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Old 02-08-2012, 08:36 PM   #1
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Removing old foil stickers

Can anyone recommend a way to remove old, brittle foil stickers? I have tried aircraft paint stripper, adhesive remover and goo gone. I even tried a heat gun. Nothing.
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Old 02-08-2012, 08:50 PM   #2
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Are the stickers on the windows or on the aluminum skin? I've had success in using rubbing alcohol to remove stickers from the glass windows. I did a little test spot once on the aluminum and the alcohol left a strange film on the aluminum. I wouldn't use it on the aluminum. But worked good on glass.
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Old 02-08-2012, 09:32 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by Frank&Mike View Post
Are the stickers on the windows or on the aluminum skin? I've had success in using rubbing alcohol to remove stickers from the glass windows. I did a little test spot once on the aluminum and the alcohol left a strange film on the aluminum. I wouldn't use it on the aluminum. But worked good on glass.
it's on the aluminum.
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Old 02-09-2012, 12:19 AM   #4
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I have tried just about every solvent I can think of. Nothing works so far.
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Old 02-09-2012, 05:18 AM   #5
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There were several foil stickers on my '79 soveriegn when I bought it. I tried all the methods that you have tried with the same results, they were still there, only the color on the sticker came off. I finally resorted to using a razor blade very carefully and was able to remove the foil that way. After the foil was removed I was able to remove the remaining glue with mineral spirits. Just be very careful with the razor blade so you do not scratch the aluminum. Good luck.
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Old 02-09-2012, 05:28 AM   #6
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You could try taping over the area with a patch of poly to make a pouch and fill it with WD40 or Varsol and soak for a day. Also plastic (acrylic) scrapers are a bit safer than a razor blade if you can find them or make one.
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Old 02-09-2012, 06:20 AM   #7
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Automotive stores and paint shops also sell plastic razor blades.
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Old 02-09-2012, 06:21 AM   #8
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Woud'nt the glue on the tape holding the poly pouch in place dissolve from the WD-40 or Varsol before it could be effective on a foil sticker?
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Old 02-09-2012, 10:20 AM   #9
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I think scraping it off may be the only answer. I thought for sure the heat gun would melt it or make it bubble up so that it could be easily removed, but it didn't. Disney World, Don't Mess With Texas and Smith & Wesson may just have to stay there : )
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Old 03-16-2012, 08:34 PM   #10
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I use a 3M eraser wheel for removing decals. It takes the foil / vinyl and the glue off at the same time.
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Old 03-16-2012, 09:10 PM   #11
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If they are like the blue stripes on my'99 Safari, I have finally wound up slathering Citristrip on top of the stripe, that actually seems to work well believe it or not, then as to the glue residue, after trying many methods, I rub with a Mr. Clean Extra Power Magic Eraser soaked in Mineral Spirits, works great for me, your mileage may vary. Warmed up outdoor temps help too!

Good Luck, I find that removing stripes / decals and the glue residue to be the worst part of polishing a trailer!
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Old 03-17-2012, 12:00 AM   #12
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I'd stay away from Magic Eraser... it's a very fine abrasive that will leave a cloudy or shiny spot depending on your finish. Messes up clear coat very badly...
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Old 03-17-2012, 06:11 AM   #13
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As for glue that is left after removing the decals, use a product called "Right-off". I own a sign and graphic design shop and we buy this through one of our material suppliers. It is about $30 a gallon, but works great. Spray it on, let it sit for about 5 minutes and it turns the glue into jelly.
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Old 03-17-2012, 08:09 AM   #14
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Friday, that is good advice, glad you brought it up! I would only use the Magic Eraser if you were stripping/polishing the trailer such as I am doing.
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Old 03-17-2012, 08:48 AM   #15
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The best adhesive remover I've found is Goof Off. I get it at ACE.
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Old 03-17-2012, 09:01 AM   #16
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Scrape as stated above, or lightly score with fine abrasive paper (CAREFULLY on the foil only) so the adhesive remover can penetrate. Then use Goof-Off, Goo-Gone, or any of the citrus cleaners will take off the adhesive.
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Old 03-17-2012, 09:03 AM   #17
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So far the 3M Eraser Wheel is the only thing that is working (sort of). Removing the adhesive is not the problem. It's the foil on top of it. If I can just get the foil off, then just about any adhesive remover finishes the job just fine. I'm making progress, so that's all I can ask for I suppose.
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Old 03-17-2012, 09:09 PM   #18
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Right-Off makes goof off look like water.
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Old 03-20-2012, 10:18 AM   #19
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Success! I got all stickers off. Here is the trick (as referenced by someone in this post):

1. Use a paint/adhesive rubber eraser wheel to remove the top layer or all of the sticker if you can. Picked this up at a local auto body paint supplier for $25. Uses a bit that fits into standard power drill.

2. Use paint/adhesive stripper to loosen or remove the remaining sticker.

3. If there's anything left, repeat the process.
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Old 03-20-2012, 01:48 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by adwriter73 View Post
2. Use paint/adhesive stripper to loosen or remove the remaining sticker.
Which one?
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