Adhesive Removal for Decals/Graphics

[DreamComeTrue]

I live near the Pacific Ocean on the South Oregon Coast. I have a 2010 Cougar Fifth-wheel RV. Because of high winds and driving rain the decals/graphics and stripes on the Cougar have become tattered over the years. I used a heat gun to remove the decals/graphics over two days, but this heavy-duty adhesive is very difficult to remove. I have tried many adhesive (not glue) removers, and the only one that works that does not remove any of the finish is lacquer thinner. It is a tedious job, and I am wondering if anyone has a better idea. Goo Gone and Goof Off don't work at all. Acetone takes off the finish. The heat gun softens the adhesive, but it hardens again almost immediately, and scraping it while warm doesn't work either. I am guessing there are others who don't thank the Cougar makers for this series of RV's because of this adhesive and decals that are guaranteed to shred and peel. I see the newer models (and even the older models) have a totally different way to seal those decals/graphics. I would like to see manufacturers allow buyers to choose not to have any of the graphics.

[Ivylog]

Probably the best is CA Scents, Orange Squeeze at Lowe’s. HD has a larger size...Pure Citrus Air Freshener that runs less as it’s more like a foam.

[TxGearhead]

Ivylog wrote:
Citrus air freshener...I had my doubts but you will be amazed and you'll smell good too. It is now my first choice for cleaning and removing decals.

Your brand of air freshener would be a great help.

[TxGearhead]

Try some Deep Woods OFF in a small spot.

[KKELLER14K]

No buying new any more for me, but if you are going custom, request it. No decals. I'm trying to challenge myself...and expanding. The RV's that I have had in the past only proves that I think I can do better. Even my mother has a toy hauler (jealous) and she has had her issues....but I want to do what I have already done only on a smaller scale. I built the full sized home I live in currently and, well the next one will have wheels instead of in the bed of my truck. I'm moving on. It is a project taking on such an adventure; I'm not rich by any means but where there is a will there is a way. I have the basic plan, already have the 5th wheel frame used (carefully chosen and deconstructed), a great hitch with suspension and wheel upgrades. I am not impressed with decals and things that are shiny. I want durability, practicality, and most of all, livability. I'm not willing to take a loan out to buy something that big and costly that if things go wrong you pay and pay. I want a structure from the outside that can be easily replaced...filon, never again. So this self build is a first time go at it..Call it what it is. I don't get that if you got the cash and now you want to be an RV'er??.. and go straight to the big rigs??...lol!! Money can't buy smarts and time in the seat will tell you the reason why your all here. We learn from each other and that makes the time in the seat a better experience. We have been through it...so...say "NO" to graphics...lol. IMHO

[Dtank]

KKELLER14K wrote:
Mineral spirits....and yes if you custom order a TC or any RV....like mine, you get whats called a choice. I don't need the maintenance and the sun damage. I also like my pressure washer to knock off the road dirt and will scrub it from time to time and stickers don't work for me. If you buy off the lot, you get a rolling billboard most times with a nice big logo of who made it. Click on my profile, you will see why I don't deal with the terrible splash graphics on RV's these days.

Nice photos! And... your 5th wheel "work in progress" -
Did you find a 5th wheel mfgr that would sell with NO decals?

:h

[KKELLER14K]

Mineral spirits....and yes if you custom order a TC or any RV....like mine, you get whats called a choice. I don't need the maintenance and the sun damage. I also like my pressure washer to knock off the road dirt and will scrub it from time to time and stickers don't work for me. If you buy off the lot, you get a rolling billboard most times with a nice big logo of who made it. Click on my profile, you will see why I don't deal with the terrible splash graphics on RV's these days.

[DreamComeTrue]

My Cougar RV is my second one. And last. Unless I meet and marry a wealthy old guy!

[4x4ord]

Large area vinyl remover

I'd go to a body shop supply store to buy adhesive remover.

[laknox]

I guess if mine ever got so bad that I'd want to take 'em off, I'd just sell the d@mn thing and buy a new one. :B

Lyle

[Road_Phantom]

my last trailer was a 2011 Cougar 5th wheel half-ton towable. I didn't notice much of a glaze or finish on the front cap where I removed the graphics. The white goes all the way through the fiberglass, so I didn't worry about using acetone. If you do it that way you can immediately follow up by wiping with a soapy rag. To finsish up the last of the glue I used Mr. Clean Dry Eraser and then wax.

[Ivylog]

Citrus air freshener...I had my doubts but you will be amazed and you'll smell good too. It is now my first choice for cleaning and removing decals.

[bpounds]

First, I don't think you can blame salt spray and wind for the graphics failure. Mine are doing the same thing, on the side that faces the sun. No salt and no wind here.

Second, I have not tackled this job yet, but when I do I'm going to try the Magic Eraser pads in a drill motor.

[Veebyes]

Naptha is another good residue remover. Lacquer thinners works too.

[the_bear_II]

I used mineral spirits to remove the adhesive after removing the decals with a heatgun and plastic scraper.

Just be careful around painted surfaces...the mineral spirits will remove the paint.

Wash and wax the siding afterwards....

I did end up with ghost images of the decals but no adhesive. The decals had been on for over 15 years.