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3M Mask Removal

July 30, 2010, 04:22:31 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 61903

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The vinyl mask on my 2004 Inspire looked really bad.I talked to many shops and 3M without any really good advice about how to remove it. 3M said they would replace the material but the removal was on me. They suggested some 3M product.I decided to go at it myself. I first soaked it with Varsal, mineral spirits then I bought plastic razor blades. They come in packs up to a 100, get the 100 because they break. A small holder comes with them but doesen't work too well. Place the blade into the holder then use a small vice grip to hold both pieces. Start at a corner , hold the blade at 30 to 40 degree angle and start peeling the vinyl off. This is a slow process as only 1 inch wide of material will be removed and generally about 6 to 8 inch strip. It took me about 12 hours all together but I removed it all with no damage to the paint. After cleaning the glue residue I polished the paint, I have to say it looks like new. Saved over $1,000 or more from quotes to remove to I should expect to repaint the fron end. Try a small area near the bottom to try this out to hang of it. Want a pic? send me an email.

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Re: 3M Mask Removal

Reply #1 – July 31, 2010, 11:10:30 am

Yahoo Message Number: 61941

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Another thanks for another tip. I spent three hours, using plastic polish on our bra (we had just bought the rig, and it had been neglected and showed it). Using a verticle rubbing approach (the optical help with this, vs side to side or circles) and being slow and methodical, I ended up with a 90% improvement. I used a 3M plastic polishing compound, but any plastic rubbing compound should work.

My goal is to get a few more years out of the mask.
On the removing. Did you hear anyone suggest a slight application of heat to the area as you are peeling? (Paint stripper gun on or hair dryer on low setting.) I read somewhere that this eases the scraping and removing of the film? Just wondering if you had tried this, and found it did not help.

Glad you save the money, and the paint! Smitty

04 Allure 31017

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