Removing Graphics - Heat or No Heat???

[Skyhawk]

Removing Graphics - Heat or No Heat???

Just picked up a 2012 Black King Cab 4x4 w/ Sports Package. It's got MASSIVE graphics that run along the bed, Access Cab, and doors.

I have searched out all the posts on this topic, and found one thread where the gentleman w/ the Frontier and the Porsche said no heat. And a few others backed him up on that. I like the pictures and his detailed post, however, I didn't get the same results.

I read on other posts where some use a hair dryer or heat gun.

Go on youtube "removing auto graphics" most show them heating them up...

I am totally confused now. I tried last night using no heat, following the above posters instructions, taking my time, and only can get small chunks off at a time. I stopped, and only have a small portion removed, barely noticable so I will postpone this until I have a better idea on my concerns.

My main concern is not ripping the paint off while removing the graphics or damaging the paint in the process. Is this a false concern of mine?

Is there any science to using heat or no heat?

I have never done this before and would really appreciate any and all suggestions prior to continuing.

Thanks so much!!!

[zoomzoom]

since you tried no heat and apparently it didn't work, i suppose with heat would be next. or try goof off

[boakes]

I have had better luck using a hair dryer to heat the area up or if you are in a warmer part of the country, park your truck in the sun to heat it up. It will come off in pieces and will take some time. You will probably need to use a cleaner wax to get the residue off that is left over. I have never used goof off so can't vouch for that. Also I have never had problems with the paint peeling off.

[mt.aero]

I work with this kind of thing all the time. Heat heat heat. Its what softens the adhesive and allows the graphics to come off easy. There is no other way to do it. Clay bar does wonders at taking off the left over adhesive too.

[Skyhawk]

Thanks boakes and mt.aero!

I will try it that way and take it easy with the blow dryer, I do live in a warmer part of the country but it's not like that in Fort Lauderdale today! It just hit 52 degrees!!!

[mt.aero]

Your comment made me think of this photo. I live in Colorado and originally from Wisco, so I can say that 50 degrees feels like a heat wave. I think its about 10 degrees F right now.

[MR YAT]

I also agree with MT Aero, I would wait till it gets warmer than 50. The warmer it is outside the easier it is to peel of the stickers.

[Honey Badger]

I wouldn't use anything more than a hairdryer as heat guns can damage the paint if you don't know what you're doing.

[Skyhawk]

LOL - Nice pic there Mt.Aero

I'm a Florida native, so below 65 and it's winter for me my friend...

I truly wanted to thank you guys! Great forum with people willing to help fast!

Me and my teenage nephew did the job with a hairdryer and took 30 min tops. Just enough heat to peel it off in giant strips and no adhesive left on the paint, PERFECT!!!

Now I just need to figure out how to pop off the hard plastic part that runs along the top of the bed. The sticker goes under it and can't get it all off unless I remove it. I attached a pic of the part below. Any advice?

[mt.aero]

They are on with a VHB double sided tape. My understanding is that its a difficult job. You would also likely need to remove all the old tape and apply new stuff before putting it back on.

I would personally take a razor and very carefully cut the graphic as tight as you can to the cap. You will more or less be 'scoring' the graphic and not cutting all the way through. Then when you pull it up, it should break at that 'score' You should be able to do it without cutting into the paint.