Removing Decals/Stickers

monotokpoint

Just got a new frame and would like to have it completely clean of brand stickers, but not sure how to remove them

Does anyone know of a safe technique to take them off (titanium frame) or of a bike shop/specialist that could do it for me (would prefer this one!)

mozzy10

Nail varnish remover. Just finished taking the decals off an exotic stem with it. Takes a while but doesn't risk ruining the frame.

mrfmilo

If the frame is clear coated there is no way, unless you completely strip it.

If it's not clear coated, just peel them off.

monotokpoint

Might give the nail varnish route a go. Mozzy, did you use anything else, e.g. razor blades, or just your finger nails?

The Northern Monkey

What frame is it?

As said... if its lacquered or clear coated you have no chance without stripping the frame.

mozzy10

cotton wool balls.

depends on what the logos are though. if they are just stickers then you can peel them off and rub with nail varnish as you go to remove the stick. If they are a more transfer and can't be picked then just scrub with nail varnish remover and cotton wool balls.

However, if they are under the clear coat its another matter. I just removed an exotic transfer from under the clearcoat on a carbon seatpost. It involved wet and drying back the clearcoat and transfer then re-spraying with clearcoat.

Give the nail varnish remover a go in an inconspicous area first.

monotokpoint

It's a Van Nicholas, titanium, so no clear coat. More worried about scratching it than anything. The stickers seems quite well stuck on and i cant seem to get an 'edge' just using my finger nails

monotokpoint

I've got a feeling I may be in all Saturday with some nail varnish and cotton balls! Might as well do my nails at the same time I spose

*AL*

Warm the graphic up with a hair drier to soften it, and just peel off.

Remove the residue left with some furniture polish (Mr Sheen works really well)

The nail varnish remover won't do much to release the sticker because the adhesive is under the sticker where the varnish remover can't get to until the sticker is removed.

The Rookie

As AL says, hairdryer is the way to go, get it nice and warm and the adhesive softens, peel it off, by hand (no tools) and use any solvent (white spirit, petrol, NV remover, WD40 etc) to clear the residue.

A solvent wont touch the adhesive while its under the sticker, just round the egde, so it takes ten times as long as you soften and peel in stages.

Simon

monotokpoint

Thanks for the tips guys, I will let you know how I get on over the weekend

joechick

monotokpoint - were you successful?

ive been trying with a hairdrier on my Van Nic without luck so far!

lbknuckles

Previously I've used a hand held steam cleaner £15 from Aldi.
Penguin style with good pressure and concentrate steam through the pointed attachment.

Works better than the hair dryer as only heats the area you want.
Not as risky as a heat gun but better than a hair dryer
For the residues have used nail varnish remover (acetone) but found liquid brass cleaner stronger and as its thicker you can apply smear and it stays in place.
Put the kettle on drink your tea and then return to remove the glue.

toontra

joechick wrote:

monotokpoint - were you successful?

ive been trying with a hairdrier on my Van Nic without luck so far!

I removed all stickers from my VN ti frame using paint thinners. Quick, easy and effective.

cavegiant

Hi,

Nail varnish remover is a very good recomendation, the people knocking it don't seem to understand the mechanism.

You need proper nail varnish remover, celluose/laquer thinner. There are a few alternatives out there calling themsellves nail varnish remover, but they are not the real thing.

real celluose thinner will disolve the decal and the adhesive and most things it touches.


I have a bottle you can borrow if you are in York.

GhallTN6

What about an adonized frame, you can hardly see the decals on my 2009 pewter Yeti, and they've changed it to black decals for this year..

lbknuckles

You need proper nail varnish remover, celluose/laquer thinner

Proper nail varnish is acetone , Cellulose thinner may possibly damage paintwork as it is used as a thinner for paints, this will depend on the paint type on the frame.
None painted frames im sure the thinner will work very well but be careful if your frame is painted or has a special finish. Try on a small area first to be sure!

Mancunianfightingcat

WD40 dissolves sticky stuff!

warreng

Right - this works really well on Ti frames. How can I get replacement ones of my own design?

FishFish

NO --- DO NOT ASK THAT QUESTION!!!!!!!!

EVER!!!!

warreng

I'm an infrequent visitor to this forum but I think I remember what you are referring too!!

No-one?