Removing decals off carbon fiber

[knucks]

I’ve recently purchased some carbon fiber bicycle wheels and would like to remove the decals. In the past, some acetone has cleared up the decals enough to. It be noticeable.

Today, I tried acetone, paint thinner and disc brake cleaner on a spot to try to get it off to no success. I even used a bit of 1000 grit sandpaper thinking there was a clear coat and after that some acetone would work.

Any other ideas? Maybe the decals are baked on under a thick clear coat or epoxy? I cannot feel the ridges of the decals with my finger… may be stuck with them

 

[RPH]

Choice at this moment is two.
1: try to remove scar wheel or decal. Create foggy area on finish.
2: leave decals alone and live with them.
I pick 2.

 

[nbpt100]

Sounds like they are well protected but try
WD-40? Not a bad solvent.
Goo - Gone?

You likely have some of both in the house.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Those probably aren't standard surface decals. I forget what they're called, but you basically have to sand them off, which then scuffs the rims.

 

[knucks]

Yes, Goo Gone has not worked. I think, if I want them removed, I need to sand (and not go deep to disturb the carbon fibers themselves) and then paint/clear..

 

[rlitman]

... I cannot feel the ridges of the decals with my finger…

If they were applied to the mold before the carbon fiber was formed in it, you'll be damaging carbon if you sand them off.

 

[willy3486]

Have you tried a hair dryer to heat the decal? Just make sure there is no flammable residue still on it. At work we have people that put stickers on computers even after being told not to. I have to remove them at times and I have a small heat gun made for stuff like that. It usually removes the vinyl stickers as well.

 

[zr1nsx]

The decal is imbeded into the prepreg resin. You won't get them off without cosmetic damage. Stop trying before you regret your attempts.

 

[Garcky]

I’ve recently purchased some carbon fiber bicycle wheels and would like to remove the decals. In the past, some acetone has cleared up the decals enough to. It be noticeable.

Today, I tried acetone, paint thinner and disc brake cleaner on a spot to try to get it off to no success. I even used a bit of 1000 grit sandpaper thinking there was a clear coat and after that some acetone would work.

Any other ideas? Maybe the decals are baked on under a thick clear coat or epoxy? I cannot feel the ridges of the decals with my finger… may be stuck with them

What's on the decals? Company name? Brand logo? I suspect that they're there permanently as advertising. Sounds like removing them will make your nice new wheels unpretty. I'd probably leave them alone.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I went through some of my non-painted carbon stuff and none of it has removable decals. Only the Renthal and One Up Components handlebars are surface applications, the rest are under gel coat or clear coat. That's 5 different manufacturers.