Removing decals?
 

Hi all,

I recently bought a used Raleigh Pioneer and the decals are all peeling and just shabby, when I try to remove them, they just flake off and I cannot get a clean removal, I have scrubbed them and scraped them with a razor blade to remove it best I can, but they just keep leaving a lightish residue in patches all over the frame.

Does anybody know a good technique for removing this residue?

Thanks!!

Luke

IPA isopropyl alcohol or similar should remove the residue without affecting the paintwork, stronger solvents like Acetone could damage the paint and any rubber it comes in contact with, although a dilute solution of this as found in nail varnish remover should be safe.

I would try acetone. In that past, I have found it works best for removing adhesive residues of various kinds. I don't think it will harm the paint. I have used acetone on bike paint before with no issues. I agree with the previous poster regarding rubber being damaged by certain solvents. (I'm not sure that alcohol or acetone would be a problem, but why take the chance?)

There is a product called GoofOff which might work. Whatever you decide to try, check it in an inconspicuous spot first.

Acetone, used sparingly, won't hurt powder coat or a catalyzed urethane but will be death on lacquer and most enamel paints.

I used acetone to remove some of the decals from my bikes but, then, they are bare Ti frames so paint is no issue. :)

Instead of solvents, there is a tool for that. It is a rubber wheel that goes on a grinder or power drill. You get it spinning at high speed then lightly touch it to the decal and it peels off clean with little or no residue. We used this in prep work at the body shop where I used to work and I took a lot of decals, old dealer stickers and aftermarket graphics off of vehicles without a single scratch. A light buffing with a polish (not rubbing compound) will even out the luster and get rid of the shadow effect left behind by the decal. If I remember right, the wheel is a 3M product available anywhere you can purchase automotive finishing products.

I've used diluted nail polish remover, immediately followed by a clean water wipe on various frames and never had a problem. Since it's only the residue you have left, you don't need much time to dissolve it. I take a soft cloth, apply a bit of water and then a bit of nail polish remover. I also have a second cloth already soaked in water. Then I take the polish remover cloth and briefly make circular swirls on the areas targeted. I follow with the clean water cloth, and then inspect the work to see if I need to do more. It may be over cautious, but as I've said, I've never run into problems with any finish. I've even used a similar technique on lacquer finished guitars with no ill effect.

Scratch-X