mike in NC

[JCM 9,202]

Both answers to your question are right on. Hair dryer to remove decal then 3M   #  08984 general purpose adhesive cleaner. This part # is a 1 quart can which I find used on a rag is more controllable than the spray can.

[c-series don 8,730]

Heat gun, there’s a fine line between just enough heat and too much. Too much heat and you will leave glue residue, not enough and they won’t peel. Just right and they should come off with little residue. Then as Mike said 3M adhesive remover works great. 

[Zeek 2,286]

I use a heat gun to get the vinyl off and then Toluene (Lowes) to take the adhesive off. Xylene works too. Quicker dry means less damage to under surface, if any. I use it to wipe stuff pre-paint so there is no orange peel.

 

[Horse Newbie 7,075]

2 hours ago, WVHillbilly520H said:

Did you use heat (heat gun/hair dryer) when removing them?, this usually lends to more complete adhesive removal.  Plain isopropynol alcohol may be your best bet now after heating with a hair dryer.

Thanks @WVHillbilly520H for the response...don't remember what thread it may have been on ( I was probably off topic )...

but I must have misunderstood.

I remember someone suggesting a heat gun or hair dryer, but I thought they were talking about removing the plastic "silver horse" at the front of the hood.

The decals themselves have not been that hard to remove...

 

[WVHillbilly520H 10,373]

2 minutes ago, Horse Newbie said:

Thanks @WVHillbilly520H for the response...don't remember what thread it may have been on ( I was probably off topic )...

but I must have misunderstood.

I remember someone suggesting a heat gun or hair dryer, but I thought they were talking about removing the plastic "silver horse" at the front of the hood.

The decals themselves have not been that hard to remove...

 

Its for anything with adhesive, it softens the glue to aid in removal, just don't overheat it.

[Horse Newbie 7,075]

2 hours ago, Mike in NC said:

3M makes an adhesive remover and it works great. Do you have an automotive paint supplier near you? They should have it. It comes in a liquid or a spray.

 

Here is a link of pictures of some of the 3M products. 

 

3M Adhesive Remover

Thanks @Mike in NC, I'm sure I will be able to find it somewhere...

[Achto 27,622]

One of these works exceptionally well for removing decals and decal residue. It will not damage the paint unless you sit in one spot long enough to heat the paint enough to burn it. You really have to try for this to happen though. Other companies make a similar product at a lower price but I prefer the 3M ones.

https://www.amazon.com/Stripe-Wheel-07498-Diameter-Mandrel/dp/B00063VT0G/ref=asc_df_B00063VT0G/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309807921328&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2671441513515824199&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9019452&hvtargid=pla-451421021261&psc=1

[Digger 66 3,485]

Hair dryer :