Suzuki V-Strom (VStrom) Owners Club DL250, DL650, DL1000 & DL1050

V-Strom specific discussion => V-Strom specific discussion => Topic started by: Descolada on March 30, 2017, 12:29:01

Title: Removing Factory Decals
Post by: Descolada on March 30, 2017, 12:29:01

Does anyone have any experience with removing the factory decals. Do you know if they have a clear coat sprayed over them for added protection or are they simply applied to the plastic "as is".

Thanks Folks. 

Title: Re: Removing Factory Decals
Post by: greywolf on March 30, 2017, 13:26:57

No clear coat. A young sticker can be loosened and peeled off with heat alone. Old ones tend to leave glue on the plastics. Various solvents that attack the glue but not the plastic can help with old glue. I used denatured alcohol on a rag applied to the surface for a minute to melt the glue. It can take repeated applications to get it all. If the alcohol evaporates, the melted glue will harden again. Any haze left can be removed with WD40.

Title: Re: Removing Factory Decals
Post by: SuzukiSte on March 30, 2017, 13:31:55

@Greywolf Spot on :thumb: Just use a hair dryer on low heat to melt the glue.

Title: Re: Removing Factory Decals
Post by: Descolada on March 30, 2017, 13:59:12

Excellent as always greywolf, thanks to you both for the feedback.

Title: Re: Removing Factory Decals
Post by: Rusty Nuts on March 30, 2017, 14:48:58

Whereabouts in the UK are people buying de-natured alcohol, or do we call it something else here?

Title: Re: Removing Factory Decals
Post by: greywolf on March 30, 2017, 15:18:59

Denatured alcohol is alcohol not fit for consumption. Any type of alcohol will work. Naptha, lighter fluid, Goo Gone and any solvent you can test in an inconspicuous place are alternatives. WD40 alone can work but it takes longer if the glue is old.

Title: Re: Removing Factory Decals
Post by: UK_Vstrom650 on March 30, 2017, 15:57:48

White spirit also removed glue residue...

Title: Re: Removing Factory Decals
Post by: 650XT Pete on March 30, 2017, 16:14:28

In the motor trade we used a Panel Wipe thinner to clean the surface prior to painting. No problem getting stickers, glue, traffic grime off. Try car accessories shop or pop along to your local friendly  repair shop with a small container.
Denatured alcohol /methylated spirit from the chemist / camping shops , coloured purple to stop you drinking it.

Title: Re: Removing Factory Decals
Post by: UK_Vstrom650 on March 30, 2017, 21:02:58

Wouldn't stop me  :obscene-drinkingchug:

 :haha: