Decals - application for easy removal

[Peter van Es]

This is a weird question. As you might know, I will be driving a classic car rally, the Winter Trial in February. As part of the regulations I will need to stick stickers with competition numbers to my Pagoda.

What is the best way of prepping the surface paint of the doors to ensure the least amount of damage caused by sticking these stickers to the doors? And what is the best way of subsequently removing the stickers without damaging the paint?

I've heard stories about using hairdryers and WD-40 for removal. But is waxing the paint before applying the stickers a good idea ? Or perhaps a spray of silicone coating ?

Any suggestions gratefully accepted. And I will need to have these stickers attached for at least 7 days...

Peter

Check out http://bali.esweb.nl for photographs of classic car events and my 1970 280 SL

[Bob G ✝︎]

Vanesp:
Is your paint a single stage with out a clear coat  or Base coat /clear coat paint? I do not now the composition of the material you are using for the decals. Many years ago I used contact paper which came off fairly easy and did not require much work. It would be wise to polish & wax the areas you intend to put the decals on so when it comes time to remove them adhesion to the paint will be less than a non-slippery surface.
I recommend a product called Acusol. Some of the hobby stories carry it. It is a safe solvent for cleaning and using on enamel paint for removal of sticker glue residue.
Bob Geco

[ja17]

Hello Peter,
As Bob mentioned waxing the surface would be a good start. A little heat from a hair dryer always helped removal of stickers on my rally car. Be careful heat also softens the paint.
Also only leave them on the surface as long as needed.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Peter van Es]

Thanks guys... I'll wax the door and try and take it off soonest after the event.

Peter

Check out http://bali.esweb.nl for photographs of classic car events and my 1970 280 SL