Tips on removing old hardened decals?

The TRD decals on the backsides of my truck are old, brittle, and peeling. The problem is what is still there is on there like it's clinging for life. I've tried using a hairdryer to warm them up, but they still barely come off at all. It's not the usual peal large pieces off or the whole thing like newer decals/stickers. Do I need to step it up to a heat gun? I know it's going to take some elbow grease, but damn I don't have a whole week to pick at these things either. Any tips on getting these decals off without damaging the paint? Thanks.

 

Yes, I would step it up to a heat gun. You want it hot enough to melt the label and adhesive, but not hot enough to damage the paint. It's a fine line so take your time. If all else fails, use a blow torch and melt it off. Then go back and repaint your panel.

 

Goo Gone

 

Give a steamer a try. Not sure a heat gun can do any more than a hair dryer except generate heat faster or ultimately hit heat levels that far exceed damaging the underlying paint.

I've used a rubber wheel to remove the business lettering decals on our old van when we sold it. It worked very well but it is is very easy to mar or straight up damage the underlying paint if you try to rush the job. Take your time if you go that route. Rubber wheel or heat gun be sure not to heat any given surface for an extended period of time.

 

This was the rubber wheel used BTW:

$41 3M Stripe Off Wheel Adhesive Remover Eraser Wheel Removes Decals, Stripes, Vinyl, Tapes and Graphics 4” diameter x 5/8” thick 3/8-16 threaded mandrel 07498 Pack of 1

https://www.amazon.com/Stripe-Wheel-07498-Diameter-Mandrel/dp/B00063VT0G

I know there are others, but I'd trust a product from 3M a little more in the realm of products for paint than a cheaper one.

 

Thanks! You got me thinking about the steamer. It makes sense in terms of softening the adhesive. I'm going to try some things this weekend and I'll check back with you.

 

Try this thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cant-get-this-sticker-off.258047/

 

I saturated mine with baby oil on a warm day and used microfiber to rub gentle

 

3M Stripe Wheel is the bomb.

.