Removing lettering decals off window

[Krynn72]

Not sure what section this belongs to, but this one seems to be the most apt. So we want to remove some long-standing lettering off our window to replace it with a big sign. I tried to use a putty knife to see how hard it will be to remove, and there's no way I'm doing it with a putty knife.

Anyone have any good techniques or supplies for removing well-set decals from the outside of the window? I bought a razor scrape tool tonight and will see how that goes, but things like some kind of spray to deteriorate them, or using the heat gun we use on ipads have crossed my mind.

For the record, they look something like this, only bigger and more numerous.

 

[Mokester]

Hmmm...I've always used a razor for things like that...mostly stupid stickers on car windows...but if was really large? Goo be gone? lol not sure buddy...

 

[altrenda]

Heat them with a heat gun or a hair dryer to soften the adhesive, then a sharp scraper or razor blade.

Then denatured alcohol to get rid of the residue.

 

[jft135]

Heat them with a heat gun or a hair dryer to soften the adhesive, then a sharp scraper or razor blade.

Then denatured alcohol to get rid of the residue.

This is the best way. Just heat the window evenly and don't do it on a cold morning or you can crack the glass. A hairdryer will work if you don't have a heat gun. There are lots of other uses for a heat gun in the shop, so it's worth the $30 to get one at Harbor Freight.

 

[Krynn72]

This is the best way. Just heat the window evenly and don't do it on a cold morning or you can crack the glass. A hairdryer will work if you don't have a heat gun. There are lots of other uses for a heat gun in the shop, so it's worth the $30 to get one at Harbor Freight.

Sounds like a plan then. I have a heat gun already due to the fact they're so useful, I'll just have to look around and see if there's a extension cord around in the shop somewhere. Thanks for the tips, will be giving it a shot tomorrow if it's not too cold out.

 

[PBComputer]

When I removed some from a car windows I used Isopropyl Alcohol to clean the surface then a stanley knife. took a while but worked. I would expect the same results with a hot air gun.

 

[pceinc]

Goo Gone (orange stuff available everywhere) will take the adhesive off once you remove the vinyl with a heat gun. Then clean the oily residue left by Goo Gone with rubbing alcohol.

 

[Bootman 650]

Wouldnt try this without some form of heat or alcohol based liquid. You will end up with a window that's scratched as ****!

 

[DataMedics]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Goof-Off...u=100672598&ci_kw=&ci_gpa=pla&ci_src=17588969

That's the product you want. Douse the lettering with a few passes of this stuff, then scrape it off. Available at your local Home Depot.

 

[altrenda]

If they are Vinyl letters like in the picture, most solvents won't penetrate the vinyl.
There is this stuff Vinyl-Off that penetrates the letters and lets you peel them off, but I've never used it.

Here's a link to different techniques.
https://www.signwarehouse.com/blog/a-basic-guide-to-vinyl-removal-options/

 

[LifelineIT]

Yep, single-sided razor scraper to get it mostly up, then goo-gone on a cottonball or microfiber cloth to get off the remaining goo.

 

[Markverhyden]

WD40 has been my favorite over the years. Add a hair dryer for a couple of minutes and it's a done deal.

 

[Krynn72]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Goof-Off...u=100672598&ci_kw=&ci_gpa=pla&ci_src=17588969

That's the product you want. Douse the lettering with a few passes of this stuff, then scrape it off. Available at your local Home Depot.

Oh man, I've been looking for that stuff for ages. Im not sure if I just missed it at my home depot when I went looking or if they just don't carry it at that particular one, but I had some of that stuff a long time ago and it worked miracles. I think it was my Dad's but he couldn't remember where he got it from. Thanks for posting that.

Today was rainy all day so I just stayed in and worked, hopefully tomorrow will be nicer so I can give it a shot. Thanks for the input everyone!

 

[Coastalbendcomputers]

I have had to do this a lot in my previous line of work. We had to remove old Annual certification and danger / warning decals from cranes that where to faded. Your best friend is http://www.amazon.com/3M-03612-Adhesive-Eraser-Wheel/dp/B005RNGN8I easily worth even if you only use it once. Will have this job done in no time.

 

[callthatgirl]

My brother just removed my back window graphics with a razor.

 

[layoric]

Cooking oil and a drywall plastic spatula. Comes right off. Wipe on withe paper towels and let sit for a few minutes first.

 

[acesdeals]

simplest is a sharp blade or paint scraper, heat it on the stove and slide the stickers away