Stripping orginal Decals off aluminum!!

[alumacoach1]

Hey
Does anyone have any ideas on how to remove old decals off Aluminum Trailers? I have a 1971 Alumacoach that we are repairing and I would like to be able to take off the old Blue Stripes without scratching the aluminum. There is also old Duct tape residue around the windows too.. If anyone has any ideas I would LOVE to hear them!!!!

[flyfshr]

Well, i can tell you about the duct tape reside removal but not the stripes. For the residue, use a product called Bestine available in metal quart cans from an art store. Works better than any other product of tried. Absolutely will not harm the aluminum.

Brad
FF

[InsideOut]

Bestine removes stubborn sticky tape residue like a charm.
But I'm sorry to say, it won't get rid of any oxidation resulting from it, like what is found under old WBCCI numbers.

Shari

[hotLAVA]

What a coincidence.....

Just had a conversation with my brother-in-law who stripes cars as a profession. He was admiring our Argosy and going on and on about the stripes he'd like to put on it. He said the old come right off with a rubber wheel.

Now what a rubber wheel is or where you get one is your next queston.....

I would guess any sign store could help you out.

[thecatsandi]

De natured alcohol. if the clear coat is gone..... Acetone or MEK.
Wear a resperator or your will be feeling very fine shortly.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by hotLAVA

What a coincidence.....

Just had a conversation with my brother-in-law who stripes cars as a profession. He was admiring our Argosy and going on and on about the stripes he'd like to put on it. He said the old come right off with a rubber wheel.

Now what a rubber wheel is or where you get one is your next queston.....

I would guess any sign store could help you out.

3M makes the rubber wheels that you put on a drill to remove vinyl graphics and striping. Check with a local sign shop or sign supply company. Some automotive paint suppliers also carry them. A hair dryer and 3M all-purpose adhesive remover will also work well, but slower.

[peegreen]

Do not use Goo Gone - it will take the clear coat off, I know from personal experience.

[Sunshine Jim]

This works for bumper stickers, old masking and duct tape, reflective stripes etc. Basically anything held on with rubber type adhesives.

soak with old style paint thinner first if porous like ancient masking tape.

then gently heat with a hair dryer or heat gun.

Be cautious... Sneak up on the temp.

use the same thinner and a

soft flannel "white rag"

to remove the goo!

Worried about the thinner? use wax and grease remover instead.

Painted striping is a whole different ball of wax. it really depends on the specifics.

Is it on top of a clear coat or just a polished surface? how big makes a difference too.

Rubbing compound is sometimes the trick, used with exactly the right kind of pad, hand or power.

The wheel type stripe removers can generate enough heat to melt and remove paint if used too aggresively.

Don't be afraid to strip a panel if neccessary. Sometimes it's the easiest way.