Topic: Decal or paint - cleaning up plastics

[eigenvector]

If you have a fairing part that has a decal on it - stripes and the like, would/should you attempt to replace the decal or would it be better/easier/more professional to remove the old decal and paint the design onto the part?

I ask because I have a fair number of fairing parts on some of my newer bikes that used decals extensively and while it would be nice to just replace the decal - why not just paint it on (or rather have a professional paint it on)?  The only reason I ask is that it doesn't seem like fairing plastic would take paint very well - too much flexing, bending, shrinking/growing from sun/cold etc.

[Powderman]

Decals are way cheaper than paint, and easy to replace when new ones are needed.

[RAFster122s]

Good idea to have paint shop mix you some touch up tins of paint for inevitable scratches unless they are able to use very durable paint.

[eigenvector]

How to remove those old decals though?

I'm not saying I'm a Neanderthal when it comes to working on delicate parts and bodywork - maybe a Cro-Magnon?

But seriously, I don't see how removing the decal would be possible without the same chemicals or mechanism that would also damage the plastic.

[Powderman]

You need one of these 3M decal removal wheels for your drill.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Stripe-Wheel-Mandrel-Diameter/dp/B00063VT0G

[eigenvector]

So that's your secret...

Not a bad deal if it won't wreck the fairing and gas tank in the process.

What the heck - give it a try I suppose.

[Stev-o]

You could also try using a heat gun to remove old decals.