How to remove ancient dried and hardened PPF Adhesive on a Motorhome RV Frontend

[KirbyT]

How to remove ancient dried and hardened PPF Adhesive on a Motorhome RV Frontend


I started this project to remove the 10-year old PPF film off the front of the Fleetwood coach. Using steam and plastic razor blade to PPF film ( tearing off a small section at a time). However the cracking and browning are underneath the film so trying to find the best adhesive remover as it is very tacky.

I have tried the following chemicals but none yet seem to be a quick solvent to soften and either rub off or scrap off the residue.

1. 3M Adhesive Remover (Red label)
2. Koch Chemie Eulex (Eu)
3. Lacquer Thinner
4. Mineral Spirits
5. Citrol 266 (Schaeffer's)

I have not tried a heat gun yet on the PPF nor the residue, will try that too soon.

Anyone with experience I do appreciate the comments and suggestions. Also how many hours do you find it takes on the big units?

 

[Mike Phillips]

Let me check with my buddy Russel - I think he has a trick.

Mike

 

[KirbyT]

Thanks, any tips are appreciated for this very slow process.

I do know that Ft. Myers has a shop that specializes in this service, UGLY Shield Removal. They sell a adhesive remover but at $200/gallon I think I will keep searching for more options.

 

[Mike Phillips]

Update

I spoke with my good friend Russel at

Perfect Shine of Jax

Russel says you need to get and use this product,

Rapid Remover


Russel also made his own version of this tool in order to use the rubber wheel.

MBX Vinyl Zapper Tool and Eraser Wheel Bundle

Just to note, we used Russel's own creation to remove the ancient vinyl graphics off the boat we recently detailed in my last boat detailing class and it worked great.

-Mike

 

[KirbyT]

Thanks Mike and to Russel's suggestions. I did find that Xylene (thinner for Expoxies/Enamel) was able to soften the adhesive but not quickly either. I will hunt down the Rapid Remover product local and if not will order from Amazon. So far I have removed the entire front section off this Class A motor coach and only 13-hours under hot temps but with a canopy and great fan. Next step is the removal of all the old adhesive that turned brown under the film. Paint shows to be good and did have a few sections with paint bonded to the film so that is touch up time!

Now I know why the full time RV service center charge so much for these when the wait way part their prime. It was a Dura Shield product.

 

[KirbyT]

***Update***


I was unable to run into Fellers for the Rapid Remover but was able to find that Xylene worked wonders to loosen the bond between the PPF and the adhesive layer. Problem with Xylene is avoiding the seams that hold the solvent and under high temps over 95-degrees. Lesson learned the hard way as it did etch into the clear coat during a late afternoon process. It is safe, but do keep it flushed clean promptly and you will not have a wet sanding experience (yikes).

What did work best? Frankly I jumped on the Ugly Juice offered by Ugly Shield Removal out of Ft. Myers, FL. It is a house blend that they offer which is shocking (price) but when it works, it is the best thing I found.

I guess that had I had it at the start, it would have saved by about 4-hours of billable time and sweat under these hot temps in Houston, TX. It works like Xylene is making the adhesive release from the paint in my final test and is faster evaporation which is good and bad. Highly recommend this if anyone wants to do this for their business or personal DIY project.

FYI: If anyone that does this do consider finding touch up paint prior to the process. Fleetwood uses the DUPONT paint system on most of the RVs and it is extremely hard to find that formula converted at the local body shop supplies to the PPG or similar paint vendors.

Results are clear now but some of that old 10-year old film/adhesive would not let go of the paint underneath.

 

[Mike Phillips]

Wow! Freaking incredible work Kirby!!!

You are such a better detailer than me, I would have taken a pass on the job. I'm really impressed you took on the challenge and the results are nothing short of phenomenal!

Thanks for sharing the before and after pictures as well as the process. I'm confident this will help others that find and join this forum into the future!


-Mike Phillips

 

[KirbyT]

On a follow-up I thought I would show everyone the products used during the process. Using YouTube video's is great to find out things and let others give you tips and suggestions. Each is specific to their own needs and while some things are similar I find out what works for them is often not working under my conditions. So I keep an open mind and will try ANYTHING to find the one that works for me. So hope this shows in the order of suggested the products I did try during the process. And Ugly Juice is not shown but it is the better product than pure Xylene given the hazards with using it straight from can. I did find the 3M Adhesive cleaner worked slowly but it is a great product on vinyl wraps and decals (old sun dried).