15
Badge and Pinstripe Removal
Badge and pinstripe removal is the safe removal of unwanted badges and pinstripes on the exterior surfaces of a vehicle. The area where the badge or pinstripe was placed, needs to be left undamaged, smooth, and free of any residues, adhesives, or glue.
To effectively remove badges and pinstripes, there are two methods. Both methods use a solvent-based cleaner degreaser to solubilize and dissolve the glue, residues, and adhesives; breaking them down into smaller particles and allowing for easy removal. Solvent-based substances are applied to dry surfaces.
Choose a solvent-based cleaner based on the application and surrounding environment requirements. Auto Valet currently offers four (4) solvent-based cleaners and degreasers that remove glue, adhesives, and residues. All are ready-to-use formulations and body shop safe.
- SUPER-O: removes large areas of decal adhesive from a range of surfaces, including painted surfaces. Allow a few minutes of penetration time.
- SUPER SOL: a quick-drying solvent blend that dissolves adhesives for easy removal of labels from glass, metal, painted surfaces and plastic. Ideal for decal adhesive removal from vehicle painted surfaces. Once applied, dwell time is less than one minute.
- HERC: works to remove adhesives, along with other substances such as road tar, crude oils, and rust proofing. Works within a few minutes, and within 20 seconds on painted surfaces. Rinses away with water for easy removal.
- OUST: removes adhesives, along with other substances such as road tar, crude oils, and rust proofing. Chlorinated solvent-free. Works within a few minutes, and within 20 seconds on painted surfaces. Rinses away with water for easy removal.
The pinstripe remover tool, used in method 2 for pinstripes, is designed to quickly remove vehicle pinstripes, adhesives, and double-sided tape while protecting the paint from damage.
The time to remove pinstripes and badges is dependent on the exterior surface area of where the applicable badges and pinstripes are to be removed, the intensity and amount of permanence, the adhesive remover that is chosen, and the method of removal. Once removal is complete, the areas should be smooth and free of residue. Use a wax or a polish to blend any faded surrounding areas, to where the pinstripe was previously.
Safety supplies include goggles, an apron, rubber boots, and impervious gloves.
Depending on the method chosen, you will require a heat gun, pressure washer, and/or an electric drill. View the products used tab for Auto Valet products and accessories relating to this detailing task.
AREAS OF APPLICATION
Exterior Surfaces
PRODUCTS USED
PRODUCTS USED
Detailing task 15: Badge and Pinstripe Removal
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Directions
METHOD 1: HEAT GUN AND PLASTIC RAZOR BLADE
Used to remove both badges and pinstripes.STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION
Complete an exterior wash using a vehicle wash soap, and dry the vehicle. Ensure that the badges and pinstripes that are to be removed, and surrounding areas, are clean and dry; free from dust, debris, and grime.STEP 2: REMOVE THE BADGES/PINSTRIPES
Use a heat gun to evenly heat up the badge/pinstripe and its adhesive on the back. Once heated up, use a plastic razor blade and work around the badge/pinstripe, prying up the edges. Gently lift the badge/pinstripe off. When lifting one half of the badge/pinstripe, the other half may press down on the painted surface; be mindful of this when lifting off. The remaining adhesive will be stuck to the surface where the badge/pinstripe was removed.STEP 3: REMOVE THE REMAINING ADHESIVE
Spray a solvent-based cleaner degreaser onto the area where the badge/pinstripe was previously. Allow the solvent-based cleaner degreaser to penetrate the adhesive, on the surface, according to the specific product of choice’s dwell time. If using SUPER SOL or SUPER-O, wipe the surface with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. If using HERC or OUST, rinse with high-pressured water.STEP 4: REVIEW YOUR WORK
Review work. For stubborn adhesive remaining, repeat step 3 or use a plastic razor blade to pry the remaining adhesive off. For badges/pinstripes that have been adhered to the vehicle’s surface for long periods of time, the paint around the badge/pinstripe may be faded. To create a uniform finish, blend areas with either a polish or a wax using a handheld polisher machine.METHOD 2: PINSTRIPE REMOVER TOOL
Used to remove pinstripes.STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION
Complete an exterior wash using a vehicle wash soap, and dry the vehicle. Ensure that the pinstripes that are to be removed, and surrounding areas, are clean and dry; free from dust, debris, and grime.STEP 2: REMOVE THE PINSTRIPE
Firmly attach the pinstripe removal tool to a drill. Operate the drill at a maximum of 2,000 RPMs and use light to medium pressure to touch the pinstripe removal tool to the pinstripe. Work against the directional rotation of the pinstripe removal tool, continually moving so paint burning does not occur. The pinstripe should easily come off with the remaining adhesive stuck to the surface where the pinstripe was removed.STEP 3: REMOVE THE REMAINING ADHESIVE
Spray a solvent-based cleaner degreaser onto the area where the pinstripe was previously. Allow the solvent-based cleaner degreaser to penetrate the adhesive, on the surface, according to the specific product of choice’s dwell time. If using SUPER SOL or SUPER-O, wipe the surface with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. If using HERC or OUST, rinse with high-pressured water.STEP 4: REVIEW YOUR WORK
Review work. For stubborn adhesive remaining, repeat step 3 or use a plastic razor blade to pry the remaining adhesive off. For pinstripes that have been adhered to the vehicle’s surface for long periods of time, the paint around the pinstripe may be faded. To create a uniform finish, blend areas with either a polish or a wax using a handheld polisher machine.Tips
- Before using a pinstripe remover tool, always ensure the pinstripe and surrounding areas are free from dust, debris, and grime.
