jefnvk

Sorry if this isn't the right subforum, not really sure where this belongs.

I am currently trying to clean up a frame, and part of the procedure will be removing some pretty bad decals before covering the thing in a clearcoat, to protect the frame everywhere it has been chipped and nicked (quite extensive). I don't really have any interest in repainting or powder coating, I just want it protected as-is, and this worked well enough on another bike I brought back to life. Keeps a nice patina, too.

The decals I am trying to remove seem to be two layered. I can get the lettering to peel off easy enough, but there seems to be a larger backing that remains in place, that I can't get anything under to peel off. Has anyone dealt with decals like this before, and if so do you have any suggestion as to getting that second layer off?

One of the decals is pictured, you can see the lettering on top of a bottom layer, the sharp line just above the lettering

ClydeTim

I once removed decals from a frame. Trek. I had to use an exacto knife to dig it out of the paint. It was set in there pretty good too. Left an imprint in the paint. After I was done, I figured I probably should have just left it alone. Wasn't real noticeable but it was still imprinted in the paint like a dinosaur fossil.

fietsbob

Cover it with more personalzing stickers , or reflective tape..

Chuck Naill

I use a hair dryer sparingly.

JonnyHK 

This. A plastic scraper that won't damage the paint might help.

Then clean up residue with acetone or a gunk remover.

coffeesnob

Remove Decals From a Bicycle

jefnvk

Thanks for the tips! I'll give the heat gun a try. Probably will just take off the four worst offenders, the rest are in OK shape, if there is a worry that it'll leave a dinosaur fossil imprint in the existing paint

02Giant 

The paint under the decals won't be as faded as the exposed. There will likely be a ghost image remaining.