Pinstriping Removal

[eightyfive]

Hey, im sorta new here to autobody and i was wondering how to safely get the tape stripping off my truck SAFELY with out wrecking anything too too badly. Thanks for the replys in advance :P

[willett]

heat gun?

[texasfunk]

the BEST way is to use a rubber pinstripe/adhesive remover wheel in a drill.

[RandyP]

Link to 3m Stripe Off Wheel

That thing was a savior to us when it came out. Now, I can't dream of never having it in the shop.

[westie 666]

Use the wifes hair drier, dont heat it up too hot, just warm it, it should peal off nice and easy, clean up the left over glue with prepsol.

[silvereagle07]

You can remove the stripes by using the eraser type wheel or hair dryer/heat gun method. But the eraser/removal tool is alot quicker. Just remember not to stay in one spot to long because it generates alot of heat. Heat could damage the finish if you are trying to save it. Use prepsol or 3m general adhesive remover to clean up after.

[Hottrucks]

the wheel is the way to go....I use it on boats on the fiberglass all the time....Just be sure that you use a drill that has the right speed ( 2800 I think) alot of hand drills are only 2500 and it doesn't work near as well

[N2TRUX]

Two things to consider before you take action. Is the paint under the stripe original, and how long has it been on there. If it's not the original paint, you have two areas of concern. First be sure that the tape wasn't painted over anywhere. If so the original color will be exposed when you remove the tape. If it's not, then be careful in removing that you don't take the paint off too.

If the paint is original, or a repaint that has good adhesion, the tape can be removed safely, but you may have a "shadow" underneath. The paint that was under the tape will be less faded, and will show after it's been removed.

[eightyfive]

Thanks guys, now does any one know where i can get one of those 3m stripe off wheels?

[RandyP]

O'Reillys
AutoZone
Advanced Auto

Any place that sells 3m stuff.

[Ghastlyone]

Another little trick to removing decal residue from paint is WD40.

It works wonders. Not harsh for clear coats at all.

[RandyP]

Old school enamel reducer is the best to remove stripe glue and road tar etc (Dupont 3812S). Every do it your selfer should have a gallon of that on their shelf. Any 'real' paint that has been dry for a few weeks, it won't hurt it. Cheap thinner works wonders on scuffs and paint transfer marks, as long as the paint is fully cured, it won't hurt it unless you go nuts. Modern urethane clears are tough sob's.

Someone should compile a list of these sorts of tidbits. Tried and true methods for little things.

[willett]

its probably hell for the paint/clear, but brake cleaner does a hell of a job cleaning adhesive tacky leftovers

[Goldfinger]

I took a razor blade to mine sliding it gently between the paint and the striping