Removing Tank Decals

nkryptit · September 11, 2008, 12:53:55 PM

So...The "Monster" decal on my 696 is already starting to peel and look all around shitty. I'm looking to take them off, but don't want to leave a "Monster" shaped spot on my tank afterwords. Anyone ever take off decals without repainting the whole tank. What kind of solvent to use?

Bbrent · September 11, 2008, 03:48:30 PM

Are the decals beneath the clearcoat? I have an S4RS and they were. I had to heat it up and pull really slowly to get them to lift. Then I had to sand, paint and reclear. I would be careful with solvents on you plastic. Wouldn't this be a warranty issue anyway?

Raux · September 11, 2008, 03:52:18 PM

have you gone to the dealer, that quick seems like a warranty issue?

ducpainter · September 11, 2008, 05:48:41 PM

sounds like a dark...

decals on top of the paint....

nkryptit · September 12, 2008, 07:29:39 AM

Quote from: ducpainter on September 11, 2008, 05:48:41 PM
sounds like a dark...

decals on top of the paint....

Indeed!

zLoki · September 12, 2008, 10:18:34 AM

I'm about to take mine off but I'm simply replacing with a different color so there wont be that shadow you might be worried about (I have a dark also). I would suggest starting with soap and water and moving up to the likes of 409 before using any solvents on the tank. I'll be doing the same this week so I can report back on results.

Murdered Monster · September 12, 2008, 10:41:49 AM

nkryptit · September 12, 2008, 01:18:31 PM

Quote from: zLoki on September 12, 2008, 10:18:34 AM
I'm about to take mine off but I'm simply replacing with a different color so there wont be that shadow you might be worried about (I have a dark also). I would suggest starting with soap and water and moving up to the likes of 409 before using any solvents on the tank. I'll be doing the same this week so I can report back on results.

Thanks, I'd appreciate any input you can give!

S2daRk · September 12, 2008, 09:12:59 PM

I replaced the decals on my dark tank not too long ago. I was also worried about having a Ducati "shadow" left behind. I removed only the "I" first, to see if the paint underneath would be darker. I was lucky no shadow whatsoever (my bike is 2 years old).

I used a heat gun to soften up the decals and removed them slowly. You don't need much heat, a hair dryer would be fine.

I then tried to remove the residue with warm water, but it wasn't working too well. So I tested a small spot underneath the seat with Goo Gone "AUTOMOTIVE FORMULA" (I don't recommend using the regular formula!). It worked great and I also used it when I removed the frame stickers.

Don't use paper towels to wipe off the sticky residue, it will scratch the tank. I used a soft microfiber towel that passed the "CD test" : Scrub the bottom of a CD with the towel and if the delicate CD surface doesn't get scratched, it's definitely safe to use on your tank.

dutchy73 · September 13, 2008, 05:53:36 PM

I pulled the decals off my 696 Dark a couple weeks ago. It did leave a little shadow, but all you need to do is get a very light automotive rubbing compound on a soft cloth and give it an easy once over. Don't swirl, just go back and forth in a straight line. Clean off the area well and apply your new decals. Make sure there is no dust, or the decals will show the particles.

Then take a liquid carnuba wax and apply to the entire tank. Don't use too much or it will cake around the decals. But do a light rub, dry, and then remove. You should be in business.

zLoki · September 20, 2008, 03:13:35 PM

Pulled mine off, there was no shadow, here's a pic.

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Removing Tank Decals

Raux