How To Remove Old Vinyl Wrap From Car?

Vehicle wraps offer businesses a simple and cost-effective advertising strategy. These days, the use of full wraps seems to be becoming more and more popular because they are more eye-catching and catchy than billboards.

Vehicle wraps offer businesses a simple and cost-effective advertising strategy. These days, the use of full wraps seems to be becoming more and more popular because they are more eye-catching and catchy than billboards.

Vinyl wraps allow you to customize your design, choose your graphics, and create intricate patterns. can be added to make the car stand out. The problem is that these vinyl sheets are not permanent. At some point, the old vinyl film or characters on the vehicle should be removed in time to avoid further damage to the vehicle.

Old vynil wrap

Time To Remove Vehicle Wraps

High quality vinyl will last for years depending on how you clean and care for it. Factors such as sun, wind, and temperature can affect lifespan. Inspect and replace the foil if the vinyl begins to peel or if you see any of the following signs of wear: 

These conditions are time for vinyl removal. Failure to remove the film can lead to serious problems such as damaging the car’s paintwork.

Removal of Vehicle Wrap

Removing vinyl wraps can be complicated and time consuming. All you need is some elbow grease and a few proper tools and you can refer to our step-by-step instructions to get the job done!

Vinyl Wrap Removal Tools

Heat Gun or Blowtorch

Heated vinyl graphics are more flexible. It also softens the adhesive and makes it easier to remove. Be careful not to use it near plastic parts or glass windows to avoid damaging your car.

Residue or Adhesive Removers

Clean the work surface by scraping off any remaining adhesive. If glue remover is not available, you can use glue solvent or a citrus-based cleaner.

Plastic Razor

This will allow the old vinyl graphics to be properly removed and stripped without damaging the paintwork.

Removing old wrap guide

Step By Step Guide to Remove Vinyl Wrap

#1 Heat the surface with a heat gun or blow torch. 

When the setting is reached, move the torch back and forth. Do not stay in one place to avoid overheating the vinyl. If you notice any burning or blistering, turn off the heat immediately. Parking your car in the hot sun is another vinyl graphics removal option when a flashlight is not available.

#2 Start by removing the vinyl.

For better results, gently lift the sticker from the edge. Once softened, use a razor to gently peel the vinyl off. Then hold one end at a 45° angle while applying even pressure to help peel it off. Some sheets he may or may not come out with one. This process can take hours, so work in a small area so you don’t get overwhelmed.

#3 Remove any remaining adhesive.

Remove the graphic vinyl in the area. Gently apply residue remover to remove excess adhesive residue inside the vehicle. Wipe the wet area with a clean microfiber cloth until no remaining adhesive remains. Avoid using abrasives or cleaning agents that may damage the painted surface or require a new coat of paint.

#4 Wash your car frequently!

Hire Precision Sign & Designs

Hire a Professional

After reading the steps to remove the car wrap, it can be a little overwhelming. Tool purchasing aside, this seems like a labor-intensive, risky, and even frustrating process. Instead of stressing yourself out, leave it to a well-trained and well-equipped professional.

10yr Old Wrap Removal Suggestions 

To remove 10yr old wrap, one can use a heat gun/torch and rapid remover for any residual adhesive. You can use a weed torch for larger areas and hit it with a rapid remover. 

Also, some good removers like acetone mix, a mixture of biodegradable and methylene Chloride Solvent can be used to “melt” away the wrap. But one needs to be careful using it as it can burn your skin.

If the wrap is too harsh, you can use wallpaper remover steamers.

Read: How To Tow A Car Without Tow Hooks?

How to remove adhesive left on the car?

There are different ways to remove adhesive left on the car; some of them are;

Clean the surface with soap water first, then Heat the area using a hairdryer or something, then gently peel off the sticker or the adhesive. 

If some gum remains, you can freeze it using an ice cube. It will get complicated, and you can then remove using a spoon or knife.

Start with the least toxic solvents. Try some liquid car wax or polish, goop it on liberally, and see if it will soften and come off. If not, progress to bug & tar remover. 

Next, try Kerosene, be careful, as many of these products are flammable.

Read: How To Turn On Car Heater?

How to remove sun-baked vinyl wrap?

The sun’s UV rays cause black spots on vinyl. Sunlight will discolor the vinyl, making it look faded and worn after several years of sun exposure. 

Soak the area well with a soft cloth soaked with either and leave it in the sun for a few minutes before wiping off the excess. Baby oil or petroleum jelly will move the oil back into the black spot area, rejuvenating the vinyl and removing dirt. 

