Is there a chemical or "easy" method to remove acrylic (1/4" thick) graphics from Dibond that are mounted with 3M VH 4941. Some parts of the logo are 6"w x 18"h with alot of VHB on the back.
Making a new sign is an option, if the labor for removal is going to take more than 1-2 hours.
I tried heat,"fishing line" and Rapid remover...no success.
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
what kind of "no success" did fishing line give you?
Posted by thom miller (Member # 1845) on :
There is ALOT of VHB on this thing. "Sawing" thru w/fishing line took 5 minutes to go thru 1-2" of tape, not to mention the loss of all feeling in my finger tips.
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
Hiya Thom, IMHO, a new sign would be in order. You can try piano wire or a guitar string to "saw" through the tape. However, it may be time consuming too. Anohter thought would be combination of heat, squeegies (to wedge the letters up) and Rapid Remover may work quicker.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
I've used a plastic strap off a box before; worked pretty good but it did take some Rapid Remover and picking to get it all off.
Posted by Paul Luszcz (Member # 4042) on :
I would make a new sign if I was only trying to save a piece of Dibond, but here's a method that I got from others on this board, and it worked like a charm.
Get a Japanese saw. It's a very flat, flexible blade saw that can easily get behind the acrylic. It cuts on the backstroke and only takes a stroke or two to remove a letter. I removed six by six inch aluminum panels off a sheetrock wall in no time and didn't damage the wall at all.
Posted by thom miller (Member # 1845) on :
Never heard of a "japanese saw"...but will look into that. The wedge and rapid tac method is showing some progress.
If the substrate was the only consideration I wouldn't hesitate on the new sign. But this has a 2" deep brushed aluminum edge along with mounting mounting frame.
Posted by Rich Stebbing (Member # 368) on :
I may soundsimple,....but "twist it off". Those tapes are impossible to pull straight off. Grab hold of piece and twist in either direction,..or both. It's always worked for me. Let us know please.
Posted by thom miller (Member # 1845) on :
Twisting does work on smaller or narrower letters, it's the large graphics that are giving me the trouble. 6" x 18" pcs. (some as large as 8" x 23" w/ VHB every 2".
I was hoping for ACME brand instant VHB disolver..."as seen on TV" or youtube...
At least I now know how well this stuff holds!
Posted by Sam Staffan (Member # 4552) on :
If you can lay the panel flat, I would pool up some Rapid Remover and let it soak, That is one of the keys, let it soak. Then I would use a couple of plastic putty scrapers they cut them right off.
Remove what is left and your good to go.
What you did not tell us is how many on what size panel.
That would determine whether to save or replace.
[ October 06, 2008, 05:52 PM: Message edited by: Sam Staffan ]
Posted by thom miller (Member # 1845) on :
45" x 84" panel with the logo taking up 20" x 72" area. The logo is the part that has the broad strokes.
Good suggestion Sam. I'll let you know how it works.
Posted by thom miller (Member # 1845) on :
And the winning idea is... Lay the panel flat, pour on Rapid Remover, let it soak, and use the plastic strap to "saw" behind the letters.
Soak time: 30 minutes "saw" time 15 minutes
Thanks for all the input
We will officialy name this the RickySam technique
