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General => Cosmetic and bodywork matters => Topic started by: jf111 on 06 March 2020, 13:52

Title: How to remove decals from TCR?
Post by: jf111 on 06 March 2020, 13:52

I want the honeycomb decals off my car. What's the best way to do it without damaging the paint? I have a heatgun and tar/glue remover for the residue but really don't want to pull any paint off in the process!!

I assume they're just vinyl stickers that can be peeled off. Then the paint may need some correction afterwards, which is no problem

Title: Re: How to remove decals from TCR?
Post by: jv on 07 March 2020, 18:10

From that it sounds like you know exactly what is required  :smiley:

I'd be tempted to visit a signwriter, get their advice and for a few quid on a big money GTI, get them to do it.

Title: Re: How to remove decals from TCR?
Post by: jf111 on 08 March 2020, 00:16

I just decided to have a go at it today as having worked in window tinting/vinyl wrapping before - how hard could it be?

Turns out it's very easy. Here's the steps I took in case anyone else ever wants to remove TCR decals from their car. Unlikely but you never know.

1. Get a heatgun for £11.99 from Screwfix - https://www.screwfix.com/p/energer-enb467htg-2000w-electric-heat-gun-240v/59740

(https://i.imgur.com/RQwvKhi.jpg)

2. Get some tar and glue remover. I used this one from Detailed Online - https://detailedonline.co.uk/collections/decontamination/products/tar-glue-remover

(https://i.imgur.com/HrjyS6Q.jpg)

3. Wash the area with the stickers on with APC and rinse thoroughly, then dry

(https://i.imgur.com/dQy0Kla.jpg)

4. Carefully apply heat to a sticker with the heatgun. Literally about 10 seconds at a time from relatively far away

(https://i.imgur.com/ezY3Xjt.jpg)

5. Gently try to get the corner of the sticker and peel it off. It should come off easily. If not, add a bit more heat and try again. None of the ones on my car were difficult to remove at all.

(https://i.imgur.com/NhaTy8B.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/QzTyqBu.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/gkytNrf.jpg)

6. Throw this lot in the bin.

(https://i.imgur.com/SALF25G.jpg)

7. Spray the tar/glue remover all over the areas where the stickers were. Leave to soak for a bit then remove the residue with a microfibre. No pics of this.

8. Wash the car (not essential but nice to do after removing them) and enjoy the side of the car with no stickers on it  :cool:

(https://i.imgur.com/eFfM6uJ.jpg)

Title: Re: How to remove decals from TCR?
Post by: jv on 09 March 2020, 19:48

Nice job and great write-up.

Car looks so much better without them!

Title: Re: How to remove decals from TCR?
Post by: dubber36 on 11 March 2020, 09:06

Much better, but you might want to add some protection, as the tar remover will have stripped any wax or sealant.

Title: Re: How to remove decals from TCR?
Post by: hardmonkeys on 27 March 2020, 11:54

looks better in my opinion.