I've done my best to search for this in another post, so I apologize if this has been covered...

I took my Yellow 03 Evo into a body shop (they do great work BTW) to have some scratches in my body (from hit & run parking lot incident several months ago) and asked them to see about taking off the vinyl graphics I have on the hood and sides (see avatar).

They originally thought it would be no problem.

After they were done painting the parts that were damaged by the hit & run, they called me to tell me that they strongly advised against removing the decals, because the paint used on my car is a "single stage paint" that has gloss and color mixed into one, instead of the usually separate color and clear coats. Because of this single stage paint, the tech said it was very likely that the chemicals they needed to use to remove the adhesive from under the graphics would likely damage the paint, and then I'd have a huge problem.

Anyone heard this before? anyone removed any graphics successfully? I can't believe that our paint is that crappy, although I've heard that it is. ANy insight or advice would be appreciated.

 

I've heard of the single stage paint deal but I don't know about the graphics...wouldn't imagine it would be too much different than debadging the rear end.

 

ya...i think the single stage paint is only on the 03 evos

i have 04 :P

 

i didn't think anyone used single stage paint anymore, for a long time?
anyway, try peeling off a small section first. you shouldn't need chemicals to remove vinyl.

 

thanks for the replies, but it's not that you can't remove the vinyl, but rather the adhesive left behind... any more thoughts... thanks!

 

I removed my small vinyl "carmax" decal with a hairdryer... it came right off.

edit: don't know about the adhesive, but mine rolled up into little ***** with a lot of heat. I'd follow the advice above of trying a small section first.

 

goo off., or another mild adhesive remover.

 

has anyone actually tried removing a large section of vinyl with something like goo off? Any advice on technique?

 

leaving work bump

 

i have an 03 and goo-gone has never effected the paint.

just use heat to remove the vinyl, then a mild adheasive remover like goo-gone. then wash the area to keep the goo-gone from staying on the car and soaking into and removing the paint.

that's what i did for the double sided tape under my wing and badges and vinyl dealer sticker, and it worked fine.

 

I used WD-40 in the past and other have recommended deisel fuel.

 

3M makes an adhesive remover that will take it off without messing up the paint (that is it will remove the adhesive left behind AFTER you pull off the decals). You can get it at most auto parts stores.

 

I guess I'll be trying the goo-gone adhesive remover. I just hope it works on larger areas, as half of my hood is covered at the moment. Thanks for the responses.

P.S. That's a very nice disclaimer you've got there...

 

heat gun it first so it gets and easy to peel off but dont stay too long on one area then use goo gone to clean the rest of the adhesive off.

 

I don't know if you have removed the vinyl yet, but using a heat gun leaves a lot of glue behind. Try using a rag and hot water and apply it on the vinyl. It will be harder to peel but will leave less glue behind