Removing a Screened Logo

[thr3squared]

I got a welding cart/cabinet from HF for Xmas and really am not a fan of the huge “Chicago Electric” logos that they plastered on three sides.

I think it’s screened on (though could be paint), does anyone have any idea if it can be removed without damaging the rest of the paint?

Cheers!

 

[wssix99]

I hope it's not the Chicago part that offends.

I have the same cart and had the same thought when I got it. However, now that I'm using it and have "stuff" haning all over it, I don't notice the logos anymore. (I don't think you will, either.)

 

[Jarwop]

I'd not expect to be able to remove it. Maybe just cover it up. Google "welding decal" and pick a brand you like that is the right size and cover it up.

 

[thr3squared]

I hope it's not the Chicago part that offends.

I have the same cart and had the same thought when I got it. However, now that I'm using it and have "stuff" haning all over it, I don't notice the logos anymore. (I don't think you will, either.)

Definitely not the “Chicago” part haha

true I guess it’ll be less visible with the cables and extension cords

 

[thr3squared]

I'd not expect to be able to remove it. Maybe just cover it up. Google "welding decal" and pick a brand you like that is the right size and cover it up.

That’s a good idea too!

 

[Lassen Forge]

Sand smooth, gloss black paint, problem solved.

 

[txvwnut]

800 grit wet sand and a buffer might get the job done.

 

[CJDave]

I bought a 24' SeaRay boat a few years back. The previous owner had a name painted across the transom. I used spray on oven cleaner to remove that. CJDave.

 

[tyyost]

I thought the one I saw in stores felt like a vinyl decal, apply some heat on one and see if you can get under it with a plastic razor blade. Low risk, high reward.

My first thought was simply to place a piece of gloss black vinyl over the logos to make the disappear, or any color you like or get a two tone look.

 

[thr3squared]

I bought a 24' SeaRay boat a few years back. The previous owner had a name painted across the transom. I used spray on oven cleaner to remove that. CJDave.

Was there boat paint underneath it or is that a bare metal boat? I never new oven cleaner would take paint off

 

[thr3squared]

Jarwop and wssix99 — did either of you have to bend the cord hangers into the right shape to install them? All four of mine were outa wack. Easy to do, just a tad annoying for a new item

 

[thr3squared]

800 grit wet sand and a buffer might get the job done.

I’ve never tried wetsanding, this would be a first attempt if I go that route

 

[DGersic]

Was there boat paint underneath it or is that a bare metal boat? I never new oven cleaner would take paint off

Oven cleaner removes the “one shot” paint that sign painters and pinstripers use.

 

[mike93lx]

I am sure it is the cheapest vinyl decal material available. I bet a little heat and a plastic scraper takes it off.

Painted lettering? At Harbor freight? Lol

 

[CJM8515]

eraser wheel in a grinder should do the trick.

 

[Grimpala]

When I bought my boat a PO had painted the entire deck with cheap auto paint. I used Citrus strip from HD and a scraper, got the boat back to original gel coat in a couple of evenings without damaging anything underneath any further.

However, I would try heat and a plastic scraper, or the eraser wheel, should do the trick.

 

[mv213]

When I bought mine a few years back, the logo was painted on. It wiped off easily with acetone! If it’s a vinyl decal now, a heat gun will be your best friend.

 

[sweetk30]

Was there boat paint underneath it or is that a bare metal boat? I never new oven cleaner would take paint off

Cheep oven cleaner pulls pin stripe paint and hand lettered paint but wont hurt clear coat . I have seen it 1st hand .

 

[gmcgeo]

lol, its like they knew if it was a sticker ppl would take it off

 

[NUTTSGT]

If it's a sticker, I'd go with a heat gun and peel.

 

[FMB4]

Garage Journal decals. Could even apply GJ decals to magnetic sign sheets.

 

[thr3squared]

So I looked at it more last night. It does feel a little raised which would make me think it’s a decal but I don’t feel an edge to grab.

from everything you guys have said I think I’ll try think order-
1. Oven cleaner (since I have it on hand)
2. Heat and a plastic scraper (low heat on the heat gun right?)
3. Eraser wheel

 

[bbxlr8]

How about a brand new regular razor blade first? (be careful of the angle & will tell you right away)

 

[CJDave]

Was there boat paint underneath it or is that a bare metal boat? I never new oven cleaner would take paint off

Fiberglass boat. The hull gel coat was under the lettering. CJDave.

 

[DGersic]

How about a brand new regular razor blade first? (be careful of the angle & will tell you right away)

 

[thr3squared]

Well it’s for sure painted on.

Oven cleaner (though this can is super old) and rubbing alcohol wouldn’t touch it. Magic eraser with water, alcohol, or oven cleaner didnwork either

acetone did it but I noticed the black paint clouding and stopped immediately (first picture)

Mineral spirits on a paper towel worked, but will take a loooooong time (second picture)

Mineral spirits on a magic eraser to the rest of the “G” off fairly well but this will take elbow grease for sure.

I’m not shy of putting in the work, but are there any other thoughts before I commit? Will those eraser wheels work on paint? Do you put any chemical on them or use as they come?

 

[gmcgeo]

buff it with some compound after the paint is off. should clear it up after you get all the lettering off

 

[gungatim]

LGR!

 

[niget2002]

Call me weird, but I'd remove everything that comes off, sand the whole thing and repaint it.

But I also enjoy painting, so....

 

[jonshonda]

Maybe seach heat transfer decal removal? I think that's what a lot of those logos are, but not sure?

 

[driftpin]

I agree with gungatim, that's the easiest way. If you don't like the finish after awhile, choose another. Those magnetic mats for temporary signage are good too. Tha sand/paint is probably the most durable, buy takes effort, unless you just decide to spray can the job, as mentioned.

 

[thr3squared]

Call me weird, but I'd remove everything that comes off, sand the whole thing and repaint it.

But I also enjoy painting, so....

I’d love to learn how to really paint with good results. But right now I have a few welding tasks (and 400 other house projects haha) that have to take priority.

 

[thr3squared]

I agree with gungatim, that's the easiest way. If you don't like the finish after awhile, choose another. Those magnetic mats for temporary signage are good too. Tha sand/paint is probably the most durable, buy takes effort, unless you just decide to spray can the job, as mentioned.

I use the magnet mats a lot actually for stickers on my shop fridge. I just don’t have any stickers that size right now.

 

[thr3squared]

Here’s the final product. I call it the Chicago Electric “Blackout Edition”.

I don’t have a buffer now, but that’ll be next step.

 

[thr3squared]

Couple last pictures. Cleaned up with a little Meguiar’s Quick Wax and loaded up. Also threw a new ground clamp on the welder.

 

[Sumboodie]

That looks pretty decent.

Tried to order 2 and they won't ship.

 

[CJDave]

Looks great. CJDave.

 

[like2wheel]

I have that cart, but my welding skills are about on par with the brand, so I'll leave the logo on.

I did feel justified to remove the "US General" from the tool chests tho...

 

[NUTTSGT]

So exactly what did you do ?

Honestly, that black out looks decent.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Good job.. I wouldn't have thought it would work out so well.