removing cowling decals

[tough catch]

What is the best way to remove old decals from cowling ? Thanks

 

[Peter Devil Ears]

I used a heat gun, worked well. Just don't hold it too close or for too long, then the paint will peel off.

 

[crankbait]

use a hair drier. that will keep you out of trouble.

 

[rh.campbell]

I used a heat gun, worked well. Just don't hold it too close or for too long, then the paint will peel off.

I used both a hair dryer and a heat gun (which worked best, used carefully) to heat up the decals on a 1987 Mercury 18HP XD motor which I am restoring. The decals came off but left the adhesive on the cowling. So after numerous attempts with all sorts of solvents, I tried Polyclens (a paint brush cleaner). I brushed it on, let it sit for several minutes and then using a 1 inch metal paint scraper, I rolled the adhesive off in big bunches of a gooey mess like rubberized compound. Had to do it a couple of times on several spots, but it left the cowling paint underneath just like new, with NO scratches whatsoever.
Worked like a miracle...

 

[kimcrwbr1]

zippo lighter fluid (naptha) will take off any adhesive left behind.