How To: Removing decals/trim/adhesive

**Springthing** · 04-30-2009, 06:03 PM

There have been a few posts about how to remove left-over glue from trim after debadging, how to remove the taped accessories, stripes, etc. Well, I replaced the wind visors this past week and thought I'd share a little.

Well, after removing (aka breaking off!!) the old wind visors I was left with what most will be faced with after removing trim, badge, decals, stripes...etc. Keep in mind that when it comes to decals and stripes you can just treat them as adhesive - no special step is necessary before hitting it with the tool below - unless you want to go through the trouble and peel bit by bit.

There are several way to remove the left-over adhesive but the easier and, in my opinion, best way is to use a 3M stripe/decal/adhesive removal wheel (or equivalent). Essentially it's a cross between a very dense bar of soap and an eraser.

It can be fastened to air tools or, as in this case, an electric drill.

Starting at one end, work your way down the stripe/tape/glue at a slow, methodical pace, holding the wheel as perpendicular as possible to your work surface. I hold the wheel at a slight bias and move the wheel up and down a little as I go along. I feel I miss less that way.

Set your tool's speed at the recommended speed for the wheel you buy. Too slow and you'll be there forever, too fast and you'll create too much heat and even risk busting the wheel apart.

The removal wheel does kick up some junk so make sure to be safe (glasses or goggles...do as I say, not as I do.

).

**Springthing** · 04-30-2009, 06:03 PM

Once you have gone from one end to the other clean off the surface you worked on and then go back to hit the places you may have missed.

Clean, wash & wax the area and you should be good to go!

**cascott325** · 04-30-2009, 09:13 PM

very good. simple. i need to take my badges off soon

**TRPLXL2** · 04-30-2009, 10:12 PM

I love to see new and unique tools every now and then, and I must say that I have never seen that 3m wheel before. I like that idea much better than using lots of elbow grease, cool write up for sure!

**Ethan17** · 01-22-2010, 01:25 PM

excellent post! mine broke off and i've been debating on my actions, you just decided for me! thanks

**Pats1pab1** · 01-22-2010, 08:34 PM

Originally Posted by Springthing

Once you have gone from one end to the other clean off the surface you worked on and then go back to hit the places you may have missed.

Clean, wash & wax the area and you should be good to go!

Are these removal wheels at an AutoZone or where do you pick them up at.

**Big75** · 01-22-2010, 09:11 PM

I'm a body guy so I deal with this almost on a daily basis but if you've never used a rubber wheel before, TAKE IT EASY! It's not hard to burn your paint especially if its an older vehical with single stage paint. It you were to burn into your paint, you may be able to buff it out. There's usually hope.