To remove the sun-baked vinyl wrap, Use a heat gun or a hair dryer to heat the wrap until the wrap peels off slowly. 

If it does not work, you can use any solvent like acetone or lacquer thinner, which can dissolve the adhesives, and through it, vinyl can be removed in tiny pieces.

Read: What Car Has Starter Inside Transmission?

How to remove vinyl wrap after five years?

To remove 5yr old wrap, one can use a heat gun/torch and rapid remover for any residual adhesive. You can use a weed torch for larger areas and hit it with a rapid remover. 

Simply heat the area first, or you can keep your car outside in sunny areas so the hard adhesive can start melting. 

Start by the edges and pull off slowly; if it’s not working, you can use some good removers like acetone mix; a mixture of biodegradable and methylene Chloride Solvent can be used to “melt” away the wrap. But one needs to be careful using it as it can burn your skin.

How to remove car wrap at home?

If your vehicle has been wrapped with a suitable quality car wrap vinyl, then you can remove it yourself at home. All you need is heat sources, some solvents, and preferably a heat gun. 

We recommend heating the vinyl first to melt the adhesive, especially on cold days. A quick pass with a blowtorch may be enough to do this. It is best to use a flat plastic tool to get under the edge of the vinyl sheet and start lifting it away from your body.

How to remove vinyl wrap without a heat gun?

If you do not have any heat tool or heat gun, you can remove the vinyl by spraying it with some window cleaner or automotive*grade adhesive removers. 

Use some high solvent removers and keep your body safe and covered while using those. Let it sit for about 25-30 minutes, and then you can start peeling it off from the edges. 

How to remove 3m vinyl wrap?

The 3m vinyl wrap is a complicated solid wrap that cannot be removed easily. Regular adhesive removers or solvents do not work on it. You’ll need diluted isopropyl alcohol, which is hard on it. Let the alcohol sit on the wrap for some time, and then it will be peeled off very quickly. 

What is the vinyl wrap removal cost?

Usually, the removal of vinyl wrap costs around $300 to $1000. On average, it’s about $500, but this all depends on the factors of improper materials, installation process, damaged vinyl, or more issues.

Best companies for car wrap removal service

SignZoo

SignZoo offers a selection of wholesale prints for do-it-yourself vinyl installation. The complete service package includes design, printing, and installation: state-of-the-art printing equipment, professional formatting, and 3M MCS certification.

 Absolute Perfection Graphics

AP Graphics is a national automotive packaging company that can maintain consistent marketing across the state. 

They are a one-stop shop, offering design advice, execution, and installation in one package. Their nationwide network is 3M certified, and they are proud of their high-quality vehicle wrap logos.

KickCharge Creative

KickCharge Creative specializes in bumper sticker advertising. We also offer a full range of contractor marketing services for HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, and builders. 

With a 4.9 star rating on Google, you can rely on glowing reviews from satisfied customers.

Car Wrap Solutions

Based in Florida, Car Wrap Solutions has been in business since 1997. They are 3M Recommended Graphics Installers with over 11,000 installations. 

This is a reputable car wrapping advertising agency, and you can rely on their professional craftsmanship to protect your vehicle.

FAQs:

Is it hard to remove the vinyl wrap from the car?

No, removing the vinyl wrap from the car is not hard. If your vehicle has been wrapped with a suitable quality car wrap vinyl, you can remove it at home. All you need is heat sources, some solvents, and preferably a heat gun.

How do I remove old vinyl graphics from my car?

Heat the sticker. Briefly apply a heat gun or blow dryer to the surface of the decal. As the sticker warms up, the adhesive will come off easier. 
Peel off. Using your fingers or any tool like a razor, plastic card, or putty remover, peel the edge of the sticker off.
Use an adhesive Remover. Apply the recommended amount of adhesive remover to the area and rub it with a rag. Follow the instructions and do it carefully. Wait for at least 2 -3 minutes. Then wipe with soap and water to clean where the decal was.

Can removing wrap damage your car?

Removing wraps and using adhesives and solvents can damage your car’s paint. It will usually not harm the painted surface of the vehicle if the paint is bonded nicely to the car’s exterior.

Summary

After reading this article, I hope you got an idea and help on how to remove vehicle wraps. Other than purchasing stuff, it seems to be a labor-intensive, risky and complicated process if you cannot do it. Hence, it’s better to call for a professional, or you can even damage your vehicle too.

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