Paint & Body Work Custom Painting | Panel Repairs & Replacement

Need help removing decals/stripes

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 13, 2009 | 10:07 AM
  #1  
Turo's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (23)
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,465
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee, FL
Default Need help removing decals/stripes

I bought my car a few years ago with some racing stripes (decals) already on it. I recently went to remove them, and didn't have much trouble except for the rear hatch. It seems that in this section, the decals do NOT want to come off! I've tried using decal removers (spray), using a razorblade, and just picking at them with my fingernail (this works, but VERY VERY slowly).

Its difficult to explain exactly what they look like, but its almost as if they have been melted onto the paint. Attached are two pics of what I mean, but they were taken with a cell so they are not the best images. Is there any easy (or easier) way of removing these things without damaging the paint underneath (I've already damaged it a bit, so i'm trying to find a better way)? I'm open to any suggestions, because I'm sick and tired of trying to get them off!!
Attached Thumbnails Need help removing decals/stripes-0407091846.jpg   Need help removing decals/stripes-0407091846a.jpg  
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2009 | 01:26 PM
  #2  
antsls1's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: Lagrange, GA
Default

the easiest thing to do is buy or borrow a heat gun and a plastic putty knife. heat up small areas of the decal at a time. once it is heated (it doesnt take long to heat it up) take the plastic putty knife and get it started it will peel up like static cling. very easy. every now and then there will still be a lil glue left from the decal clean this up with denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or gasoline. make sure that you dont leave any of the glue removers on the paint for too long cuz it will fog ur clearcoat and can even remove it if it is thin or old. you can get the heat gun from any hardware store as with the denatured and isopropyl alcohol. so good luck man once youve tried this method you wont remove any sticker, decal, or graphic off of anything without doing this. hope this helps. pm me if you have any questions bout this or if i am not clear in an area. GOOD LUCK!!!!
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2009 | 02:17 PM
  #3  
Turo's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (23)
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,465
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee, FL
Default

Thanks, I'll give it a shot this week. I already tried a hair dryer and it worked for most of the decals, but it did nothing for this section right here. I'll try a heat gun and putty knife, see how that works!
Reply
Old Apr 13, 2009 | 04:53 PM
  #4  
Ricer's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
From: Charleston, SC
Default

3M eraser wheel.. works every time and wont hurt the paint (P/N: 07498)



Astro Pneumatic makes a cheaper version that works well too (P/N: 400E)
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2009 | 12:39 AM
  #5  
HWI's Avatar
HWI
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 586
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Default

Originally Posted by Ricer
3M eraser wheel.. works every time and wont hurt the paint (P/N: 07498)



Astro Pneumatic makes a cheaper version that works well too (P/N: 400E)
I've heard those things can chew through a clear coat. Not true? I'd feel safer with a heat gun and putty knife. I'm thinking about removing the stripes on the side of my car.
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2009 | 11:01 AM
  #6  
antsls1's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: Lagrange, GA
Default

Originally Posted by HWI
I've heard those things can chew through a clear coat. Not true? I'd feel safer with a heat gun and putty knife. I'm thinking about removing the stripes on the side of my car.
just keep in mind HWI and Turo that if those strips/decals have been on ur cars for a while they may still be noticable after you remove them. whether it be the sun faded ur paint or even buffing scratches and swirls in ur paint. but good luck to the both of ya
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2009 | 11:02 AM
  #7  
cvalliere's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Bay City, Mi.
Default

Originally Posted by HWI
I've heard those things can chew through a clear coat. Not true? I'd feel safer with a heat gun and putty knife. I'm thinking about removing the stripes on the side of my car.
It has been known to happen but mainly on pannels that have been either painted reciently or have been preped for paint shitty. When I use mine at work I don't let it go ***** out I have an regulator of sorts on mine so I keep the RPM's down I VERY rarely have a problem
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2009 | 01:57 PM
  #8  
Turo's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (23)
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,465
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee, FL
Default

I'm not too worried about minor defects to the paint because it is in a spot you don't really see much. Plus I hate the way it looks now, so I'd rather deal with faded stripes/paint than have it look the way it does now!

After reading some reviews, I think I may try the eraser wheel first, many people online seem to swear by them. I'll order one tonight and see what happens, hopefully I don't f*ck anything up!
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-8

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 15, 2009 | 01:55 PM
  #9  
cvalliere's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
From: Bay City, Mi.
Default

Originally Posted by Turo
I'm not too worried about minor defects to the paint because it is in a spot you don't really see much. Plus I hate the way it looks now, so I'd rather deal with faded stripes/paint than have it look the way it does now!

After reading some reviews, I think I may try the eraser wheel first, many people online seem to swear by them. I'll order one tonight and see what happens, hopefully I don't f*ck anything up!

Take it slow, don't go ***** out with the RPM's and you should be fine.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:52 AM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE