Shuttle Van Decal Removal - SeaJay's Detailing

[SeaJay's]

I was contacted a few weeks ago by a local hotel that was looking to get their vinyl decals removed off a couple vans. They were recently bought out and are changing the logos.

This weekend I tackled the job. Saturday was the first van which I received some help from a local forum member Andrew (Morphiusrt) for a few hours which is always appreciated! Saturday's job I didn't take any pics. But Sunday I got some decent pics of the 2nd van.

Over all both vans the decals came off very easy, as in you pull up a corner and the decal comes off in big chunks. One of the easiest decal removals I have done.

Products Used:

Kleen APC
Tarminator
Plastic Razor Blades
Iron-X
Dawn
D300
Megs Window Cleaner

Equipment Used:

5 Gallon Bucket
Flex PE14
Orange HT Pad
Yellow LC Flat pad - Used on the upper hard plastic

Van as I arrived

After all the decals and adhesive were removed I gave the van a quick wash and sprayed with Iron-x. The areas around the decals were loaded with iron particles.

After a through rinse and quick dry it was on to the polishing.

Befores

Afters

I actually received a call from the guy that will be putting the new decals on. He wanted to talk cause he said I did a very good job at removing the decals and he's been looking for someone he could use.

I hope to set up a few more jobs with him soon.

Thanks for reading.

 

[tuscarora dave]

Nice work Jason. Did you use the Tarminator for the adhesive removal? What pads did you use to remove the letter ghosting from the fiberglass high top? EDIT: Never mind the last question, I see you listed the pad.

 

[SeaJay's]

Yes the Tarminator was used for the adhesive removal. There wasn't much left over after removing the decals.

Yes the Fiberglass on top was a real PITA to correct. I should have gone with a wool pad, but left them at home. Most aggressive pad I had with me with the yellow LC flat pad, which with some pressure got the job done. At the right angle you can still catch it but it's much better.

 

[tuscarora dave]

Have you done anything with fiberglass any color other than white? That ghosting often time is there to stay no matter how aggressive you get with it. It's a fading issue (under the gel coat) of the color from the sun's damaging rays. Just a comment. I've over promised on such jobs on the past.:nomore:

Some of that adhesive can be terrible to remove. I understand that Orange-Solv is the way to go with the real stubborn adhesive removals.

 

[SeaJay's]

I've only done 1 non-white fiberglass polishing, but it didn't have any ghosting.

I'll remember the Orange-solv (can it be picked up at home depot or lowes?). I've had a couple jobs where the adhesive had literally be baked on there for a year +. Was the biggest PITA to remove.

 

[tuscarora dave]

I don't think it can be picked up at a local joint like Lowe's or Home Depot. I watched a guy using orange-solv to remove a ton of adhesive left on his van and it turns the thick adhesive to a snotty consistency that can be easily plowed off of the paint with plastic razor blades. My local distributor says the less is more school of thought applies when using it. I'd either do a google search to find it or call a few pressure washer supply or sign businesses in your area to find out where you can get it locally. Talk to the guy that called you about the van decal removal, he's had to have heard of it or used it.

 

[oldmodman]

I have never had very good luck with removing decals on fiberglass. I always get shadowing. And even if I warn the owner, and show them an example, they still expect miracles.

You got a great result on those vans. They look like new.

 

[Desert Detail & More]

I hate decals, those ones installed on RV, 5th wheel travel trailer a PITA to remove. Heat gun, plastic razor blades, and adhesive remover did nothing. Good job!!!