Removing Stubborn RV Decals

[ScottLewis]

I read every thread I could find here and other places on how to remove decals from my Fiberglass RV. Those on the normally shaded side were in reasonably good condition and were easily removed using a heat gun and peeling. Most of the glue came off with the vinyl and the remainer came off with alcohol and lots of rubbing. I tried Goof Off, Oops, and special Glue and Caulk remover. None worked better than alcohol.



When I tried the more weathered side, however, the decal was just too brittle. I was able to use a razor blade held almost flat to the surface to cut away the surface of the decals with no damage to the fiberglass but there was a heavy layer of adhesive left behind. My experience with the various solvents convinced me another means would be required.



I had a container of citrus paint remover and gave it a try. I brushed on a coat and let it soak about 10 minutes. Then using the razor blade again, I was able to peel the residue off slick as could be. I just had to wipe off any remaining junk with an alcohol soaked rag and it was ready for new vinyl.



Dan

 

[macdaddy]

Much better without the decals

I have to agree they do look a little better without them. I ordered mine without them.



Mac

 

[Grizzly]

I read every thread I could find here and other places on how to remove decals from my Fiberglass RV. Those on the normally shaded side were in reasonably good condition and were easily removed using a heat gun and peeling. Most of the glue came off with the vinyl and the remainer came off with alcohol and lots of rubbing. I tried Goof Off, Oops, and special Glue and Caulk remover. None worked better than alcohol.

Dan

Good looking 5er. What's the brand and length?

 

[Alton]

I suggest you call the manufacturer of your coach. Surely, they must have experience with decals in a similiar condition as yours.

Good luck!!

 

[ScottLewis]

It's a 31' Challenger, mfg. by Damon Corp. in 1999. A couple of years later, Damon sold the Challenger trailer line to Keystone. When I talked to staff at Keystone about decals a few years after that, they said they bought the name and rights for the trailers but none of the decals or other materials.



When decals are removed from older fiberglass, a pronounced shadow line remains because the exposed surface has oxidized. I'm having custom decals made to cover the area where the old decals were that will hide those shadows.



Dan

 

[JHardwick]

Try Sticker Shock or Goo Gone?

 

[TRLRTRSH]

Anyone try these guys?

RV Restripe Central - Removal



I also have an RV in need of stripe removal Thinking about using this system, has anyone beat me to it? If so how did it work??

 

[ScottLewis]

I ordered an "eraser" type device from Harbor Freight similar to the RV Restripe one, only cheaper. I used my method and had most of it off before the gadget arrived. I tried it on part of the decal but found that it was at least as much work and threw fragments of eraser, glue and decal everywhere. As their article indicates, once the vinyl is brittle and cracked the heat method doesn't work well.

I found the razor blade, citrus stripper followed by alcohol rubdown was the least effort of those I attempted, at least on the badly weathered side and rear of the coach.



It's a tedious job at best but since the outfit that's making my new decals wanted $65 an hour to remove the old ones, I figured I'd do it myself. I don't regret the decision.





Dan

 

[R C Cola]

Decal and glue removal

This may not be the best for this particular job but, the Best Glue remover I have been able to find and for sure the least expensive is charcoal lighter fluid. Thats right the stuff you use to get those coals going outdoors. The primary ingrediant is Naptha and the cost is low compared to the highly advertised glue removers. It will not damage wood, vinyl, fiberglass, or most fabrics I have tried. Probably would work only on the edges of vinyl but on any area where the vinyl is off and only the glue remains its great. Apply liberally with a rag and glue new or old comes right off. Oo.

 

[BHowell]

I use "3M adhesive Remover" for jobs like this. Available at stores like NAPA, etc.

I've used it on adhesive on auto paint as well as gelcoat.

 

[ABarry]

Sure looks better without the sticker. I guess its best to do this sooner than later??? Just like badges on a truck.

 

[ScottLewis]

Yeah. If you want to run without the graphics, you definitely need to either order it without them or remove them before the fading/oxidizing occurs. Later on the outlines of the old graphics can be seen forever.



Dan

 

[ScottLewis]

Thought I'd post again with a picture of the new graphics. Picked it up yesterday.

 

[JCostello]

Love the new graphics, great job!

 

[ScottLewis]

Thanks.

We're pleased with it. We're now on our way home after a few days in Oregon and got some positive responses from folks on the road.



God bless America and protect her from those who would do us harm.



A huge thank you to all the veterans and those still in service.



Dan

 

[JDecanter]

I removed the greyhound and other decals from a bus. I tried several solvents that were not worth the effort. I finally removed them with a hairdryer. There is a trick to getting it just hot enough while pulling. When it tears off you must get it started again, but it works.