I have been stripping off the old decals on my coach, I have used the heat gun, steam,spray remover,It's all been a slow process. The old decals are so worn that it takes a lot to get them off. I said to myself there has to be a better way, I think I found it, I did some internet searching and found this stuff CitriStrip (http://www.citristrip.com/) I read other people had used it and it didn't effect the gelcoat. So I tried it. I brushed it on the decals let it sit about 30 minutes or so and took my pressure washer and WALA, Decals gone!! Worked like a champ! Don't use it on any paint but I didn't notice any issue with my old gelcoat. It's still quite a bit of work but way easier than a heatgun and plastic scrapers.
There have been several older posts here about using a "rubber eraser wheel" to remove decals. Some members reported very good results. Use the search function to find the old posts if you are curious or interested. Here is one example:
3M Stripe Off Wheel 07498, 3/8" Mandrel, 4" Diameter x 5/8" Width, Beige... (http://www.amazon.com/3M-Stripe-Wheel-Mandrel-Diameter/dp/B00063VT0G/ref=pd_sim_263_5?ie=UTF8&dpID=41yTpzD1hhL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR262%2C320_&refRID=13WJC1ATSEJH8THQA9YF)
X2 on wheel...that is what the decal folks use.
What exact product did you use?
I used CitriStrip (http://www.citristrip.com/) stripping Gel and my pressure washer.
I tried all the methods, but not the gel remover.
I finally decided on the eraser wheel. Its nice to see constant progress without CONSTANT effort.
I did the entire coach and found the generic eraser wheel sold on ebay and other sites worked about as good as the 3m product.
I had very good luck with "vinyl off", a commercial product used by professional graphics companies. I removed all the graphics on my U280in one day with little effort. Just my experience, others have not had as good results as I did, but I love it!
None of them...we still have our stripes. I'm just reporting what I've read posted here from other members.
Stump,
What are your putting back on the coach and from where?
Thanks,
For now just stripping. Then I'm going to get a quote for buffing the gelcoat or do it myself if the price is out of my reach. Maybe decals or paint later on. I don't have deep pockets and try to use sweat equity in this thing.So far its working for me.
Stump- I have removed my decals except the bottom which I am leaving on. I intend to buff it myself using 3M Marine Restorer/Wax- got it from Amazon. Tried an area in the back and it does a good job, not perfect, but good. Haven't done any more since then due to being busy, moving, other things coming up ( like new grandson) etc. I have been getting good compliments on having the white coach with just my model ( U-270), Foretravel, & Motorcade number on it. Karen likes it all white also and since it is our home ( we full time for almost 9 years now) that is a good thing.
Enjoy the journey...... ^.^d
When I get all the decals off I'm taking it over to this guy near me, He does Dale Jr's coach and car collection and came recommended. Question is price We'll see.
Wayne Hickman Enterprises a.k.a "Buff Commander" (https://m.facebook.com/Wayne-Hickman-Enterprises-aka-Buff-Commander-336729129803155/)
I have heard of Buff Commander- does good work I hear and see on his website. Be interesting to see what kind of estimate he gives you for the buffing-please share with us if you are so inclined Stump. Thanks
I have been considering removing some of the Unihome decals. Starting from the rear wheels and back to the rear and including the stripes on the rear bumper. So to get some idea I blue taped it off and hit it with a white rattle can to get some idea of what it would look like. I only painted the taped area and then removed the paint and tape.
Thought about replacing it with some GREEN shade of flames. Too wild, perhaps. That's just me. Counting on some valued opinions from members.
Another pic,
I wish I had the pics the PO sent me when our coach had been stripped, looked like a prison bus. You could think about returning the coach to "the glory days". I have the samples and numbers, glad to share