gordo23

HELP!!!! this has been such a pain! does anyone have any tips for removing decals from bike frame? Trek 5200 here and i'm trying to remove the "5200" as well as all graphics on the top frame. any tips would be great!
thanks

Dirtbike

use a hair dryer to heat them up. it makes sticker removal alot easier.

cs1

Dirtbike is correct if the decals are vinyl. If the are water transfer then try the Graffiti remover available in the hardware store. It is VERY TOXIC and SMELLS BAD. Use it outside. It is also very effective at removing decals.


Tim

biker7

Soak decals with mineral spirits and use an old credit card to save your finger nails if the decals are not buried under the clear coat. A hair dryer helps quite a bit. Any light scratching to the clear coat caused by removing the decals can be polished out with rubbing compound...start with medium and finish with fine cut polish like an SMR.
HTH,
George

Al1943

But most of the graphics on a Trek OCLV frame are under a clear coat, and I'd hate to see him ruin the finish on a good frame. Leave it alone.

Al

biker7

Agree...leave all decals under the clearcoat alone "unless going for a repaint."
No question that the "5200" on the top tube is under the clear on a Trek OCLV.
George

gordo23

well i used the hair dryer and they came right off...if they were under the clear coat, which it kinda appears they were...it doesn't really matter. came home from church and found my bike on the floor, it appears it somehow was knocked over and the top tube has paint scratched and chipped off. looks like i'm getting it repaired now and so the removal of the top tube decals really doesn't matter. somewhat mad at the moment, but i guess it's better than crashing in gravel and tearing my entire ride up...it can always be worse.

biker7

curious...who is going to "repair it". With a bike that nice, I would strip off all the components and ship the frame off to Trek for a repaint. Believe they charge a very reasonable $275 to run it down their factory paint line, replace decals and make it look original . Would ride it the way it is this summer and have it refinished this winter.
Good Luck,
George

gordo23

there is a shop nearby that does custom paint jobs for bike frames. it is an LBS...heard nothing but good reviews. i'm thinking about at least talking to them and getting an honest opinion.

Dirtbike

Remember that bad things will happen to you unless you post pictures when it is done.

gordo23

will do