Decal Removal Strategies?

[LPBOLENS]

We all know that not all decals for our favorite tractors have been reproduced. Has anyone ever had any success removing the original decals intact from their tractors so they could repaint, with the idea being to re-install them after?

If you were successfl, how did you do it? :1221:

[sixchows]

We used to do small underhood decals in the body shop by carefully heating the opposite side with a heat gun and lifting slowly with a new razor blade. Worked well about 90% of the time. I think tractor hood decals would be much harder! Have you considered masking with 3M fine line masking tape and spraying around them?
What model tractor are you trying to do? Have you tried Tony at Maple-Hunter lawn and garden decals? If he doesn't have it, he can make them from your artwork or pics of what you have.

[LPBOLENS]

Not for any particular tractor. It was more of a general question, Six. I know that 3M and others make adhesive removers, and there are other solvent-based products which might make it easier to remove decals intact. If anyone had tried any of these it would be interesting to know. :1221:

[sixchows]

I think any adhesive remover would soften and distort the decals.

[LPBOLENS]

Probably right; it might also discolor or fade out the decal. :fing20:

[DR SIVAD]

Not for any particular tractor. It was more of a general question, Six. I know that 3M and others make adhesive removers, and there are other solvent-based products which might make it easier to remove decals intact. If anyone had tried any of these it would be interesting to know. :1221:


I used to deatil trucks that had been traded in, and that meant removing old name decals and such. The heat gun that someone recomended is the best way. For painted on lettering, easy off oven cleaner. You have to be careful with that though, cause if the paint that you want to keep is old, it'll take it off too if you leave it on too long.