Does anyone have a method for safely removing (To be replaced) the reflective side stripes without damaging the paint?
3M markets an attachment for this purpose:
3M Stripe Off Wheel – Adhesive Remover – Eraser Wheel – Removes Decals, Stripes, Vinyl, Tapes and Graphics. It is engineered to safely remove unwanted decals and stripes without altering the material underneath. It is compatible with most drill and rotary tools.
If you do not trust yourself to attempt removal on your own, a good recon / detail shop can likely do it. They typically have substantial experience removing graphics from commercial vehicles, police cars, etc. when they being prepped for sale.
I've always used a heat gun on low setting. It softens the adhesive enough to where the stripe/graphic/decal will stretch and pull off slowly. Too much heat it will pull melt and pull apart, not enough and the stripe will snap off in little pieces. Then clean the residue with a good grease and wax remover. Not a fan of the 3M wheels, can damage paint at times.
Quote from: Bill Collins on March 14, 2026, 11:07:59 AM3M markets an attachment for this purpose:
3M Stripe Off Wheel – Adhesive Remover – Eraser Wheel – Removes Decals, Stripes, Vinyl, Tapes and Graphics. It is engineered to safely remove unwanted decals and stripes without altering the material underneath. It is compatible with most drill and rotary tools.
If you do not trust yourself to attempt removal on your own, a good recon / detail shop can likely do it. They typically have substantial experience removing graphics from commercial vehicles, police cars, etc. when they being prepped for sale.
I'll look into that, thank you...
Quote from: jimhyc on March 14, 2026, 11:47:15 AMI've always used a heat gun on low setting. It softens the adhesive enough to where the stripe/graphic/decal will stretch and pull off slowly. Too much heat it will pull melt and pull apart, not enough and the stripe will snap off in little pieces. Then clean the residue with a good grease and wax remover. Not a fan of the 3M wheels, can damage paint at times.
This was my first inclination. The shop doing the work as a stripe guy, and he was reluctant to remove the old stripe. I'll chat with them about this too...thanks...
Since I do this for a living there is no "safe" method for removing stripes. Paint condition is usually what determines if the paint peels or not. Heat gun on low heat. Citrus based adhesive remover for the glue removal. Eraser wheels can only be used on steel panels. If you use them on fiberglass or plastic panels they will cut through the paint underneath.
Dz
Quote from: davez on March 14, 2026, 07:14:15 PMSince I do this for a living there is no "safe" method for removing stripes. Paint condition is usually what determines if the paint peels or not. Heat gun on low heat. Citrus based adhesive remover for the glue removal. Eraser wheels can only be used on steel panels. If you use them on fiberglass or plastic panels they will cut through the paint underneath.
Dz
Excellent advice, thank you...
Quote from: davez on March 14, 2026, 07:14:15 PMSince I do this for a living there is no "safe" method for removing stripes. Paint condition is usually what determines if the paint peels or not. Heat gun on low heat. Citrus based adhesive remover for the glue removal. Eraser wheels can only be used on steel panels. If you use them on fiberglass or plastic panels they will cut through the paint underneath.
Dz
Dave, Thank you for the excellent advice. I was either unaware or had forgotten about the hazards of using a wheel on fiberglass or plastic. I have a SnapOn
CrudThug tool that has not been used in many years, but it saw almost exclusive use on metal surfaces, usually to remove stubborn rocker stripes.