Removing Vinyl Graphics

[Bob and Judy]

For those who are restoring a fiberglass RV, there is a product called Vinyl Off that really helps in removing the vinyl graphics. It is inexpensive, easy to use, and works like they say it will. Works on cars, boats and commercial vehicles as well.

You spray it on the vinyl grapics, then heat with a hair dryer (or something) then peal off the graphics; you will probably need to clean the surface with adhesive remover.

The company is West End Products, the website is www.westendproducts.com -- here is a link http://www.westendproducts.com/vinyloff.htm. I don't work for these folks or have anything to do with the company but it is good stuff.

Winter is here, I think we'll get one more trip in before we have to winterize everything. Already looking forward to the spring.

[Chester Taje]

Thanks--------------That is good info.

[Kyle]

Anyone tried this stuff or similar on a car? Gelcoat is a bit different than paint so this is off topic, but I'm curious....

[Mary F]

Moderator's note:

I'm moving this topic to "Care and Feeding" where it will get a different kind of exposure than when in General Chat. (Stuff gets so lost in General Chat!)

[Jim Hovind]

thanks for the tip.
I need to remove the graphics from the Burro and the Burb.

Your putting you trailer away so soon.

I'm in central Minnesota and thinking of getting one more trip in yet this year.

Jim H

[Al Stansell]

3M makes a small wheel composed of rubber discs that you chuck in a drill and use to remove vinyl decals and pinstripes from cars. I have used it and it works very well, without damaging the cars finish. Alec

[Kevin K]

Web page http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_U...el=SQSFJR0R56gl

[Loren G. Hedahl]

I removed the Scamp graphics on my '84 model last summer in preparation for painting. I just used a plastic kitchen spatula sharpened as sharp as practical with a file and less than an hour I was done.

However, the gel coat under the vinyl was just like new, but the gel coat that was exposed was obviously deteriorated. Fortunately I sprayed a light coat of primer over part of it and saw how the difference in surface telegraphed through the primer. So it was extensive sanding time to level everything out. Even with several hours prep time and effort, if you look at it with a critical eye, you can still see a shadow of the old graphics when the light is just right.

The lesson is getting the graphics off is just a small part of the overall effort. Getting the surface absolutely level and even is where the difference between a quick job and a real pro job come into play.