Decal Removal Safety Question

[Max Vador]

while using a heat gun to remove the tank decals, is it better to leave the cap open to allow fuel expansion not to pressurize, or leave it closed to keep fumes away from heat source?

neither seems like a good option, but what is preferred

[fury8793]

I can't see the amount of heat needed to remove decals making a massive difference in pressure in the tank.. It can't be worse then the bike being out all day on a hot summer day.

[92xjunker]

Fumed and a glowing heat element cant be good, make sure the area is well ventilated.

[Max Vador]

Fumed and a glowing heat element cant be good, make sure the area is well ventilated.

+100

i know the gas caps on the bike have relief valves if pressure goes too high (like mentioned before, sitting out in summer) so i'll be heating with a closed tank and opening occasionally to relieve any pressure with the heat gun set aside

will also be doing this outside

[fury8793]

Do agree with the well ventilation part, I just sand blasted mine off.

[weegand]

is it just the decals, or are you trying to remove paint too for a fresh start? because aircraft stripper gets the job done in 10 minutes, and does a damn well good job of it. and it wont even blow up in your face!

[buffalobill]

A hair dryer can get real hot, if you got one of those.
Keep the cap on, it's gonna vent.
Keep the heat away from the fumes.
You should be able to do this EZ without danger.

[fury8793]

Well, no matter what you will get fumes so just keep a fan blowing, go outside or something in order to keep risk to a minimum.

[DreKat]

My tank decals are clear coated over.

[Rikweller]

Found when I took mine off they had stuck them on the base coat then lacquered over them so once removed they will leave an imprint, had to rub the tank back to metal to remove traces of this, I did mine with an empty tank as I was painting it anyway

http://i938.photobucket.com/albums/ad227/rikweller/Mobile%20Uploads/20150626_090522.jpg

[weegand]

My tank decals are clear coated over.

pretty much all decals are clear coated over, arent they?

[Max Vador]

yep. i was just looking for a way to remove without damaging base coat

[weegand]

yep. i was just looking for a way to remove without damaging base coat

gotcha. what did you end up doing?

[Max Vador]

i've removed all decals but the tank at this point. i'm waiting on some material and to book time at a buddie's booth to respray so i haven't worried about the tank yet