Bicycle Mechanics - Abusive Chemicals to Bikes Finish?

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Noctorum
08-21-04, 03:41 AM
I have some stickers on a new bike I purchased that are remarkably annoying.

I've heard that solvents such as nail polish remover, and rubbing alcohol are good for removing stickers.

Are these chemicals going to damage the bikes paintjob and/or finish?

If so, whats the safest way to do it?

Its a titanium frame, if its important.

Thanks :)

~Alex


Arnie
08-21-04, 04:17 AM
I dont know about that, but i can tell you that i used Dow scrubbing bubbles
on my bike trailer cargo bag and it damaged the reflective tape
Whoda Thunkit?!?! GBY

JBBOOKS
08-21-04, 05:43 AM
You may be able to heat them with a hair dryer and then lift them off.

I have used a product called "Oops" to remove what is left of glue and never had a problem with it on paint, but I would test a small spot in an innocuous place first.


dobber
08-21-04, 06:21 AM
Assuming they are not under the clearcoat, the hair dryer method works well.

giantmdb
08-21-04, 02:28 PM
Use the heat method if the stickers are not clear coated and just peel them off. The "Oops" product does work well or find some adhesive remove at a local fabric of hobby store. Once you remove all the sticky wipe with water and then give it a good waxing with car wax and you'll never know they were there.

If not too much sticky is left after removing the stickers, most liquid car waxes will remove the sticky film with some rubbing and it will not harm the finish. Besides, waxing the frame makes clean up easy and helps keep your ride looking good.

panhandlepeddle
08-21-04, 02:47 PM
I just bought a new bike last week.The frame size sticker and a warning sticker near the seat post were on their hard as nails. I couldn't even get my fingernail to lift a corner. A few seconds with a hair dryer and they were nice and soft. They peeled off like putty.

Noctorum
08-21-04, 03:21 PM
The hair dryer worked perfectly, thanks guys :)