This weekend I was working on re-doing the graphics on my Dirt Bike. The OEM decals on the plastic fuel tank were on pretty good, and the entire graphic is perforated to allow the fuel tank to off-gas and not cause as many bubbles. Being a little tired, but still cautious I didn't want to drain and inert the fuel tank in order to safely use a heat gun or heat tree to heat and remove the graphic. So, the idea of using steam popped into my head. I took a hand towell, soaked it and popped it into the microwave for 3 minutes, draped the steaming towell over the tank and waited about 2 minutes. I Removed the towell, and to my amazement the graphics practically fell off in one piece without tearing at the perforations. Very little adhesive was left behind, and a spray of Rapid Remover took care of that. This works great in sensative areas, and on smaller graphics, and generally will not over-heat the vinyl to the point of tearing and stretching when you peel it off. Try it. Posted by roger bailey (Member # 556) on :
Hey kid, wheres that RAPID TAC logo ??
I hope theres a plan to apply one a those soon !!
Love dad(Roger)
Posted by Wayne Webb (Member # 1124) on :
That IS cool Jeff. I intend to try that.
Another thing that steam will do: If a wood sign gets dented before you get it painted, put a wet rag over the booboo and go over it a couple of times with a hot iron. It will take most dents right out or make deeper ones much less noticeable.
Posted by atog254 (Member # 494) on :
Timely tip!
I have been asked to remove the standard artwork on two Yamaha jet skis and apply flames! Interested in trying this procedure this weekend!
SC
Posted by Mike Pipes (Member # 1573) on :
Hey that's a good trick!
Especially on YAMAHA toys.. the adhesive on the materials they use is nothing less than abusive to the lucky guy (namely Me) that gets to remove them.
Wonder if the steam will work on a solid piece without the perforations?
Sounds kinda like removing wallpaper though.. perforate the wallpaper then steam it, it comes right off.
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Excellent!!
Posted by Gregory (Member # 900) on :
Jeff you should please your dad here is a logo you can use!
Posted by roger bailey (Member # 556) on :
Quackid Tac ??????????????
Roger
Posted by Dave Draper (Member # 102) on :
Hi Heads,
The steaming rag trick is a great idea!
It just occured to me this is similar to the way the truckers get the graphics of their truck doors nowdays in my area.
They take their trucks to the Blue Becon Truck wash and have the hot water jet spray rip off the graphics, holding the nozzel point blank on the graphics.
Same principle as the steam rag trick. Advantages of the steam rag is that you can do it at your place for free!
Hey Roger Bailey: Just FYI
I use your Rapid Remover for just about everything from cleaning my shoes to cleaning vinyl siding on my house, and lots of stuff in between.
Although I would NEVER recommend keeping a spray bottle in the car seat next to you for the purpose of drive by shootings of Edge printed ink printed graphics on vehicles of customers that didn't pay, well, hmmmmm it works great!
Posted by jmathel (Member # 526) on :
There will be a step by step in the December issue of Sign Builder Illustrated, on removing and replacing MX Bike graphics.
