Removing old decals

[crowelle]

My '66 Shasta Compact has two completely faded Shasta decals -- one on the front and one on the back. I want to replace with the reproduction decals that are available on e-bay, but I would like to remove the old decals first, hopefully protecting the original paint that is under the decal -- the original paint job is in pretty good shape and I do not really want to repaint the camper. There seems to be a thin cellophane film that is attached with glue. If I can get to the glue, I can probably use goo-gone, but I can't seem to be able to break through the cellophane -- it is very well attached. If only they had figured a way to keep the ink from fading, this would have been a fantastic original decal!

Anyone had any experience removing old decals, but preserving the paint underneath?

[Atomic Addiction]

Maybe try using Opps!

www.homaxproducts.com/products/oops/index.html

I has worked for me on other projects. I would test a tiny spot so you know it won't kill the paint around the decal area.

Otherwise try wet sanding that area just to break through to the original paint under the decal.

That is the only things I can think of to keep the original paint intact.

Brian

[crowelle]

Thanks Brian. I'll try Oops! Wet sanding is an idea that I had not thought of. I now really only need to do the front decal as the back one seemed to buff out. The front seems to have had a clear layer over the top to protect the original decal. This is the part that seems to be difficult to remove. It's like baked-on celophane tape. Can't even get a fingernail under it. I thought about putting another decal over the top, but the edges are stained. Heat applied with a torch (carefully!) just made the metal pop and crack, but did nothing to release the celophane.

Brian -- I'll try your suggestions. If anyone has any others that you know work -- let me know!

Thanks!

[Shasta Bea]

I don't know if this is doable or workable, but I have had much luck removing paint from antique metal (copper, brass) light fixtures by soaking the pieces in Fantastic for a couple days.

This does not harm the metal, but it will tarnish it.

It may work to remove the decals, but you will probably remove the paint as well. Also, hard to soak a trailer : ) - maybe soaking a towel in Fantastic