Stripe Removal on '92 Sov.21'

[wdkennedy]

This is probably buried in the forums so I will start anew.
I took our '92 Sov. 21' to a reputable sign shop for the removal and replacement of the triple stripe.
BIG OOPS!. The remover used took off the clear coat.
THE GOOD NEWS. Sign Co. is paying for a new clear coat.
Problem. Not much experience if any with body shops on doing this work.
What I have gathered from AS Forum is to use Napier Removall 220 to remove the rest of the clear coat.
Question. What to do after clear coat is removed and before new clear coat is sprayed on?
We want the original finish which is not "mirror like" and is what I consider "satin".
Advice?
BillTheCat07 on our Olivia@21'

[AtomicNo13]

Your sign shop just bought you a $10,000 refinish.
This is not as simple as it seems to be, nor will most body ships be prepared to do this type of work!
The clear coat is not an automotive type clear coat.

Very few places can do this, I suggest P&S Airstream refinishers..... Actually the only place I would let touch my Airstreams finish. Located in Helena Ohio.

BTW, just shooting the lower half of the hull will look like absolute crap, its a full meal deal now!
I'd get the liability agreement in writing, as this became a claim on their insurance.

[wdkennedy]

Thank you for your advice.
The good news: Sign Co is taking responsibility.
The not so good news: A terrible time of the year to be on the road in the Cascades and we are a long way from Ohio. Headed to Bend for advice from Flite Camp.

[AtomicNo13]

I didn't look to see where you are, my mobile app is lacking!
Best of luck!

[NOAZRK2690]

It's probably on the Forum already, however if anyone else wants to remove stickers, WBCCI Numbers or decals you might want to try using a wet bath towel and a regular cloths iron. Test small areas first, but it has always worked for me. Once the steam hits the vinyl it softens it and the sticky lets loose fairly easy.

Stay warm up there!

[bobmiller1]

Just curious I too want to remove the original stripes, and then repaint with the original colors blue/silver/dark grey. I was going to try a heat gun first but the iron idea I never thought of. You said the clear coat is different than automotive, can you explain the difference to me and others.

[Bill M.]

I have taken the stripes off of 2 trailers, both 1988 models. It was not easy for me. I tried many things. Heat gun did not work, at least at the temperatures I was will to go to. Did not try a iron and wet towels. But what finally worked for me was to first mask the trailer below the stripe well with masking tape and the rolled masking paper from a paint store. Then I used multiple applications of Citristrip, allowing it time to work, and scraping with a plastic scraper. Working with about a 5 foot long section at the time. Took 3 applications. Washed everything down with soap and water after removal of a section. Managed not to damage the clear coat. You can still see where the strips were because the Al is a different tone under each color stripe for some reason. Have not put anything back in place yet. Sorta getting used to no stripe though.

[wdkennedy]

This is a great discussion on stripe replacement.
For our "Olivia" ('92 Sov.21') she is stripe less for this winter.
We will head south and look past her blemish as we enjoy four corners and beyond.
When we return she checks in to the hands of an experienced finisher here in the Republic of Oregon.
The new stripe will stick to a new clear coat.
Best to all as we celebrate traditions from afar.

[Becky B.]

I used the wet towel with a dryer method for two trailers -- 27' & 31' to remove the stripe decals & WBCCI numbers. It worked nicely & no clear coat was ruined. As far as BillTheCat07's clear coat...the difference is that the AS clear coat has some kind of polymer or plastic in it so that it's not as brittle as automotive clear coat, since the trailer flexes a bit. At least that's what I've read on the forum.

[thesignlady]

Oh boy as a sign maker I'd love to know what product they used.. Yikes.. I use Rapid remover on my Vintage trailer collection and it hasn't ever affected the coating on mine

[wdkennedy]

What I have learned.
The 3M product used was simply decal remover. DO NOT USE.
There is a special tool that is used on a die grinder or other high rpm tool.
It is a 1/2" wide disk of rubber that starts out about 4" in diameter. It will remove any decal from paint or clear coat without damaging the finish.

We are now dealing with an insurance claim.
They are delaying and I imagine we are headed for a battle to get a fair deal.

We are headed south to enjoy our Olivia.

Scheduled for repairs in May.

Enjoying another remodel, our Stella, a 27',1972 Silver Streak Continental Atlas.

[badkat]

I used the mildest Goof Off and a hair dryer. Stripe came off.