Heatgun on Aluminum

qayqayt · February 13, 2010, 09:41:06 AM

Hi Everyone,
I want to remove some very old decals from the aluminum panels on our coach. Can I use a heatgun without damaging the surface?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Bryan
Vancouver BC

compedgemarine · February 13, 2010, 09:52:15 AM

I would think so. when putting the aluminum skins back on my Eagle I had to heat them WAY more than a heat gun would produce.
steve

Just Dallas · February 13, 2010, 10:04:17 AM

Removed

qayqayt · February 13, 2010, 11:23:45 AM

Yes we're very close to New Westminster.

Just Dallas · February 13, 2010, 11:56:08 AM

Removed

gus · February 13, 2010, 04:12:27 PM

Steve,

Why did you have to heat your Al skins??

compedgemarine · February 14, 2010, 01:04:22 PM

when I put the skins back on, not the fluted lower but the middle sheet, I had to heat it to stretch it back out to fit. the skin is about 3/8" shorter than the bus over its 35 odd feet.
steve

Don4107 · February 16, 2010, 01:11:48 PM

You need to define 'heat gun' as they very greatly in temp. Anything from hair dryer to well over 1000 degrees!

bryanhes · February 17, 2010, 05:03:22 PM

Bryan,

You can also take a razor. One you can get from the auto parts store with a short or long handle. I had some old DOT letters on the fluted aluminum that had been there since about 1975. You have to be careful. Use a new blade and keep it flat. I got all mine off without a scratch. Sometimes heat does not help much and they just break apart in little pieces.

HTH,
Bryan