Decal removal. The really big ones

[PJ-Hunter]

I bought a 40' gooseneck that used to belong to a Slednecks rider and I want to ditch all of the larger than life D&D, C&A, Slednecks decals and make it a clean looking trailer again.

I know how to remove the smaller ones but how in the heck can I remove the 48" and bigger decals from the sides? Other than holding a high pressure washer on it and "chipping" away?

Any ideas?

 

[Blk88GT]

Heat gun and pick away at it. Brake cleaner or WD40 for the glue. Works every time.

 

[Steelman]

Call Jordan at ArcticFx. They have some great stuff to get the stickers and glue off. Also look on EBay too. Heat gun like said too.

 

[volcano buster]

Could an electric radiant heater work so you could heat a larger area at a time? You might need to make a stand for it to get the heat at the correct height and distance from the work piece. I would think a heat gun would work but the trailer is going to act as a heat sink allowing you to only work in a small area at a time.

 

[PJ-Hunter]

I will try the heat gun tonight. These things are huge though. They are the really bif, obnoxious ones that the paid riders slap on their stuff.

 

[Scott]

Put the trailer inside the shop and make sure it's warm before you go to work with the heat gun. Hair dryer also works just fine.

Start at the top so gravity helps the fluid.
Keep putting WD40 or some petroleum based fluid on the decal and work it under the edges as you go.

 

[PJ-Hunter]

I don't have a shop that big

 

[Racer220]

I don't have a shop that big

Haha, me either. It's close length wise, but the doors aren't big enough to pull in. I've learned to be ready for the fair weather days, and have my heat gun and goof off at the ready. Definitely easier to go at it as early as possible. An extra winter or summer in the elements really degrades the material. Much easier to get foot long strips off than 1" pieces.

 

[winter brew]

You just need a hot summer day.

 

[shanemerr]

DECAL ERASER

http://youtu.be/EnplRocybbk

 

[PJ-Hunter]

You just need a hot summer day.

Uhhhm? I think those are gone for 8 months now. LOL

 

[Jaynelson]

I would give the pressure washer a go first. Hook it up to hot water, if possible.

Heat gun sounds like a nightmare if the material has gone to hell. I would do everything to get it as warm as possible. Pick a warm looking day in the forecast, stick a heater in the thing overnight to warm it up, and go at it with the gun in the heat of the day facing the sun if possible.

I used to detail cars and we peeled off big stickers from time to time. If they've been on there too long, it will just be a bunch of work even with whatever tricks you can throw at it. Can't say I envy this project, but I would do the same thing with big gaudy stickers. Good luck.

 

[PJ-Hunter]

Weed burner and then touch up with paint? LOL



I ordered some of those rubber composite wheels. We will see how that goes. Wish we had a portable hotsy here at work I could use.

 

[Jaynelson]

One of those big torches you can hook to a propane bottle? LOL....I like it.

 

[joshkoltes]

Just re side it
http://kmtparts.com/aluminum-sheeting-skin.html

 

[PJ-Hunter]

One of those big torches you can hook to a propane bottle? LOL....I like it.

Sure thing!

Just re side it
http://kmtparts.com/aluminum-sheeting-skin.html

Not a bad idea actually. That stuff they spray on the roads that is harmless... Seems that aluminum doesn't like it

 

[kidwoo]

Dude, talk about blowing a wonderful opportunity..........


You think they're obnoxious now, let me go to town with a sharpie!

Post up a good high res pic and I'll give you some ideas.

 

[line8]

I've used a hair dryer in 1 hand and finger tips in the other and just start pulling. Also a nice warm direct sunshine helps too. Then WD to get the sticky glue . Done!

 

[madsigntist]

If you like the paint color and don't want it look like $hit, do not use Goof Off, or any other household remedy BS on large areas on enameled AL.
They will all soften the painted surface and the paint will scar and if you scrape it with anything it's going to be visible. Rub on it too hard and it will wipe off.

I would recommend looking for Rapid Remover or other similar removers designed for the sign/wrap industry. Look for some rigid plastic scrapers too.

Decal removal is all about the heat. The warmer the better. Not burnt, not scorched. Just nice and toasty. Without a hot summer day and sunshine you're kinda screwed. Jay had good tips.

The biggest x factor is the age and grade of decal/adhesive. Some will come off, others are fossilized crud. Hope you have the easy kind.

 

[jwentzer]

Sell the trailer and buy a new one with no decals?