Removing decals

[celdt celdt]

I'm prepping my '96 outback for a new paint job and want to get rid of
the chipped decal they use on the lower 'cladded' third of the car. So
far I'm using a window paint scraper with a razor blade, and it works,
but boy is it slow-going. I'm open to suggestions. I'm not planning on
new decal, just pure paint.

thanks, mates

 

[Dean Hoffman]

I'm prepping my '96 outback for a new paint job and want to get rid of
the chipped decal they use on the lower 'cladded' third of the car. So
far I'm using a window paint scraper with a razor blade, and it works,
but boy is it slow-going. I'm open to suggestions. I'm not planning on
new decal, just pure paint.

thanks, mates

You might try using an electric heat gun. I've used them on
after market decals with good results.

 

[celdt celdt]

A heat gun. Sounds promising. I take it they are more powerful than
hair blowers. I can probably rent from from a local h/w store.

 

[John McGaw]

A heat gun. Sounds promising. I take it they are more powerful than
hair blowers. I can probably rent from from a local h/w store.

A low-end heat gun can be had for < $20 so renting one might be
self-defeating. A heat gun is insanely useful around the house for things
like removing paint and thawing frozen pipes (assuming the climate in your
location does that). Top quality guns are up around $150 but for your
home-type uses one of these would be downright silly.

Try Googling for "Heat Gun" and you'll get an idea what is available.

 

[GlennK]

A heat gun. Sounds promising. I take it they are more powerful than
hair blowers. I can probably rent from from a local h/w store.

Home Depot or Lowe's or any automotive parts store should be able to
supply you with a good heat gun

 

[celdt celdt]

Seems like the consensus is, use heat gun. Thank all you gents very
much. I assume the heat gun in addition to using my razor blade scraper
is what I need to do and I'll give it a go asap. Naturally I'll try to
get away with my wife's hair dryer, tho I know you all are thinking
"that wimpy thing ain't gonna get it done". Thanks for the tip.

 

[nobody >]

Seems like the consensus is, use heat gun. Thank all you gents very
much. I assume the heat gun in addition to using my razor blade scraper
is what I need to do and I'll give it a go asap. Naturally I'll try to
get away with my wife's hair dryer, tho I know you all are thinking
"that wimpy thing ain't gonna get it done". Thanks for the tip.

There's a trick to getting more heat out of a hair dryer...

Duct-tape shut about 1/3-1/2 of the intake vents.

Big-ass heatguns have a rotating shutter to do just that.

But--- you might end up with a puddle of plastic, so be prepared to stop
and rip the duct-tape off.

 

[Zeke]

I'm prepping my '96 outback for a new paint job and want to get rid of
the chipped decal they use on the lower 'cladded' third of the car. So
far I'm using a window paint scraper with a razor blade, and it works,
but boy is it slow-going. I'm open to suggestions. I'm not planning on
new decal, just pure paint.

thanks, mates

oven cleaner!



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[celdt celdt]

thanks Zeke. Exactly what steps I should follow should I decide to use
this oven cleaner?

 

[John Varela]

thanks Zeke. Exactly what steps I should follow should I decide to use
this oven cleaner?

Wear rubber gloves and eye protection.

 

[Hachiroku $B%O%A%m%/(B]

Wear rubber gloves and eye protection.

That ought to tell you what it will do for the paint!

Oh, wait...you're repainting this car....