Vinyl Removal Suggestions?

[Ironflight]

OK, this one is out of the ordinary…..looking for folks with vinyl experience….I need to remove the vinyl “name badge” on the Valkyrie before the airplane goes to the new owner. I know that I can probably just hot them with a heat gun and scrape them off, but has anyone who’s good with vinyl got a suggestion for removing them “cleanly” so that I can save the letters for posterity? Not to be re-used - just stuck on a sheet of aluminum with minimal distortion. Why? Well…a bit of vanity, a bit of nostalgia. These were made by a sign company for me back in Houston twenty-plus years ago, then put on board a Shuttle locker for a quick couple hundred laps aroudn the earth before being applied to the airplane. Nothing lasts forever, and they aren’t worth damaging the canopy skirt… but it would be nice to keep as a souvenir….

 

[toc pilot]

In my oppinion, there will be no way to save this. Heat up the letters as you discussed and pull them up. Order a new set from a vinyl supply buisness and have new ones made for posterity.

 

[RV7CardenMike]

Bill is right. It might not be possible to get them removed in one piece but you may want to call AeroGraphics in CO a call 800-336-9633. Just to make sure. Couldn't hurt.....

 

[wirejock]

Heat and care is about the only option, but it will distort.
Rapid Tac Vinyl Adhesive Remover is amazing stuff. If you can lift the top edges enough to dab a little and let it work, the decal may release a little at a time. Apply a strip of tape under the decal with plastic mask to prevent any runoff from dripping somewhere you don't want.