I have searched the topics on removing decals, and have found nothing that relates to the decals that resemble those one might find in an airfix kit.

I have a Trek CrossRip Elite, which is matte black and has a slightly wonky top tube decal. I'd like to get rid of it, but am scared of ruining or scratching the paint job.

Every thread I can find advises on how to remove stickers; nothing though that advises on what I would call decals.

Thanks

try using a heat ***
or hair dryer

not too hot though just enough to melt the adhesive to peel it off


afterwards, you can lightly compound [mild cut] anything remaining on the paint
or rub in some WD-40

what's with the filters editing; g u n ? lol

i had assumed there was no 'glue' substance left, and that I was dealing with two affixed solids?

I will give it a whirl, and report back... If I can find the right heat source.

thanks!

Wet transfer decals application is usually followed by clearcoat (as the decals are thin and easily scratched). If under the clear, removal is usually impractical.

I had thought that this might be the case. Because thought the paint job is matte however, I am inclined to believe there might not be, you can almost see the negative/clear areas of the decal halo-ing the graphics.

Unless a matte finish topcoat is a possibility? I am inclined to not speak directly with Trek, as I have wangled a pair of complimentary xxx road shoes for the trouble.

If they actually are decals and not stickers they will be extremely difficult to remove. You might be able to figure this out if you pick at the edge with your fingernail. Since decals are so thin, if there is a clear coat your nail won't be able to get under the edge of the decal. If it is a sticker you will be able to feel the edge and maybe get under it

+1

judging by the Op's " slightly wonky" description, i'm thinking it is just a stick on

i removed a factory decal on a top tube of a bike that were feathered around the edges [small thing. the main decal remains & looks ok] which looked very untidy, i just peeled them off
bits that persisted.. i used a hair dryer
bit of polish after, no worries

Sorry, had this all along if it helps.

thanks everyone so far...

i see what you mean by wonky now

up to you to determine if its a stick on, or if its embeded under clear paint


if you can't tell, the manufactures should be able to shed some light on it

Someone else who needs Medications, and Psych Counseling, for OCD.

Ignore and ride or get out the Spray paint Rattle Can

Might not be either a decal or a sticker. That could be paint

I'd not even thought of that.

Its even got a vague pinstripe feel to it. Shame the QC is so lax then...

If it is paint applied over the base coat, you would feel a slight difference in thickness. Clear coat would have been applied over everything. Not saying that it is paint for sure, just that it is possible. I agree about quality control. Paint would be applied with some sort of stencil, if they didn't put it on straight, that is poor quality control

that's quite an out lay for this bike, i just looked up the prices. why not return the road shoes and ask the supplier to have it rectified, the graphics could well be pin striping.

screen printed paint, directly over base color, is a possibility..

If this is a water slide decal,a rag dipped in hot water will remove it....as long as it's not clearcoated over.

A pressure type decal will need some kind of heat to remove easily.

I don't drive, and had to get it from a store a fair distance away. I originally wanted a new frame, which they supplied, but despite telling them I couldn't get back to the store, and showing them the relevant legal paperwork that declares it their responsibility, they got arsey. Rather than lose any hair over it, I said send me the shoes.

at first they denied all interest, stating it was 'not a technical issue' I moaned and they offered me a crappy helmet, I moaned more and they offered me £150 worth of stock... I said I wanted the frame still, until I grew bored of the situation, and asked for the shoes.

I got the bike tax free (around £600) and the shoes retail for £260, so I don't think I did too bad.

I'm interested to see what you come up with it actually being.

Ok.. I have now returned to my bike, and have, with the help of a bright light, identified the graphics as decals... I think. I began to doubt noticing the 'halo' effect of a decal, but have captured it nicely. They are definitely raised too, so if there is an overcoat, it's micron thin.

You can try the hot water trick,that should loosen it somewhat....and shouldn't hurt the paint.Continue on from there to more destructive methods.

Go easy with the heat.

Carbon doesn't like being very warm at all; 80°C is a typical curing temp, IIRC, probably don't want to go over 60°.

Its aluminium. Thanks though.