QuickSilver

iTrader: (22)

Im trying to remove some stripes that have been on the car for about 4-5 years. Whats the best way to get them off without messing up the paint??
Thanks
Josh

Fast_94_Z

iTrader: (12)

regardless of what you do the paint will look glossier under the decals because no light has hit it in 4 or 5 years. but i think the best way to get them off is find a corner to start at and use a heat gun to warm the vinyl up but keep the heat gun moving back in forth to avoid melting the decal. any residue left over use wax and grease remover to remove it.

Mikey340

iTrader: (1)

I used rubbing alcohol
Mike

waldershrek

iTrader: (1)

QuickSilver

iTrader: (22)

Thanks guys i used a heat gun and it worked pretty good. I still need to get all the residue off. It looks like the rest of the paint really faded will this buff out or will i need to wet sand it?
Thanks
Josh

Mrs. Take 2

iTrader: (1)

There is some stuff in a spray can called sticker shock for bumper sticker adhesive that might work. It softens it up and you might be able to rub it off with a rag. I have used it to remove emblems and side molding on cars and it worked well for that.

spudnick3119

You really shouldn't have to wetsand/buff. After all, this paint should look newer since the sun hasn't been hitting it for a while. To remove the rest of the residue, WD-40 worked for me. Let it soak in for a bit and then wipe it off. Hit it with a claybar after all residue is off and then give it some wax and it should be good.

NHRAMAN

iTrader: (1)

I have always used a hairdryer...doesn't get too hot.

QuickSilver

iTrader: (22)

my cheap heat gun was my wifes hair dryer. The paint does look better under the decals but is very noticable from the rest. I tried some runbbing compound and that didnt help.
Thansk
Josh

jsteele90

iTrader: (13)

paint thinner. just remember to wax afterward. or they do make special solvent. wax and grease remover. think u can probaly get it at walmart or any nice auto store.

chevrunner21

iTrader: (1)

goof off worked for me for the residue but wax and grease remover is what is HIGHLY recommended. any body shop will tell you the same thing they all use wax and grease.

Gipraw

iTrader: (10)

you should be able to buff the car and get the paint to look pretty close to what was under the stripe ..

do you have access to a DA?

LT1-DAN

Hairdryer/plastic razors/mineral spirits. Take your time and be as gentle on the paint as you can.

chevrunner21

iTrader: (1)

DO NOT DA YOUR CAR. get yourself one of those DA LIKE buffers, im not sure what they are called but they are your best bet. search on detailing and you will be able to find it and what to do. I'm going through the same thing with some collectors edition decals that previous owner had put on mine but im bringing it to a friend whos dad is going to teach me what to do(he's been painting cars and all for 30+yrs) they told me the same thing. you only sand the car for deep scratches and you dont da it unless you plan to repaint things. i also was taught auto body refinishing and collision repair in hs. if your no good at detailing like myself than just take off the decals yourself, use wax and grease or goof off or anything along those lines to get your residue off and than bring your car to a good detailer, he will hook you up. sorry for the long post.

decalremover

best way to removal decals on a car (on a painted area) is to avoid metal blades as can scratch the paint. Hair dryer works well but the best thing i have seen (for large areas) is the wonder wheel. there is a video demo at .... p.s to remove the goo or adhesive is Eucalyptus oil (and cheap)

firehawk#682

iTrader: (19)

thats what i use also do remove the goo thats left. after you get the sticker off.

BlkBird2000

iTrader: (10)

I've always used plastic razor blades. I used them on the corners to get enough up so I can peal it off.