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Protective film stuck on door

user-6918383 | Posted in General Discussion on September 19, 2004 07:20am

Hello,

I put a steel exterior door on my house.  It came with a protective peel off film over the steel.  I didn’t remove the film during construction and now I can’t get ti off.  I tried a heat gun, goof off, scrapper – no luck.  The door was in direct sunlight and it seems like the film is backed on.  HELP. 

 

MWishart

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Replies

  1. CAGIV | Sep 19, 2004 07:45pm | #1

    Planning on painting the door?

    They make stronger adhesive removers that come in a paste form, no idea if that will work though.

    I'd try laquer thinner, may not work but I'm constantly suprised at what it will remove.

    if all else fails, break out the sand paper.

    Team Logo

  2. User avater
    MarkH | Sep 19, 2004 08:04pm | #2

    Go to an auto paint store and get some decal remover. It disolves the plastic without harming paint. You may need to wash down with adhesive remover afterwards, but probably a wash down with mineral spirits will clean it up, since the protective plastic probably has very little adhesive.

    1. User avater
      Sphere | Sep 19, 2004 08:28pm | #3

      think that stuff would do windows that have had the tinting removed? I tried everything on my truck and the sticky film is a mess..wd-40, acetone, lacq thinner, goof off, alcohol...all I get is a wad of goo, on the rags and a SMALL area cleaned. 

      Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

      1. User avater
        BillHartmann | Sep 19, 2004 10:41pm | #5

        Gila makes a number of window film producst, both for professionals and DIY and is available in the Home Horror Stories.

        They are make them for cars.

        They also make a remover for the window films and detailed instruction how to do it.

        Check and see if they have the same for the car films.

        http://www.gilafilms.com/

        But there server is down right now.

      2. User avater
        MarkH | Sep 19, 2004 11:14pm | #6

        Try full strength vinegar on your truck windows. Then a good automotive glass cleaner like clear vue or something like that. The film has a water soluable adhesive that is probably not affected by hydrocarbon solvents.  You can also try alcohol and ammonia too. Maybe use a fine scotch brite pad.

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Sep 20, 2004 12:51am | #7

          Thanks to both you guys..

          never thunk of WATER, Duh.. 

          Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

      3. florida | Sep 20, 2004 03:14am | #8

        A sharp blade in a razor scraper is your friend. Get the plastic stuff off then go at it with a bottle of Windex and a sharp blade. It will roll up in wads which you can remove with a paper towel. When you have it all done wipe down the whole window with mineral spirits and go over it again. We've had to remove huge areas of tint from store windows and have discoverd this as the easiest and fastest way. It really goes quickly once you get the hang of it.

  3. WayneL5 | Sep 19, 2004 09:21pm | #4

    I would try Goo-Gone.

  4. studio | Sep 24, 2004 04:12pm | #9

    If you haven't gotten around to any of the above ideas try using a pressure washer that can heat the water. I run into this frequently while doing warranty work for a window company.

    Studio

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