Sticker removal

[BoosTT]

A few of the decals on the sides of my Zepplin II have "shrunk". The overall size of the stickers is smaller. One or two of them didn't shrink evenly and wrinkled a bit. The wrinkles in the decals than cracked and these stickers don't look so hot. How difficult is it to remove some of the decals? I'm nervious the glue won't come off and it'll look even worse.

[LouSlugger]

I use a stripe remover wheel (made by 3M) attached to a drill (you will need about 2000 rpms so some cordless drills won't work well) to get the main stuff off, then wipe down with lacquer thinner (NOT paint thinner).

[jbsmith]

WD-40 is fantastic for removing various glue and adhesive residue.

[Bob Landry]

3M Adhesive Remover. That's what it's made for and you will never go wrong with a 3M product.

[SteveC7010]

If you gently warm the sticker with a hair dryer, the adhesive will soften and so will the vinyl. If the vinyl is brittle, it is hard to pull the stickers off. Warming it will relieve that. Remove any adhesive residue with the 3M stuff or WD40.

If removing from aluminum siding, don't scrub as it will take off the paint.

[JRTJH]

The skin on most RV's is exposed to the sun and will turn a slight yellow from years of exposure. The skin under the decals hasn't been exposed and will be a "brighter white" on most older RV's, so be prepared for a "shadow effect" once you remove the decals on many older RV's. If you're installing new similar size decals, no problem, but if you're not planning to replace them, be prepared for the shadow unless you have another plan in mind...

[Retired_Jim]

Like Steve said earlier, applying a little heat, like with a heat gun will loosen the decal and addhesive. You may need to adjust the heat temp. as you go. One mistake some make is applying "wax" to the decals in the first place. Not a good practice. Wax will dry the decal and start the process of decay, peeling, and cracking. Protect the decals with 303 protectant which does not damage the decals and offers some UV protection. You should apply every couple of months to ensure the best protection. It only takes 15 or 20 minutes to apply.

[BoosTT]

Originally Posted by Retired_Jim

Like Steve said earlier, applying a little heat, like with a heat gun will loosen the decal and addhesive. You may need to adjust the heat temp. as you go. One mistake some make is applying "wax" to the decals in the first place. Not a good practice. Wax will dry the decal and start the process of decay, peeling, and cracking. Protect the decals with 303 protectant which does not damage the decals and offers some UV protection. You should apply every couple of months to ensure the best protection. It only takes 15 or 20 minutes to apply.

Good Tip.

I think I'm going to remove the decals and cut my own new decals from bulk vinyl, since keystone no longer makes them.

Thanks everyone.