Removing Decals

[rmrc51]

I was trying to remove some adhesive backed decals from my trailer. Even with a hair dryer being used while peeling one of them off, it left a sticky residue. I've tried alcohol and ever automotive tar remover (which has always worked for me in the past) and nothing seems to be able to remove this sticky residue. Rubbing with either of the two actually seems to spread this mess even more. Any suggestions?

[rhino 2]

I was trying to remove some adhesive backed decals from my trailer. Even with a hair dryer being used while peeling one of them off, it left a sticky residue. I've tried alcohol and ever automotive tar remover (which has always worked for me in the past) and nothing seems to be able to remove this sticky residue. Rubbing with either of the two actually seems to spread this mess even more. Any suggestions?

GOO-GONE, Works and it smells nice.

[rmrc51]

GOO-GONE, Works and it smells nice.

I'll stop by Lowes. I think I saw that they carry that when I searched on the internet last night. Thanks!

[CSM]

I have always used WD 40....works great

[rmrc51]

I have always used WD 40....works great

I'll try that as well being I already have it at home. Thanks.

[Gold Rush]

Another vote for WD40. Works GREAT on tar, bugs, and stickers.....

[Ozarkryder]

A trick to getting adhesive residue off is use lots of your chosen adhesive remover, let it soak in, and when wiping off turn the rag to a clean portion very often. Like every 2nd or 3rd swipe often, otherwise even with WD-40 or GooGone the residue just spreads around. An old washcloth or terrycloth rag works best. T-shirt material just smears stuff around, and so does the smooth kind of microfiber. A little soap and water wash after and you are good to go.

[rmrc51]

A trick to getting adhesive residue off is use lots of your chosen adhesive remover, let it soak in, and when wiping off turn the rag to a clean portion very often. Like every 2nd or 3rd swipe often, otherwise even with WD-40 or GooGone the residue just spreads around. An old washcloth or terrycloth rag works best. T-shirt material just smears stuff around, and so does the smooth kind of microfiber. A little soap and water wash after and you are good to go.

My problem is that these decals are not on a flat (face down) surface. They're on the sides of the trailer so just having what ever solvent soak in is not feasible.

[Ozarkryder]

On the sides of things, wet the rag, or some of the rag, to just short of the dripping point with the solvent of your choice and hold it on the affected area to get it soaked into the adhesive. On flat horizontal surfaces you can put it on and come back later and wipe it up. On vertical surfaces a bit more attention is required.

[meredog]

We use a heat gun (*9.99 at Harbor freight) , get s hotter than a hair dryer followed by goo-gone original they also have a gel but we have not had good luck with the gel

[Ed Hobgood]

Goo-gone is my choice also, I have used WD-40 also and I have used paint thinner but you must be very carefull not to let the thinner soften the clearcoat of the paint. The best is Goo-gone by far it will not hurt the paint.

[rmrc51]

Goo-gone is my choice also, I have used WD-40 also and I have used paint thinner but you must be very carefull not to let the thinner soften the clearcoat of the paint. The best is Goo-gone by far it will not hurt the paint.

I just picked up Goo-Gone and paint thinner this afternoon. I start tomorrow morning trying the WD-40 first, then the Goo-Gone and as a last resort, the paint thinner. Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'll post my results.

[Lakeman]

Go to the auto parts store and get a can of 3M adhesive remover, thats what its made for.

[rmrc51]

Go to the auto parts store and get a can of 3M adhesive remover, thats what its made for.

Lol,, I'll add that to my list!! Thanks

[BlueTrinity]

If the Goo Gone doesn't work, Get a can of Goof Off at Lowes. It's great stuff, but just put a little on a soft cloth and work with it quickly and wipe it off.

DO NOT try to soak it into the adhesive. Goof Off is a mild form of acetone (the stuff that paint removers are made of) and it will soften paint if you try to soak it.

Use it in good ventilation, or you may end up higher than a kite.

[rmrc51]

If the Goo Gone doesn't work, Get a can of Goof Off at Lowes. It's great stuff, but just put a little on a soft cloth and work with it quickly and wipe it off.

DO NOT try to soak it into the adhesive. Goof Off is a mild form of acetone (the stuff that paint removers are made of) and it will soften paint if you try to soak it.

Use it in good ventilation, or you may end up higher than a kite.

As a matter of fact, I just checked what I bought today along with the paint thinner and it was Goof Off!

[Gorilla]

For really tough glue, NAPA sells a decal remover. I use it all the time on the police cars taking off the tough decals. The normal procedure is a heat gun and peel. Second is the 3M adhesive remover, third is the spray on decal remover. Have not required ant further stuff.

[DTR 11TG]

DON'T use the thinner, I think you will be sorry and I bet one of the other removers will work. The trick of turning your rag to a clean area is important and if the goof off or goo gone doesn't work right away, go to the adhesive/decal remover. just my experience

[rmrc51]

Just got finished removing all of the decals with the Goo Gone. It worked perfectly. Great product! It took a bit of elbow grease after removing the decals with the hair dryer, but the end result was well worth it. I just used a little Turtle Wax on the areas afterwards and now you can't tell that there was ever any decals at all. I took the paint thinner back for a refund and bought 2 additional cans of the Goo-Gone just to have on hand. Thanks everyone for the tips!

And now to answer another thread I have going called,,, "I've got a secret", lol