Evil Decal Goo Removal

I removed the protective decals at the base of my truck because they were getting dirty around the edges. I have tried to remove the hell goo that remained with goof off, WD40, Permatex Decal & Adhesive Remover (w/ a magic eraser), and gasoline. It refuses to go to the underworld from whence it came.

Short of trading in the truck, sandblasting, or blow torching it off, does any one have a suggestion?

 

I had to do the same to mine. I found that goo gone and a carefully placed razor scraper was the best way. I ended up scraping the paint off in a few places, but it doesnt look too bad. The plastic underneath is black so they wont rust and looks like rock chips.

The scraper i used is one of the small metal ones with retractable blade that you can clean windows that have sticker residue on them.

 

$14 Wonder Wheel 4" Decal Remover Eraser Wheel Toolkit, Remove Car Decals, Vinyl & Stickers in Minutes, Adhesive Remover Rubber Wheel, Emblem Removal Tool, Sticker Remover for Cars, Drill Adapter Supplied

Eraser wheel

Always does what others can't

 

Goo Gone and you can even try a plastic putty knife to be a little cautious.

 

http://www.citristrip.com/product/adhesive-remover

 

I was just wondering about this cause mine are all black around the edges. Can you get new ones somewhere? What is the official name for these things?

 

sticker?

 

Come on it has to have a more complicated name than that.

 

im not sure man. I was just kidding around

 

I know, so was I. If the name isn't complicated enough how can they overcharge for it?

 

because its Toyota? its probably a very complicated name at the dealer. And a replacement is probably $27 each side

 

Why would you ever want to replace them?

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll report back.

 

Plastic razor blades and goo gone.

You could also try a heavy cut compound and a Dual Action Polisher. But be careful- clear coat is thin on the over-fenders.

 

I wound up ordering the eraser wheel that Misplaced suggested. It's made out of a similar material to a kids gummy art eraser, which made me wonder if one of those wouldn't work for a smaller project. While the wheel's learning curve is short, it is pronounced. I managed to cook off a 1/3" circle of paint before I got the technique down. The passenger side of the truck was completed in a few minutes, once I knew what to do.


For my application, which was purely goo removal, and not decal, I would suggest the following:

· I used it on the #2 setting on a Dewalt cordless to prevent cooking, and wheel explosion

· Keep it moving. If it sits in one spot too long it gets hot, and it is good-bye paint

· Do not push too hard, or it is good-bye paint

· Have a soft cloth handy to wipe eraser dust away to gauge progress

· Keep the wheel square to the body of the vehicle

· Wear eye protection. Amazon reviews show a number of exploded wheel pictures

· The sticky goo that was dirty was easier to remove because I could see it better. One side of the truck was clean of dirt due to my attempts to remove the goo with cleaners. I wound up doing it at night with a flashlight and found the mess easier to see.

In closing, take your time, don’t be an a$$hole like me, and you should be fine. Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

Glad it worked. Someone pointed me to the eraser wheel awhile back. It can fall apart easy but it's quick to learn. How bad is the spot you cooked?! Did it burn the clear?

 

No clearcoat with Superwhite. It's a single stage paint.

 

Huh. Good to know.

 

You seem to have found your solution, but just in case others come across this...

Goof off will ruin paint. Strongly recommend against using it. Typically all you need to remove vinyl is a heatgun. Heat the vinyl up but don't cook it, it will peel up, you'll be left with some adhesive. I typically use alcohol with a little water and some heavy duty paper towels. Put your back into it, it'll come off. The alcohol eats at it, the water keeps it from sticking again. Paint protection film has a very aggressive adhesive.

For really hardcore jobs the magic eraser does work. I've had to use them redoing graphics on old jet skis (nightmare shit) and dirt bikes. Once the surface is completely clean, use 3M Scratch Remover (little black bottle with yellow label) with a little force on those same paper towels, then microfiber away.

I've done custom graphics on a constant basis for over a decade. The above methods have never failed me.

 

Lol, I'd say so. At least I don't see daylight through the damn thing!