Not doing my own painting but have a question. I have a 2002 Roadtrek RV with vinyl graphics. I took it to a shop to have a complete paint job done and they are sanding off the vinyl graphics on the vehicle.

I do not know anything about painting, have read a bit, looked at you tube videos and never heard of anyone sanding off graphics. Heat guns, wheels, solvents but never sanding.

Is this ok??

Is it ok ?

Yes / NO depends whos doing the work and their plan.
Using a heat gun and razors is also a good option but time consuming.
Chemical Removers are good IF you know which to use on the adhesive on the Graphic.

I would use something like this to remove Graphics myself:
https://www.amazon.com/TCP-Global-Rubbe ... B07L1BVQB7
BUT Its slow and only removes the graphics without damaging underlying paint.

Hes gonna paint so panel needs to be prepped.
Which means sanding the panel, hes gonna sand more removing the Graphic instead of prepping but that's on him.

If your panel's are Fiberglass I would be concerned because the extra sanding could damage the fiber glass panels/ Gel coat coating. If its aluminum siding cant really hurt it other than removing the Aluminum CLADDING coating but that cant be helped.

we use a company with a very hot high pressure washer to remove large vinyl, spray it with citrus and the glue will wash off as well.

Sanding graphic's is the last thing i would try. heat gun and sharp scraper works real good slow enamel reducer works good to get the glue off. the rubber eraser wheels work good my boy uses them at his shop. and YES a hot water pressure washer would be pimp. i use one before to take vinyl off at my work place also works good on peelers. there are also aerosol cans, Sems has it. i had good and not so good results.
Jay D.

Thanks for the replys. When out looking for paint shop I got one I don't want this job price. Then a price I could have dealt with and asked if I could save a few dollars by removing the decals myself. DON'T TOUCH THEM was the response. You will only make our job harder. I like that.

Shop I gave job too, small shop husband and wife team. Can I remove decals and save a few bucks, same response, we will take them off. Then goes after them with a sander! Been in the business long time, present location 3 years and has a good reputation.

I looked all over the net and only found one person sanding graphics. Non pro with a belt sander on the side of a box truck. Too late now, will wait and hope for best.

PLEASE keep us in the loop, many people learn from posts just like this. good luck!
Jay D.

Heatgun, some time it's best to reprime over were the graffics were .if not they can re appear through the fresh paint

paintpot wrote:Heatgun, some time it's best to reprime over were the graffics were .if not they can re appear through the fresh paint

on them mapping out. HOW have you been? long time no hear from you...
Jay D.

All good,61 this year,can not wait to retire,been there got the tea shirt ,got hobby in mig welding,well trying,hope your all good your self

paintpot wrote:All good,61 this year, can not wait to retire,been there got the tea shirt ,got hobby in mig welding,well trying,hope your all good your self

DOING GOOD you'll like retirement i just turned 74 so i'm a little use to it i'm just now trying to learn tig welding aluminum. its not as easy as some people say. you have 3-4 things you need to concentrate on all at the same time, i have trouble walking and talking at the same time! its good to hear from you, come around more often.
Jay D.