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removing pressure sensitive stickers



Hello All:
	Here is the procedure that I have been using for YEARS to REMOVE all manner of pressure sensitive decals/stickers from anything. This process requires patience, manual dexterity and common sense. Therefore, it will not be suitable for all of you.
Overview
1. As long as the decal/sticker is on top of the clear coat, not under it, this process will work. It is designed to breakdown the adhesive so the decal/sticker will peel away without damaging the paint or clearcoat underneath.
2. Modern automotive/motorcycle paint is made of two or three part catalyized urethane or "two pack" paint. It is expensive. It is applied in several coats of base/colourcoat "wet on wet" and left to dry. Sometimes it is oven dried to speed up the process. Clear coat is a separate but chemically similar product that is applied after the base/colour coat has dried. The two materials (colour & clear coats) are designed to chemically bond to each other. Neither of these paint systems are laquer! Laquer based automotive paint has been dead for years. These paints are mixed in different proportions: base/colorcoat, reducer, activator and sometimes thinner. The paint or clearcoat will not dry until ALL of these ingredients are properly measured and thoroughly mixed. Once dry they produce a very hard, durable finish capable of withstanding quite a bit of wear & abrasion. Once dried they cannot be broken down or melted by gasoline/petrol and most other organic reagents. That's why they were formulated for use as automotive/motorcyle paint in the first place! Very often these finishes can be repaired and re-polished by competant mechanics who understand paint chemistry and the finer points of bodywork. (That's another story in itself.)

Tools/Supplies Needed for project
a. Mineral Spirit (or in UK "White Spirit"). About 1 pint or 1/2 litre will do nicely.
b. Some soft clean cotton or cotton/poly rag squares about 6 inches by 6 inches.
c. A small flat "pusher" or "edge tool", preferably made of wood. The tool should be easy to hold with a flat blade about 1 inch wide, 1/16 inch thick. This will be used to lift/push the edges of the decal/sticker and allow the Mineral Spirit to get underneath and soften the adhesive. Those of you that have excellent tool skills/manual dexterity could use an older dull razor blade or scraper to serve the purpose. However, if you make a mistake, you will make a nasty mark in your clear/paint. This is not recommended for the inexperienced or less talented folks out there in Digestland. Most of you know who you are. Be reasonable and sit this one out if you do not feel confident of your abilities.
d. Cheap 1 or 2 inch wide China bristle brush to "massage" the adhesive as it breaks down and to spread the Mineral Spirit under the sticker/decal.

The Removal Process
1. Keep in mind that this is a chemical process. Let the Mineral Spirit break down the adhesive. The process is gradual and an easy one. Failure to understand this concept will result in the failure to remove the desired sticker/decal and a big mess. This is better accomplished in a warm environment with the part laying horizontally (flat). Do not smoke or do this where you could cause a fire! 
2. Lightly cut/score the surface of the decal WITHOUT cutting into the clearcoat/paint below the sticker/decal. Make a light incision in parallel lines two inches apart. If you do not feel confident about this, omit this step!!! The process will take a bit longer, but it will work to your satisfaction. 
3. Use the "pusher" tool to lift the edges of the sticker/decal to be removed. Lift as much as you can with your fingers. Sometimes a hot air gun can be of great help to 'release' the decal from the surface. Sometimes placing the body part in the direct sun can do the same. I have sucessfully done this both ways. Some of the pieces of the sticker will tear or break. Discard them and lift a new section of the remaining sticker.
4. Wet the squares of Mineral Spirit and let them sit in direct contact with the surface of the sticker. Let the Mineral Spirit sit for atleast 20 minutes. Remove a wet square of cloth. Peel/lift a portion of the sticker at the outside edge working towards the center until it begins to resist removal. Cut away the portion of sticker that has come free. Do not force your "edge tool" or brush underneath the sticker too deeply. Replace the wet square of Mineral Spirit soaked cloth and allow the process to continue until the entire decal/sticker has been removed.
(To remove a large graphic such as the "Sprint ST" stickers on the lower left/right fairings takes four or five hours.) Be patient!!!!
5. Clean up by taking a clean square of cloth soaked with Mineral Spirit and wipe the entire area. Use a little bit of pressure with your fingertips. Spots will remain of the adhesive. This is normal. Allow these areas to soak under a cloth wet through with Mineral Spirit and all will come clean. Remember to allow the Mineral Spirit to break down the adhesive chemically!!! Patience, patience, patience. 
6. I recommend polishing the factory clear/paint with either Meguiar's #2 Fine Cut Cleaner/Swirl Remover or 3M's Imperial Hand Glaze.
7. Dispose of your Mineral Spirit soaked materials in a safe manner. It is best to allow the materials to dry outdoors and then wrap them up in a plastic bag. They may be disposed of as regular trash after this process.

Remember, if this seems too complicated or you don't have the skills, don't do this!
Best regards,
Howard Stephen Serlick
'00 Blue ST
Philadelphia, PA

    



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