truckerlary

I am in the process of putting some vinyl graphics on the car that has a product called Topcoat F11 on the surface. Does this need to be removed before installing the graphics or will they stick with it on the surface. It is a product that sprays on and then wipes off making a slick protective coating on the car paint.

JR-01

Wax, sealants, coatings and anything that makes the surface slippery should be removed if you want the decals to stay on for awhile.

truckerlary

What does everyone use to remove this coating.

FYRARMS

Agreed with JR-01. You want the paint as clean and bare as possible. Luckily, Topjoke F11 is just a synthetic spray sealant/waterless wash. It will be easily removed. If you don't have any car soap specifically made for wax removal, you can use a mild dilution of all-purpose-cleaner. I have used a 10:1 ratio of Meguiar's APC successfully.

FYRARMS

You will know the paint is pretty bare when it won't bead water and when the surface feels "grabby".

truckerlary

I have been researching this online and It says I can use Dawn dish soap or a good bug and tar remover.

glbeauchamp

Isopropyl alcohol works good too.

FYRARMS

The bug and tar remover will work better than the Dawn. I use pretty high-quality sealants and waxes on my vehicles. Dawn has never been strong enough to remove them. You can also use Meguiar's Ultimate Wheel Cleaner, which is a pH-neutral iron remover. It will do a good job of removing fallout from your paint while it works at removing the wax. Then just wash and dry the car afterwards with regular car soap. The paint should be pretty clean by then.

BodymanBob

I work at a body shop and I’ve always used a professional “WAX and GREASE REMOVER” . Any automotive body and paint supply will sell it. You might find it at a auto parts store also. Depending on how much area your graphics cover a pint might be enough. Remember to “Thoroughly clean with soap and water firsts “. After it’s dry us the wax remover, wet a rag with it followed behind with a clean rag. Repeat the process again using clean rags. Install your graphics in a area free of wind so dirt doesn’t get under your decals. I’ve used a “Tac Rag” lightly!!! to wipe over the surface to remove small lint just before installing the decal. You can buy them at the same place you get the wax remover, 1 will do a entire car . The cleaner the surface of the paint the longer the graphics will stay attached . After you’ve installed them refrain from washing your car for a few days so the adhesive bites firmly. Take your time and lay everything thing out on the panels before installing them, once stuck they can be a bitch to reposition. They usually will tear before coming loose. Good luck , pm if you have a question, I’ve been installing decals since mid 70’s with the “Wounded Duck” on Pontiac TA hoods.

Vetteman Jack

Good luck - and yes, you should take the wax/sealant off the area before you apply the decals.