DETAIL: Removing Old Vinyl graphics?

[JPeters421]

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

JP

[Ncturnal]

Some of those can be really tough. It's best to do it in the sun on a warm day, or get a heat gun (which is a pain). I use stuff called Goo Gone to help free them up sometimes, but it's only going to help on the areas it can get to (ie. the edges of the decal), so working the decals off can be a long process.

http://www.magicamerican.com/googone.shtml

[imweip]

Originally Posted by JPeters421

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

JP

I'm assuming you mean Decals on paint.

Go to target in the kitchen utensils section and look for a little plastic scraper that's used for cleaning glass top kitchen cabinets ($.99). Also pick up some Goo Gone while you're there (~$3). I prefer the spray type.

Spray the goo gone all over the decal. This will keep everything lubricated. Take the scraper in hand, and start at a corner. Hold the scraper so that you barely have it at an angle. The idea is keep it as parallel to the surface as possible to keep from scratching. (not that I think this plastic scraper would scratch the paint) Peel up a good bit until you can grab it in your fingers and pull very slowly. If it tears pry up some more with the scraper, and pull again. If this seems to be too slow, you can use a heat gun on low heat for short intervals. If the paint is getting to hot I think that could be bad. (this is how we remove decals from these big all aluminum Internet Kiosks we have at work. The surface is polished aluminum and scratches REALLY easily. I Think this would work well.

If it's on the glass do the same thing, but with a razor scraper. The plastic will work, but razor is better.

[JPeters421]

Thanks, and yes they are on the paint.

I will post a pic or two, once I get the camera going again. My card reader is at work.

JP

[JPeters421]

You can see the graphics on my avatar. Not sure how to post photo in the forum. I am going to try the goo this weekend. This is a pic from the seller, who used the car for SCCA Solo I purposes.

JP

[MR2_SW20]

as a detailer, i've done a bout 15 cars (cops, business cars etc) and i have used a little tool called the eraser. Its expensive (about $200 with 12 wheels) and is perfect for removing them. Its like a mini grinder but with a rubber wheel. It makes a HUGE mess, pieces of vinyl and rubber everywhere, but removes it really fast if you know what youre doing. I wouldnt recommend taking any plastic to my car, because my paint is my life lol.

If a squeege made of silicone can scratch paint, im pretty sure the plastic may scratch it if you dont get it right. But i have also used plastic razor blades on other cars to remove stuff and it didnt hurt it, im just too paranoid.

your other option, like said above, is a heat gun. Heat the decals and slowly pull them off while applying heat. But dont warp the metal ( i dont know how thin mr2 doors are) and done burn the paint is all you have to worry about.

[JPeters421]

Will a hairdryer do it, or do I need an honest "heat Gun"

Thanks for the input. The car has the original paint, and it is in pretty good shape, so I would like to get the graphics off without tearing up the paint if possible.

Is this "earaser" something any body shop would have? Is it worth it for me to take it to a pro to have them remove the graphics? Any idea what a fair charge would be?

Thanks.

JP

[Gallagher005]

fishing line works too

[MR2_SW20]

Originally Posted by JPeters421

Will a hairdryer do it, or do I need an honest "heat Gun"

Thanks for the input. The car has the original paint, and it is in pretty good shape, so I would like to get the graphics off without tearing up the paint if possible.

Is this "earaser" something any body shop would have? Is it worth it for me to take it to a pro to have them remove the graphics? Any idea what a fair charge would be?

Thanks.

JP

i'm not sure a hair dryer will work, but to be honest i never used a heat gun to remove them. Ive seen the painters do it, but i have always used the eraser. A local bodyshop should have one. It should not cost more than $50 for one, if it does, then try a hair dryer. Heat guns get realy hot.... hair dryers get warm.

The technicians mostly take heat guns to remove the decals, but thats because they are in a hurry (commission). Now, they know exactly what theyre doing, but if you have never used a heat gun, then i suggest not trying on the mr2 (find a civic ) I would try either the suggested options other members have pointed out, or you could take it to the body shop.

Good luck.

[MuMan]

I had to remove 'lipstick pink"! vynal graphics from my CBR that were pretty much baked on. I found that (can't recomend it) unleaded softend if up without hurting the paint, and the edge of a credit card did the rest..what a pain!
Anyone know if you can get those 'twin cam 16 valve' decals off JDM's without problems.

[mr2willwin]

The "eraser" works perfect, I use a hair dryer sometimes when thats all available. I have a eraser bit for my drill, and that eats it right off, and wont touch your paint.

[Dance_Business]

I used a hairdryer and a plastic spatula... +1 for imweip. But mine was over primer, not paint. Goo gone should help.

[MuMan]

Originally Posted by mr2willwin

The "eraser" works perfect, I use a hair dryer sometimes when thats all available. I have a eraser bit for my drill, and that eats it right off, and wont touch your paint.

is that 'eraser' the body shop one? or something different.
Sounds like the go.. can you like, get an eraser drill bit from somewhere?

[Mister2.2]

The eraser is a pneumatic tool. You could ask a body shop for a quote to do it also.