Removing a decal from metal

[Randy1944]

I have a pretty nice Ford Dealership I.D. decal on the inside dash and I intend to paint the dash and would like to save the decal. Does anyone know of any liquid I could use to help remove the decal without ruining it? It is about forty to forty five years old and is from Hollywood Ca. Thanks for your suggestions.

[Elmo Rodge]

Randy that's a tough one. Before I did anything I'd take some quality photos with a scale next to it so you could at least have it reproduced. Beyond that, I got nuthin'. Wayno

[Vanspeed]

I work for a living doing graphics and signs and I do not think there is anything that can lift it while not destroying it. I agree though, take as many detailed pics as you can so that it could be reproduced.

[51 MERC-CT]

Being that old it's probably a water based slide off decal.
As stated after taking some pics, try using a water soaked rag/sponge held in place for a period of time to see it the water based glue softens up enough to remove it.

[FrankWest]

Check out some old book, manuscript and antique restoration sites..
Search for the particular problem you have...
I used to do a lot of clock restorations.. There are so many tricks to recover designs and details of clock cases...And I know that old book, manuscripts, old photos can be restored by techniques most people have never heard of..So do a lot of home works and ask a lot of question before you do something that may destroy what you are trying to save. They may actually have something that will lift the entire decal or that may transfer it to a clear acetate sheet or something....Good hunting.

This is for a different problem but at least you get the idea..someone has developed a solution for restoring decals....I am sure real antique restorers have countless other techniques.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOwU0Jph5AQ

[Randy1944]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

So far, this is my best picture. As you can see, I am very bad with a camera. I will try more pictures. At least, you can see what I am dealing with - the "Red" dash.

[papanomad]

might try steam.

[Elmo Rodge]

Yeah. Maybe you should get a "grown up" to take the picture. I'm funnin' you Randy. Keep trying. Wayno

[51 MERC-CT]

As bad as the pictures are it looks like the dash may have been clear coated including the decal. If that is the case then kiss the decal goodbye.

[paul2748]

Digital camera ? I assume so. You may have a "Macro" mode for shooting close pictures. If you haven't tried this, give it a "shot"

[Randy1944]

Hey, teasing me about my "camera talent" doesn't bother me. I'll just take my "brownie" next time and use it. Thanks again and I intend to get a very good picture before I try any liquids. I may just come up with something to just cover the decal and paint over it and then uncover the decal. Not the best way, but at least I will still have the decal. Thanks again. Randy

[FortyNiner]

The 'something' you use doesn't need to be solid thing. I've used vasoline as a paint block when working on certain pieces. By carefully covering the target area with a generous coating, paint can be applied around it. After the paint has COMPLETELY dried, remove the vasoline to expose the original surface. Tape can be used to create sharp edges - the tape is removed prior to painting. Good luck.

[Sixseven]

Watch out if you put any tape over the decal to protect it while painting. The decal may become damaged when you remove the tape. If you reproduced the decal, it will look nothing like the old patina'd decal you now have. I do like the idea of painting around it. That will be tough as the prep is going to be tedious as well.

[FrankWest]

Originally Posted by Sixseven

Watch out if you put any tape over the decal to protect it while painting. The decal may become damaged when you remove the tape. If you reproduced the decal, it will look nothing like the old patina'd decal you now have. I do like the idea of painting around it. That will be tough as the prep is going to be tedious as well.

Painting around it sounds like the way to go. Because you plan to leave it there anyway.Even a slight border left unpainted would not look that bad but look almost like a part of the decal.
Is your dash original paint? If original don't remove the paint just try to restore it..In restoration of old clock faces we never redone an old face unless it was totally gone or offensive to look at..

[jim1932]

Everyone is entitled to do what they want with their own car, if it was mine I would not want the mix of new and old. I would either leave the dash and decal alone, or have someone reproduce a new decal without the patina.

[jim1932]

Oh for the photo. Use best quality setting and take it from farther away. You can then crop or blow up an in focus shot. The decal guys would photoshop the picture to your liking then make a new decal. Make extras.

[flatford8]

My '50 Fordor had a decal about oil requirements and tire pressure and when I painted the dash and glove box I taped over it. Im happy with it but my car is by no means a restoration...Mark

[Rowdy]

If you happen to find a way please post it here. I have a broken windshield from a Model A that has some old travel stickers on them. Would love to save the stickers and preserve them, but also need to replace the glass. Rod

[Sixseven]

Originally Posted by jim1932

Oh for the photo. Use best quality setting and take it from farther away. You can then crop or blow up an in focus shot. The decal guys would photoshop the picture to your liking then make a new decal. Make extras.

Place a ruler in the picture for scale.

[Lawson Cox]

Where is The "Late" Jim Osburn when you need him. He was the master of removing and re-making of stickers and decals. RIP Jim.