Removing Decal
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Removing Decal
Dumb question, I'm sure, but I've never done this before and my specific question not exactly answered in the searches I found. Have a 2016 with Sport Decals on the bedsides. Been on there since I bought the truck late 2016. If i were to remove them now, what is the likelihood of discoloration or a shadowing effect being leftover. Experiences and advice much appreciated. TIA.
Truck is Metallic Grey. Not sure if that makes a difference.
Truck is Metallic Grey. Not sure if that makes a difference.
Last edited by Mat25542; Jun 13, 2018 at 11:58 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2015
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From: Louisiana
No one will be able to give you a definitive answer, as several variables will affect paint fade (paint color, amount of sun exposure, wash frequency, paint protection (wax) frequency & quality, etc).
If those decals are the ones that run from drivers door, wrap around back then forward to passenger door, you might remove only the tailgate decal at first. If after you clean & polish there’s a color difference, the truck will still look ok without the tailgate decal and if you buy a replacement it’s short enough that’ll be easy to reapply.
If those decals are the ones that run from drivers door, wrap around back then forward to passenger door, you might remove only the tailgate decal at first. If after you clean & polish there’s a color difference, the truck will still look ok without the tailgate decal and if you buy a replacement it’s short enough that’ll be easy to reapply.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 21
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No one will be able to give you a definitive answer, as several variables will affect paint fade (paint color, amount of sun exposure, wash frequency, paint protection (wax) frequency & quality, etc).
If those decals are the ones that run from drivers door, wrap around back then forward to passenger door, you might remove only the tailgate decal at first. If after you clean & polish there’s a color difference, the truck will still look ok without the tailgate decal and if you buy a replacement it’s short enough that’ll be easy to reapply.
If those decals are the ones that run from drivers door, wrap around back then forward to passenger door, you might remove only the tailgate decal at first. If after you clean & polish there’s a color difference, the truck will still look ok without the tailgate decal and if you buy a replacement it’s short enough that’ll be easy to reapply.
I'm just speaking about the sport decals on the sides of the bed, about 8-10" in length. The truck has gotten run thru drive thru wash a couple times a month since I've owned it. I dont like the stickers, but I wont be able to live with a shadow effect on there either, so debating if its worth the risk.
I would think you would be fine removing them. Give it a good wash/wax and i doubt you’ll ever see where they were. I removed my 4x4 decals after near your time and can’t see anything.
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Joined: Apr 2018
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From: Clarksburg, WV
I asked a similar question about my truck after I bought it, my truck is also a '16, I doubt it would be faded already.
Tip: Do it on a hot day but NOT in direct sun. When I did mine it was 80-ish outside, one side was in the sun and one side was in the shade. The side in the shade came off clean, the side in the sun left a bunch of residue that was a pain in the *** to get off.
Other than that, just start a corner and peel (slowly), they come right off.
Tip: Do it on a hot day but NOT in direct sun. When I did mine it was 80-ish outside, one side was in the sun and one side was in the shade. The side in the shade came off clean, the side in the sun left a bunch of residue that was a pain in the *** to get off.
Other than that, just start a corner and peel (slowly), they come right off.
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I can see where there could be a difference in the finish under the decals compared to the rest of the body. You said you run through car washes. Depending on how clean the water is, if it's touchless, it could still mar the paint finish with blasting dirt at the paint. If the wash is the shammy shine or the plastic brushes, there's a chance the paint has micro scratches everywhere except under the decal, which will be scratch free and shinier. if that's the case, you could always get a compound and buff to reshine the paint.
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So there is closure on this highly anticipated thread, I went ahead and removed the stickers on a sunny Houston, 100 degree day and wiped down with towel. Cant even tell there was ever a sticker there.
