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Topic: Acetone on old Graphics (Read 689 times) previous topic - next topic

Acetone on old Graphics

A future project has me replacing some graphics. Anyone ever use acetone along with heat to pull off graphics? I have heard pros and cons.
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30

Re: Acetone on old Graphics

Reply #1 –
My experience has been the acetone softens the gel-coat making it very easy to gouge it.  I resorted to a product called Vinyl-Off along with heat.  Here's an old write up: Decals
The topic has been cover on other post too and there seems to be a variety of successful methods.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Acetone on old Graphics

Reply #2 –
Be very careful using acetone. It can damage the gel coat and the epoxy binder of the fiberglass. Its been my experience that heat, a plastic scraper and elbow grease is the safest way to remove the Foretravel graphics. If you use a heat gun, keep it at leat 6" away from the surface and don't put it on high as it can scorch the gel coat.
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Acetone on old Graphics

Reply #3 –
When I had my graphics replaced on t g e 88, the shop used a water pressure sprayer.. done I a little over 7 hours. Then deep cut 3M compound 12hrs later ready for 10yr uv 3M graphics... very thin stuff ^.^d
The selected media item is not currently available.
My advice and experiences are Free, you decide if they are worth anything .

John - driving Old Faithful
1994 U280 GV
C8.3, Banks, Pacbrake, 900 watts, Resonator, XLHD tow dolly
Retired Army Warrant Officer

Life is what you make of it - if it is lemons, make lemonade!
Former Coaches:
1988 GV 40' ORED 300HP CAT - 9 years
1990 Winnebago LeSharo - 3 years
2000 Newmar London Aire - 3 years (#18 of 23 produced)

Re: Acetone on old Graphics

Reply #4 –
Another problem with Acetone is the color of the graphics can/will bleed deep into the softened off white gelcoat  :facepalm: .....

Ted
"97 40' U320 build 5035

The best things in life are not things.... It's fulltiming in a Foretravel.

Re: Acetone on old Graphics

Reply #5 –
Thanks guys it looks like acetone is out. Anybody ever use a steamer rather than a heat gun?
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30

Re: Acetone on old Graphics

Reply #6 –
yes me. I took decals off a bay door 4 yrs ago at Extreme and it was a cinch. That is what they do. Clean and easy.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Acetone on old Graphics

Reply #7 –
I use a 1800 watt hair dryer. Warm them up and then pull them off. 
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Acetone on old Graphics

Reply #8 –
Quote from: joeszeidel –
Thanks guys it looks like acetone is out. Anybody ever use a steamer rather than a heat gun?
Yes I bought a steamer to do mine.I used many many plastic razor blades and heat. I also used my heat gun and on some areas I used chemical Decal remover. Overall the heat gun works best for me. My decals are very very cracked etc,The thick dark decals will hold together for the most part and come off all in one piece. The lighter thinner decals tear and require more scraping. and the real faded
light colored decals won't peel so I just had to use chemical stripper and plastic blades. I have my passenger side almost done. I bought a gallon of Rapid Remover and it removes any old adhesive great. It's a lot of work but just have patience.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Acetone on old Graphics

Reply #9 –
Thanks John, and Stump, I have a heat gun and a hand held steamer. Looks like thats the ticket. I only plan on removing the graphics on the storage bay doors so no ladder work and I have a small stool to sit on. 
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30

Re: Acetone on old Graphics

Reply #10 –
Joe I also noticed when doing mine the decals that have multi colors in them,On mine the whole decal would start to come off but then the real dark part of the decal would separate and it would continue to come off in one piece leaving the lighter shades still there,then i'd go back and work on them. Hopefully you'll get lucky and your decals are not as bad as mine and with a little heat and finness the whole decal will come off in one piece! It is so nice when they do,You'll say YAY!!lol
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: Acetone on old Graphics

Reply #11 –
I used a commercial power washer with heated water.  Decals still slow coming off and glue was a problem.  You could run hand over coach and feel the glue.  I used starter fluid,  DuPont decal remover and Awesome from Dollar store.  Awsome did best job,  spray on, let sit about a minute then light scrape. 

Still fighting outline of old decals,  so far 3M fiberglass compound, and Meguiars oxidation remover.
Meguiars seems to be a little better.

Have not decided on painting decals or vinyl decals.

Larry
1998 U 270
Larry Bradley
SOB
former 1998 U270
Build 5251
Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Acetone on old Graphics

Reply #12 –
I am hoping not to get to many shadow lines since its on the storage bay doors and its a straight line. we shall see. Waiting for temps to warm up a little before attempting.
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30

Re: Acetone on old Graphics

Reply #13 –
Quote from: joeszeidel –
I am hoping not to get to many shadow lines since its on the storage bay doors and its a straight line. we shall see. Waiting for temps to warm up a little before attempting.
I have a gallon of ghost off which worked pretty good google it.
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit
 

Re: Acetone on old Graphics

Reply #14 –
I'll check it out thanks, Stump
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30