Diamond Shield Removal? 2014 Itasca Meridian 34B

[R2D2-3PO]

Hi,

Looking for Diamond Shield removal advice. I've read a few older thread methods. Just looking to see what current thoughts are for products, tools and success.

Thanks in advance!

 

[creativepart]

There are companies that do this for a hefty fee and dozens of YouTube videos showing how to do this on your own. I’ve watched a few of those videos and my take away is that is too much work to do myself. I would hire out such a labor intensive project. Watch some videos and decide for yourself. It looks like a horrible job to try to tackle.

 

[Henbo]

an expensive option to have and an expensive option to remove. Mine is going ugly now on its 13th yr. Guess it had its positives. How does that moldy look get into it?

 

[erstanfo]

Get a clothing steamer. It will soften the film and glue and allow you to remove it
. Then solvents to remove the residue

 

[Waterbug]

Get a clothing steamer. It will soften the film and glue and allow you to remove it
. Then solvents to remove the residue

I noticed that those steamers appear to come in basically two versions, 700 or 1,800 watts. Do you know which works best for removing Diamond Shield? I don't want to damage paint.

 

[JoeCastor]

Hi,

Looking for Diamond Shield removal advice. I've read a few older thread methods. Just looking to see what current thoughts are for products, tools and success.

Thanks in advance!

I removed the diamond shield from an older Meridian with this method: Using a heat gun (or direct HOT sunlight) and plastic razor blades (available on Amazon), I started at a corner and went in long narrow strokes to begin peeling it off. It took about 25 hours and required a helper to work the heat gun. After the film was off, I used Goo-Gone to remove the residue, another couple of hours. Not easy, but inexpensive to do myself. Hope this helps.

 

[R2D2-3PO]

Hi all, thanks for the replies! I think I will try removing the film myself first. Worst case, I can get a detailer to take over. The steamer method seems interesting and potentially less damaging. I'm not sure the days are hot enough now to rely on just the sun for enough heat to soften the film. Also not sure if I can man a heat gun and strip the film at the same time.

Henbo, that moldy look is what drew my attention to this issue in the first place. I don't know how it gets behind the film, but I've read that it is removed with the film and will not affect the paint.

Thanks for the great advice so far!!

 

[Henbo]

yup. Thinkin the same thing I’ll try it same as you….maybe….
Lotta utube videos about it. Good luck. Post your results.

 

[R2D2-3PO]

I definitely will post results. I'm waiting for the weather to warm up some as I decided against the heat gun option. I'm gathering supplies now and will be ready when we have a warm sunny day.

 

[Waterbug]

I started removing the Diamond Shield from my 2012 Itasca Suncruiser 37F. It is about 50% completed, but I ran out of 90+ degree weather. On the photo, upper left is utouched, lower left is Diamond Shield removed but still has glue residue, right side is finished results. "Rapid Remover" works great for removing adhesive.

 

[R2D2-3PO]

Nice! I'm not familiar with "Rapid Remover" but will look into it. I figured to use Goo Gone Adhesive Remover.

 

[HiBanky]

I removed the shield from my 2005 Journey a couple of years back, and it was an arduous task to say the least. Aside from a few rock chips, the results were beautiful. I use the warm sun, plastic razor blades, and mineral spirits method, but I'm sure there are better ways. To preserve this renewed look, I took it to a shop in Grand Junction Colorado called NCAuto and had new protection installed with the lifetime guarantee. The front of my coach still looks brand new.

 

[R2D2-3PO]

Looks great! That's what I'm hoping for!