Removing Decals From Fiberglass

Hi everyone,

Long time car detailer but new poster here.

Question - my father inlaw purchased a Ford E450 "minibus" van that was used for a local medical center. The hood and front fenders are metal, whereas from the windshield back, it is all fiberglass.

The truck is about 10 years old, so the original paint (not resprayed) on all surfaces was faded when it was purchased.

While we were able to cut and polish a lot of the oxidation off, we were unable to get off the decals that were/are on the fiberglass parts of the truck (see "before" pic at the end of the post for reference).

NOTE - there were no decals on the metal parts (fenders, hood etc...).

Initially, we thought they may have been taken off, and what we were seeing was the "shiny" paint that was underneath the decals but unfortunately, that was not the case - there is a definite "edge" to each individual letter.

On that note, they are all separate decals, not one big sign.

In any event, we used:

• Cutting paste
• Rubber wheel attachment on a drill
• High heat gun
• Steel backed razor blades
• Rubbing Alcohol
• WD40
• Nail Polish Remover

.... all to no avail. The decals still look like new.

Has anyone successfully dealt with something like this before?

If so, what did you use to remove the decals?!

Thanks!

Attachment 64380

And they are decales not paint??

Yes, that is correct. They are decals. Very shiny and seemingly hard to remove!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Quarterwave

Yes, that is correct. They are decals. Very shiny and seemingly hard to remove!

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Apparently lol. Wish I could help you out. The reason I asked if it might be paint is because heat didn't do anything. Can you feel a sharp edge on the decal, or are you feeling more of a raised area? I'm wondering if they painted or put gelcoat over them.