- Always follow the dwell time listed for the solvent-based cleaner and degreaser being used; incorrect usage may lead to damage to the applied surfaces.
- For pinstripes that have been adhered to the vehicle’s surface for long periods of time, the paint around the pinstripe may be faded. To create a uniform finish, blend areas with either a polish or a wax using a handheld polisher machine.
- Use a plastic razor blade on painted surfaces for safe and effective removal of stickers, and to eliminate paint damage.
- Solvent-based cleaners and degreasers are flammable. Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces, or sources of ignition.
- Be sure to carefully read and follow all product instructions and precautions, on the product labels.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
There are currently five (5) Auto Valet solvent based cleaners and degreasers available.
- SUPER-O: a ready to use, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Removes grease, tar, oil, gum, wax, and cosmoline, as well as large areas of decal adhesives from painted surfaces.
- SUPER SOL: a ready to use, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Easily dissolves and removes label and sticker adhesive from painted surfaces. Dissolves tar, grease, and oily soil deposits on carpets, upholstery, and exterior paint.
- HERC: a ready to use, environmentally friendly, V.O.C. compliant, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Free of chlorinated solvents. Used to dissolve and emulsify road tar, crude oils, rust proofing, and adhesives. Rinses away with water.
- OUST: a ready to use, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Used to dissolve and emulsify road tar, crude oils, rust proofing, and adhesives. Rinses away with water.
- SAP REMOVER: specifically formulated to penetrate, lift, and dissolve sap and organic resins. Safe to use on glass, metal, and painted surfaces; without scratching or scuffing. Ready to use, body shop safe, and environmentally friendly.
Yes, all of Auto Valet’s solvent based cleaners and degreasers are safe for body shop applications. Includes: SUPER-O, SUPER SOL, HERC, OUST, and SAP REMOVER.
Cleaners and degreasers are liquid products designed to remove dirt, grease, oils, and stains from a variety of interior and exterior vehicle surfaces. These surfaces include natural and synthetic fabrics, leather, metals, painted surfaces, plastics and rubber. There are two types of cleaners and degreasers; solvent based and water based. Each is formulated and applied differently from each other. Solvent based and water based cleaners and degreasers also have best usage applications depending on the makeup of the substance to remove.
Water based cleaners and degreasers are governed by the pH. The pH is the measure of how acidic or basic (alkaline) the product is formulated to be, and determines what substances can be removed. Products in Auto Valet's water based cleaners and degreasers category are formulated to be basic (alkaline) in their pH levels. This allows them to act as all-purpose cleaners for general removal of soil on surfaces. Oil, grease, and lubricants are easily removed with water based cleaners and degreasers as the alkali reacts with these substances, making them water-soluble and easier to rinse away. Water based cleaners and degreasers can be diluted with water to best suit the application requirements, and are best used to degrease and clean engine compartments and remove carbon. Water based cleaners and degreasers include PURPLE POWER, TRANSPORT, D'LIMOKLEEN PLUS, GREASE TERMINATOR and ULTRA KLEEN.
Solvent based cleaners and degreasers are formulated using organic solvents. Organic solvents are used to solubilize (dissolve) residues of fats, oils, and grease; breaking them down into smaller particles and carrying it into the solution, away from the area being cleaned. Solvent based cleaners and degreasers provide the opportunity of quick cleaning; dissolving and carrying away soils without extended prep, processing, or drying time. However; they typically contain higher levels of V.O.C’s, are usually flammable (must be kept away from open flames, hot surfaces, or sources of ignition), and cannot be diluted with water. Most solvent based cleaners and degreasers are applied only to dry surfaces, and are best used to remove solvent based substances such as tar and undercoating. Solvent based cleaners and degreasers include SUPER-O, SUPER SOL, HERC, OUST, and SAP REMOVER.