Cleaning side strip decals

[flyboyprowler]

Can any one recommend a cleaner for black side decals. We had some spray work done on the side of the van and have been left with either polish marks or masking tape marks which I cannot get off! Yes, we should have taken it back to the sprayer but we had moved area before the problem was noted and are unlikely to return there.

[Geeco]

I would appreciate an answer to this problem also. Earlier in the year I had a side window blown out by a 80km/hr wind gust. While waiting for a replacement I taped it back in place with 100mph tape. End result the decals are badly marked. All the usual cleaners like Mineral turps, meths, vinyl cleaner etc have not worked. Cheers,

[onecal]

Hi 

Use a soft rag (old t shirt) soaked in denatured alcohol  Dab it on and let it soak a little then rub it off in small circles

Have you tried one of these (See attachment) very carefully and very lightly with water . Finally then clean off with denatured alcohol on a very soft cloth . 

Before using any of the above ,test a very small area first 

In some cases if the decal is destroyed by deposits over a long period of time  it just may have to be replaced if damaged or very old 

Regards

[flyboyprowler]

Thanks for the recommendation but sadly even nail varnish remover hasn’t worked. Bit stumped now.

[laimeduck]

On 16/11/2024 at 15:55, flyboyprowler said:

Can any one recommend a cleaner for black side decals. We had some spray work done on the side of the van and have been left with either polish marks or masking tape marks which I cannot get off! Yes, we should have taken it back to the sprayer but we had moved area before the problem was noted and are unlikely to return there.

Flyboyprowler ... I don't really understand what or where these marks are? You say masking tape ....or polish marks? Are they on the decals or next to them. Any chance of a photo which may help with further suggestions.

I have used a whole range of methods to remove marks, but can't suggest as I simply don't understand your problem? 

[Keithl]

Try Burnishing cream, it is similar to good old T-Cut but I find it works far better at polishing marks out of surfaces.

This is the brand I favour https://www.diy.com/departments/rustins-plastic-coating-burnishing-cream-63ml/5015332400188_BQ.prd

Keith.

[onecal]

Hi

I think a photo would be very helpful as to where you tried to remove the adhesive or polish marks ? from your decals

If the decals are badly damaged maybe they need to be replaced if you find none of the above acceptable or not working

Regards

[Derek Uzzell]

It's perhaps worth adding that flyboyprowler's motorhome is a  2018 Neismann+Bischoff Flair 830 (example below)

[onecal]

Hi

I still think an actual photo of the damage to the decals would be very helpful

Regards

[Derek Uzzell]

If I owned a motorhome as valuable as flyboyprowler's, could not decide if polish or masking-tape had caused the 'marking' on the decals and my attempts to remove the markings had proved unsuccessful, I'd want to get professional advice about the best way forward. 

A specialist car body repair shop should be able to advise. For example

https://x-dent.co.uk/

If trying to remove the markings by using an unsuitable cleaning product (or polishing) makes matters worse, or actually damages the decals, replacing the decals is likely to be expensive.

As has been suggested, photos of the marking could be useful, but - if the marking is minor and not too noticeable - I'd be tempted to leave it alone.

[onecal]

Hi 

I think he states he even has used nail varnish remover?

Again always check in a very small area first 

The method of light rubbing with denatured alcohol and the use of the rubber wheel is well known in the trade and if used correctly works very well 

Now if the decal is damaged beyond repair , then yes living with the marks or replacement may be the best option 

Photos would be great to show the damage may have  incorrect masking tape or polishing burns 

If so I would be bringing it back to the spray painter

Regards

[Derek Uzzell]

In his first posting flyboyprowler said "...we should have taken it back to the sprayer but we had moved area before the problem was noted and are unlikely to return there."

As taking the motorhome back to the sprayer is the obvious thing to do, it may be safely assumed that the sprayer is a long way from where flyboyprowler lives and possibly not even in the UK.

[flyboyprowler]

On 22/11/2024 at 13:32, Derek Uzzell said:

If I owned a motorhome as valuable as flyboyprowler's, could not decide if polish or masking-tape had caused the 'marking' on the decals and my attempts to remove the markings had proved unsuccessful, I'd want to get professional advice about the best way forward. 

A specialist car body repair shop should be able to advise. For example

https://x-dent.co.uk/

If trying to remove the markings by using an unsuitable cleaning product (or polishing) makes matters worse, or actually damages the decals, replacing the decals is likely to be expensive.

As has been suggested, photos of the marking could be useful, but - if the marking is minor and not too noticeable - I'd be tempted to leave it alone.

Wise words as ever Derek. We will be back in the area where the sprayer is on Monday, so will call in and maybe he will have an answer. As said, not sure what has caused the problem. Ultimately, we have a spare decal, supplied by Niesmann, but I am loathe to replace it myself so will need professional help. Still living the dream in sunny Spain, but between houses!!😎

[flyboyprowler]

14 hours ago, onecal said:

Hi 

I think he states he even has used nail varnish remover?

Again always check in a very small area first 

The method of light rubbing with denatured alcohol and the use of the rubber wheel is well known in the trade and if used correctly works very well 

Now if the decal is damaged beyond repair , then yes living with the marks or replacement may be the best option 

Photos would be great to show the damage may have  incorrect masking tape or polishing burns 

If so I would be bringing it back to the spray painter

Regards

Yes, very light application of nail varnish remover, but it didn't touch the marks. Thanks for your comments, and will be in the area where the sprayer is on Monday, so will drop in.

[onecal]

Hi

I think that would be a very wise move to return to the sprayer 

If the damage is severe then removal of the damaged decal and replacement is best 

Regards