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Old cracked graphics removal help needed

K

kevemo

The graphics on my swift lifestyle caravan are old ,faded and cracked.
I have tried using a hairdryer to heat them up but its not working , tried using petrol on them but that hasnt worked either.
Seen a product on line called graphxoff but seems to be only available in America.
Any one have any advice on how to do it.
 
I took off very stubborn graphics using gentle heat, sticky stuff remover (from the pound shop), a plastic scraper and some hours of work. I actually used a paint stripper heat gun but carefully.

I may have some photos, I will have a look.

John
 
You could try using Acetone but be very careful. it will melt some plastics so only use in a glass container, it is normally used as a solvent to remove false nails, I would be inclined to try some on a very small area first and if it works go over the graphics very gradually and take you time. It is also very flammable and the fumes are not pleasant, so would suggest to use it in the open air. An alternative could be nail polish remover
 
kevemo. Here is a link to how I did mine.

Decal Woes

I brought the van home today to clean and sterilise. Very disappointed to see that two of the decals had deteriorated badly. Strange as all the others are fine. They had to be dealt with so out came the tools. After heating and peeling I still needed to work hard on the residue with...
forums.practicalcaravan.com forums.practicalcaravan.com

John
 
Tried the hotair again but didnt work so went out and bought one of these , think there called a caramel wheel.
Got to say it does the job. Leaves a yellow residue behind and some of the glue so going to see how this cleans off tomorrow , will update how it goes.Screenshot_20220910-190417_eBay.jpg
 
One thing i will say is when using the wheel to take the graphics off dont spend long on one bit as it will heat up the aluminium body and deform it , i did a bit at one end of the graphic then switched to the other then back again before it got hot.
 
Didnt manage to get some sticky stuff so used wd40 and it removed the adhesive no problem.
Had to use G3 cutting compound and a polishing mop to remove the yellow residue.
Put this pic up to show what happens when you go to heavy with the caramel wheel as it gets hot very quickly.
Mines is a 20 year old van and the graphics will cover it so will be fine.
Not sure if i would use it on a newer van.
My best advice is dont wait to long like i did to change the graphics like i did.
 

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kevemo said:
Didnt manage to get some sticky stuff so used wd40 and it removed the adhesive no problem.
Had to use G3 cutting compound and a polishing mop to remove the yellow residue.
Put this pic up to show what happens when you go to heavy with the caramel wheel as it gets hot very quickly.
Mines is a 20 year old van and the graphics will cover it so will be fine.
Not sure if i would use it on a newer van.
My best advice is dont wait to long like i did to change the graphics like i did.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the photo. Looking forward to seeing the before and after pics.
 
Apparently Autoglym make a tar and adhesive remover which might help others on the same task. Again not tried it myself but know that several car manufacturers include an Autoglym kit with new cars sold, and other products like alloy wheel cleaner and tyre cleaner that I have used are excellent and economic to use.
 
audiorob said:
Apparently Autoglym make a tar and adhesive remover which might help others on the same task. Again not tried it myself but know that several car manufacturers include an Autoglym kit with new cars sold, and other products like alloy wheel cleaner and tyre cleaner that I have used are excellent and economic to use.
Click to expand...
I have the Autoglym tar remover and it works very well. Also their vinyl and rubber care wiped on door, boot and bonnet seals stops them freezing up in winter. I have two satchels of Autoglym stuff given to me by friends who have had new cars. About 20 years supply at current rate of usage.
 
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