Vinyl Graphic Removal - Ugh!

DesertRatt · 09-08-2020, 10:42 AM

I really dislike the weird vinyl graphics on my Minnie. Not only are they unattractive if new, they are now old, faded, cracked and ugly.

Is there a fool proof EASY way to rid my unit of this stuff? Paint stripper? Heat gun?

Hopeful1 · 09-08-2020, 12:01 PM

Our son used a hair dryer on high, full power to remove his. It wasn't too hard that way. His RV was older so there was some fading around the removed stickers.

YGoHom · 09-08-2020, 01:30 PM

Careful use of a hair dryer, or even full sun will make it soften up, depending on how old it is. I removed some decals from mine that were 9 months old from date of manufacture, and there is a ghost left behind.
Get an edge started, and pull at a 45º, with the material laying back on itself (face to face) Don't pull away from the wall, as it is more prone to ripping.
3M makes a rubber wheel that goes in a drill that will remove older, crusty vinyl.

DesertRatt · 09-08-2020, 05:04 PM

Ok, I've seen some heat gun vids, and now I see a adhesive remover on Azon with high marks for decal removal.

I think I have a plan now. Yes, I expect some ghosting, but I'm ok with that.
The faded decals make it look much older than it really is.

Lambo64 · 09-12-2020, 05:23 PM

Get a cordless drill and rubber decal erasing wheel. Mine were cracked and dry, tried heat gun and spray on decal remover but couldn't get it. Lots of work but it did a great job.
If it is newer decal, heat gun may work, you have to heat it enough to soften the glue and then peel off.

DesertRatt · 09-12-2020, 05:39 PM

Item: Rubber Decal Erasing Tool - - - - -check!

winston74 · 09-13-2020, 10:38 AM

Alternate thought: you might want to contact CDI Industries in Forest City, Iowa (they paint the Winnebago motorhomes off the assembly line) and see what they could do to remove the decals and do a full body paint on your rig. They took care of my moldy durashield paint film. They are at 641-585-5900.

Morich · 09-13-2020, 11:45 AM

One viv that goes straight to the point?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUj96ns1l7w

DesertRatt · 09-13-2020, 01:19 PM

+1 Great video.

atodalen · 09-13-2020, 03:39 PM

I removed a couple of small decals on fiberglass using a heat gun and plastic razor blades. As others mentioned, mind the heat applied for any length of time in 1 area

Rick 99037 · 09-16-2020, 10:06 PM

I used an industrial heat gun on my 2005. I also used a commercial glass scraper to get it started and when it ripped. You have to be careful, but I didn't hurt anything with it. I've heard of the buffer wheel. Sounds nice. You might need a can of lacquer thinner to get the last of the adhesive off. I did that too.

cptrick · 09-17-2020, 08:41 AM

I have the 3M wheel and it works great on fiberglass boats and car paint but it left yellow/orange marks on my motor home that I could not buff out. Ended up with a commercial class scraper. All new stripes, all new logos.

slrrkcls · 09-18-2023, 11:55 AM

I realize this is an old thread.. we are taking the decals off our 2003 Minnie Winnie which, btw, doesn't take me any longer than the video of the guy with the erase wheel on a drill. Heat, goo gone, careful razor scraping. Anyway, there's a ghost image - has anyone had any luck getting rid of the ghost?
Thanks -