Removing vacuum decals

[WBNTEXAS]

I have 3 Fragramatics vacuums and the decals are getting pretty dingy.
I really don't want to pay the cost of replacing them with new ones.
Has anyone ever stripped the old decals off and just polished the stainless steel housing?
Were you satisfied with the bare look?
I appreciate your input on this.

 

[Earl Weiss]

Done it. Was a quick fix. Later added decals.

 

[WBNTEXAS]

So you put the decals back on because you didn’t like the raw look?

 

[mac]

Have done this many times. Start with using a heat gun. Warm up the old decals and sometimes they peel off easily. Sometimes not. If they are stubborn use a gel paint stripper, let sit for a while and pressure wash it. May take a couple of applications. Use a good solvent to get any old adhesive off. Get it down to bare metal. Polishing the stainless just takes a lot of rubbing. When putting on new decals spray the metal and back of decal with water or Windex. Once applied use a rag to remove bubbles and excess water. Do not do this part on a windy day. It will take some time but considering the cost of a new one, it’s worth it. Usually a good time to also replace the door gaskets.

 

[Earl Weiss]

So you put the decals back on because you didn’t like the raw look?

Yes, Spent a little more and got the Coleman decals.

 

[Greg Pack]

You can also get custom decals made. To me the fragramatics decals are in dire need of updating.

 

[Waxman]

I use a heat gun to peel the old decals off. For any glue left over, I use this: https://www.mscdirect.com/browse/tn...vlxQgClHcSA70wLEmfP3QsRkhPreED1EaApaqEALw_wcB

 

[toddmullens]

Rapid Remover is the best adhesive remover I have ever seen, hands down. It also removes tar stains instantly almost.

 

[Car_Wash_Guy]

What do you guys use to polish the vacuums?

For decals check out STA Graphics. Ivonne does great work and their prices are reasonable!

 

[MEP001]

The only vacuums I would polish would be the mirror-finish ones IVS sells. For those I'd use Blue Magic metal polish. When any other vacuum gets dirty from bay overspray I use Klean Wall.