Emblem, Trim Moulding and Window Tint Removal Recommended Products In the interest of full disclosure, I am in no way affiliated with, employed by, have any vested interest, or in any way receive compensation from the sale or distribution of the product lines reviewed or the company that manufactures or markets it. Results Obtained These articles are not intended to warrant or guarantee any results with any of the products mentioned. No endorsement of companies or their products mentioned is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar companies or their products not mentioned. The author does not provide, nor guarantee and is not responsible or liable for any third-party products or services. Brand, product and company names used throughout these articles are trademarks of their respective companies and are used for product identification purposes only. Proper Technique A sound understanding of the proper technique and the correct process will produce excellent results even with a mediocre product. A quality product used without the proper surface preparation or application technique will never obtain a satisfactory result. Using the proper methodology (surface preparation, using a quality product, along with the correct application technique) will ensure an excellent result. Skill Level / Experience Some methods described may be beyond the capabilities of the average detailer or enthusiast; in this case we strongly encourage the reader to consult a professional detailer or body shop concerning the matters discussed herein. Liability The writer assumes no responsibility, expressed or implied, due to misuse or misinterpretation of the information or methods used, or for any vehicle damage or injury that may occur due to the suggestions and information offered. Product Quality and Technique Proceed with this in mind; the products you use constitute a very small factor in the equation. Methodology and technique constitute 95%; the reasoning behind the choice of quality products is to eliminate any limiting factors, thus enabling you to place emphasis on technique used. There is no `one correct way' to apply a product; the way detailing products are customized are what each individual finds give them their desired results. Aesthetics The aesthetics- of a vehicles appearance is very subjective to say the least, the only best wax or sealant that really matters is what looks 'best' to you. In the final analysis it all come down to; 85% preparation, 5% product, 7% application methodology and the balance is in the ‘guy’ of the beholder Research Research others opinions and products, test them and then make an objective decision based upon factual information not marketing hype or brand loyalty. I have always thought that the more facts and information you have at hand the easier it is to judge what information you are being given. After all, how can you fully understand and properly use any product unless you have all the facts? Detailing products Should work on their real merits, not ‘smoke and mirrors'. Most importantly - choose carefully whose advice you listen to, and more importantly what advice you act upon, so I would strongly suggest that you verify any information that I or anyone else shares with you. Emblem and Trim Moulding Removal The removal of emblems and trim moulding can dramatically clean up the look of a car or truck. Follow a couple of precautions before removing any emblems or mouldings: a) Make sure that the emblem or moulding is applied with a double-sided tape. b) Ensure there are no locator holes behind the area that will be seen after the emblem or moulding is removed. After checking these two precautions, follow these easy steps for removal- •Using a plastic spatula, slide the tongue between the emblem and the double-sided tape. Lift carefully to separate the emblem from the vehicle. Be careful not to damage the paint. Once started, insert dental floss or fishing line between the paint and the emblem it can be pulled off by hand. •The age of the vehicle will determine how much of the tape will come off with the emblem. The older the vehicle, the better the tape will stick to the paint •Once the emblem has been removed, the double-sided tape will also need to be removed. The safest way to remove this tape without damage to the paint, is rubbing it with your thumb, rolling it off the paint. It can be slow; however this is definitely the safest way to remove it. •Otherwise, use 3M General Purpose Adhesive cleaner to remove the adhesive, if the glue is thick try reducing its mass with a plastic razor blade and apply heat from a hairdryer in conjunction with the 3M cleaner •After the tape is removed, use a solvent based adhesive remover to completely clean the adhesive. A spray bottle works effectively for allowing the cleaner to soak on the adhesive. Follow with a clean terry-cloth towel. •Wash the vehicle thoroughly to eliminate any chemical residue, polish and wax the vehicle as necessary. The adhesive on a new car will be easier to remove; however with some patience, even the double-sided tape from a 3 or 4-year-old vehicle can be removed. On many older vehicles, a colour difference due to UVR fading could be visible. Polishing and waxing will either eliminate or greatly reduce these colour differences. Window Decals To remove window decals apply 3m adhesive remover and let it soak in; apply heat with a hairdryer (not a heat-gun) and a decal scraper or a one-sided razor blade. Finish by using a class cleaner on the glass surface Stoner’s Invisible Glass and buff with 100% cotton Micro fibre towel. Removing Window Tint When old window tint starts to bubble, the glass looks like it has light splotches disbursed over dark tint, this occurs when the tint's adhesive eventually dries out, at which point bubbles start to appear. The typical warranty on window film is two years against cracking, bubbling or delaminating. You may be tempted to try to repair the damage, but one bubble indicates that the glue is nearing the end of its life cycle. Instead, remove all of the film. This will save time and money whether or not you intend to re-tint the glass yourself or take it to a shop. No special tools or talent are necessary to remove old window film. All you need are a few common items and a sunny day. This applies to all tinted windows, particularly ones that have defroster lines, which can be damaged by razor blades. As such, heat and chemicals are the best ways to proceed on this type of glass. This rear-windshield job took about an hour and a half. Methodology •Old tint can be removed with fairly common items, including black rubbish bags, Isopropyl Alcohol, steel wool and a razor blade or knife. •Spray the window's exterior with soapy water, cover it with a black trash bag, smooth the plastic flat, and then trim the bag to fit the glass. This will absorb heat, which makes the film expand so that both layers will peel off together. •Inside, protect any close-by upholstered surfaces, and then spray the window film with undiluted Isopropyl Alcohol, ensure that the spray reaches all the way to the edge. •Trap the Isopropyl Alcohol against the tint with another trash bag or, for small windows, plastic wrap. Then let the window bake in the sun for about an hour to soften the tint's adhesive. •Lift a corner of the film with a fingernail or, failing that, a razor blade. Be careful not to nick the defroster lines. The film should peel off in whole pieces; keep the tint moist with ammonia as you strip. Use a razor blade to scrape off any tint that didn't peel. •Remove glue residue with 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner (PN 08984) and 0000 (Super Fine) steel wool, wiping with paper towel as you go •Finish by removing the exterior trash bag and cleaning both sides of the window with glass cleaner. Information resource Automotive Detailing Inside & Out; a Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist– by Jon Miller © TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2008, all rights reserved Detailing Articles This is one of is one of a series of unbiased and informative, knowledge based, subject specific articles, which are dedicated to the automotive detailing enthusiast or professional detailer in search of development and further education Copyright Protection and intellectual property rights-© This work is registered with the UK Copyright Service that supports international copyright protection by securing independent evidence that will help prove originality and ownership in any future claims or disputes. All original material is copyright, unless otherwise state (1) it may be copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes only provided that you retain all copyright and other proprietary notices contained in the original material, (2) the information is copied in full with no changes unless prior written agreement is obtained from TOGWT, and a reference to © TOGWT ™ is included, any unauthorized use of these materials may violate copyrights and/or trademark. Be aware these files have been digitally watermarked and actually contain embedded copyright information; so they can be traced to any website on the internet if needed in a legal confrontation
