Removing decals...

**degrom** · 27th December 2006, 16:34

What is the best way to remove old decals?

I am preparing my project bikes fairing for paint and need to remove a bunch of old decal stickers.

**Disco Dan** · 27th December 2006, 16:40

went over mine with a bit of rough sand paper to remove the top layer, then used a razor blade to remove the sticky layer.

Even easier is a product available in supermarkets cant remember what its called but its a cleaner for removing sticky labels, works great. But I was worried about it damaging the plastic.

Dont make the mistake of painting over the top... the paint flecks across it and reacts with the sticky layer of the decal... not a good look!

**degrom** · 27th December 2006, 17:05

Originally Posted by Disco Dan

went over mine with a bit of rough sand paper to remove the top layer, then used a razor blade to remove the sticky layer.

Even easier is a product available in supermarkets cant remember what its called but its a cleaner for removing sticky labels, works great. But I was worried about it damaging the plastic.

Dont make the mistake of painting over the top... the paint flecks across it and reacts with the sticky layer of the decal... not a good look!

Yes... I don't want make the mistake of going the quick way with the spray-gun.

It's just silly that it takes me almost more time to remove the decals than it took to do the plastic welding(17 years of cracks is plenty!!!)

I have tried grease remover and thinners. The thinners makes it soft and snotty but wont take it of...

**T.W.R** · 27th December 2006, 17:36

Originally Posted by degrom

What is the best way to remove old decals?

I am preparing my project bikes fairing for paint and need to remove a bunch of old decal stickers.

Swipe the cooks Hair dryer

get it cranked up & wave it over the old decals a few times & they'll peel off a piece of piss

**Toaster** · 27th December 2006, 18:16

Yep, I found the hairdryer works well (not that it's mine or that I use it, ever have used it, or even know how to use one)...... how did that thing get in my makeup bag??!!

**klingon** · 27th December 2006, 18:58

Hairdryer first, and try to get the whole thing off in a smooth even layer. Then if there's any remaining adhesive go over it with a blob of blu-tak. The blu-tak gets really sticky really fast so make sure you have plenty. Then go over the whole area once more with a solution of 1 tsp vinegar & 1 tsp dishwashing liquid in about a litre of warm water.

This tip is brought to you by klingon's home hints.

**degrom** · 27th December 2006, 19:40

Originally Posted by klingon

Hairdryer first, and try to get the whole thing off in a smooth even layer. Then if there's any remaining adhesive go over it with a blob of blu-tak. The blu-tak gets really sticky really fast so make sure you have plenty. Then go over the whole area once more with a solution of 1 tsp vinegar & 1 tsp dishwashing liquid in about a litre of warm water.

This tip is brought to you by klingon's home hints.

Now you are talking....

I also notice another thing. When you pulling off the sticker pull it of in a 90degree angle. Don't be tempted to pull it in 0 degree angle (The flat way where the pulled of part are just above the part that is still sticking) because it's easy... If you do it the 0 degree way,all of the glue will stick to the surface and you will have a mess!!!

Right way:

^
^
^
^
--------------

Wrong way:

>>>>>>>>>>
glue^
--------------------

**Motig** · 28th December 2006, 10:30

Theres a product called De Solv it you can get (mitre 10/supermarket/somewhere) that you can use to remove the sticky residue. Based on oranges and lemons or similar, would need good wash with soap and water after as its slightly oily.

**ZeroIndex** · 28th December 2006, 11:13

heatgun and sandpaper

**Swoop** · 29th December 2006, 22:28

Get the stickers off - heatgun, etc. The residue of the glue and gummyness [sp] also needs to be removed, sandpaper can just move this around and force it into any minute holes that are there.
Wipe the surfaces down with PrepSol before spraying. This removes any waxes or gunk on the surface.

**MSTRS:Me** · 29th December 2006, 23:51

Originally Posted by Swoop

Get the stickers off - heatgun, etc. The residue of the glue and gummyness [sp] also needs to be removed, sandpaper can just move this around and force it into any minute holes that are there.
Wipe the surfaces down with PrepSol before spraying. This removes any waxes or gunk on the surface.

This should soften and remove the adhesive anyway. Use cheese cloth/muslin/whatever you call it and turn it to a clean spot every couple of 'passes' since the weave picks up the glue and clogs up like a snotty hanky.