Removing Decals, pinstripes etc...

[Jake11375]

Any one have paint safe method of removing dealer decals/logos? They are flat stickers type not the raised chrome or aluminum. Part of it has come off and I never really liked it back there anyway. It now says "Steve Bailey Hon". I did a search on the net and about.com and some say goo gone should do the trick. Thanks for any advice.

[imported_Luster]

Use a hair dryer. (NOT A HEAT GUN!).....



The glue on the decals becomes very soft under heat. They will peel right off. Don`t use your fingernail or you will scratch the clearcoat.



Then use Goo Gone to clean up the left over glue.



I`ve done this many times. Works great.



Obviously, get a good coat of wax or sealant on that area afterwards.

[Jake11375]

Thanks Luster,



Sounds easy enough. The tips I read were right except they left out the blowdryer part. I imagine that makes a pretty big difference. Thanks again!:xyxthumbs

[Accumulator]

Jake11375 - yeah, what Luster said :xyxthumbs. Also, you can try running some waxed dental floss behind the sticker to help separate it from the paint (as you would with a chrome emblem) while you`re heating and pulling. A few extra hands helps with this..



Oh, almost forgot- be prepared to use some SMR before waxing/sealing as the decal will probably leave some "ghosting"-type outline.

[luvthong]

I am on the same boat, but my sticker has been on the car for a good old 5 years in Cali. I will try to blowdryger and the Stoner`s tar remover and see what will it do.

[Matt M, PA]

As a last resort, you could try (I think) 3M`s "eraser". It goes on a drill or grinder and erases the vinyl emblem without (supposedly) harming the paint. My local body shop uses one of these on occaision.

[luke667]

sounds dangerous to paint...