Above: Installers removing vinyl protection from a vehicle
Can Vinyl Wrap Be Removed From Your Car Without Causing Damage?
Yes, you can remove vinyl wrap and it wont damage your original paint if done right.
Whether you scratched up some of your paint protection film, changed your businesses logo, or you’re just plain sick of the colour wrap you chose, you want your vinyl wraps or decals removed without causing damage to your paint. We can make that happen.
Right off the bat, lot of people attempt to DIY this project, but we must remind you that it is always better to have a professional installer remove any vinyl on your vehicle. It takes finesse, skill and the proper tools to ensure a successful job. Would you rather do it on your own and risk it or have peace of mind? Food for thought!
Doesn’t matter if you’re removing the vinyl yourself or bringing it to our staff at Outpacer, there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. So, let’s take a look at both ways, and make sure you’re up to speed on the process and the benefits of using a professional.
Above: Mazda vinyl wrap installation in Outpacer shop
How Removing A Car Wrap Works
Removing a car wrap requires patience, skill, and attention to detail. While some may attempt to remove it themselves, it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of a professional to avoid any damage to your vehicle.
Everyones favourite! Lets talk about the tools needed to remove your vehicle wraps:
- Heat gun
- Plastic scraper
- Squeegee
- Adhesive remover
- Microfibre towels and;
- Mild degergent
With the infinity stone tools of vinyl wrap removal collected, we are ready to get to work following these steps:
1. Bring the heat.
When it comes to removing vinyl wrap from your car, one of the most important steps in the process is using heat to soften the vinyl before peeling it off. This step is crucial because trying to remove vinyl without softening it first can not only make the process more difficult and time-consuming, but it may also damage your car’s paint.
Fortunately, heating vinyl wrap is a relatively simple process that we do with a heat gun on a medium setting. The idea is to warm the vinyl so that it becomes pliable and easier to work with. Think about kneading play-doh over time – the more you have it in you hands the easier it is to work with.
Our shop is ideal for removal as we have great ventilation and a lot of space so our heat gun wont cause any discomfort to the technicians, and we can also control the temperature distribution. As the vinyl begins to heat up, you should notice it becoming more pliable and easier to peel.
It’s important to note that you should never try to remove vinyl wrap when the weather is cold, as this can cause the vinyl to become brittle and more difficult to work with! Not to mention, this is where removal can cause damage.
2. Like a sticker – but carefully.
When it comes to removing vinyl wrap from your car, starting with a corner is a crucial step in the process. It allows you to get a grip on the vinyl and start lifting it off the surface of your vehicle more easily than attempting to pick at a straight line.
Be careful not to use any sharp tools that could damage the paint underneath the vinyl wrap. A plastic scraper is the best tool to use for this step, as it won’t scratch or dent your vehicle’s surface.
To begin, we identify a corner of the vinyl wrap that is not overlapping any other sections. This will typically be a corner where two straight edges meet. Once we have found the starting point, we use a plastic scraper to lift up the edge of the vinyl wrap and begin gently pulling.
If the vinyl starts getting cold or stubborn, we go back to the heat gun and soften the wrap and make it more pliable, thus easier to remove. Again, we have to be cautious not to overheat the vinyl or leave the heat source in one spot for too long, as this can damage your vehicle’s paint.
3. Solvent to remove leftover adhesive.
Once we have successfully peeled off the vinyl wrap from your car, there may be some adhesive residue left behind. This is totally normal and we remove it as we go or during the final review, but it is easily removed by using a vinyl wrap removal solvent.
There are various types of vinyl wrap removal solvents available in the market, such as Goo Gone, 3M Adhesive Remover, and Citrus-based adhesive remover. Before using any of these solvents, we make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands, and not to apply too much at one time. If left on for too long, it could cause damage to the paint.
To avoid this, we use a small amount on a microfibre cloth and gently rub it into the adhesive, then with another cloth or a scraper, we gently peel/rub off the adhesive!
After the adhesive residue is completely removed, wash the surface of your car with mild detergent and water to remove any remaining residue or solvent. Dry it with a clean microfibre cloth.
Above: Outpacer owner using heat gun during vinyl wrap installation
Mistakes people make when removing vinyl wraps
Using Power Tools or Sharp Objects
One of the biggest mistakes people make when removing a vinyl car wrap is using power tools or sharp objects to speed up the process. This is a bad idea because you could easily scratch or dent your car’s bodywork. Instead, use a plastic scraper or a heat gun to soften the adhesive and remove the wrap.
Pulling the Wrap Too Quickly
When removing a vinyl car wrap, it’s important to be patient and move slowly. Pulling the wrap too quickly or aggressively can cause the vinyl to tear, leaving bits of adhesive residue behind. Take your time and work in small sections, using a heat gun to soften the adhesive as you go.
Ignoring Adhesive Residue
Even after you remove the vinyl car wrap, there will still be some residual adhesive on the surface of your car. Ignoring this adhesive residue can cause it to harden and become even more difficult to remove. Be sure to use a specialized adhesive residue remover to clean off the surface completely.
Working in Adverse Weather Conditions
Trying to remove a vinyl car wrap in extreme heat, cold, or high humidity is never a good idea. Adverse weather conditions can alter the performance of vinyl adhesive, making it either too tough to remove or too tacky to handle. It’s best to work on removing the wrap in moderate weather conditions to ensure a smooth and easy removal process.
Skipping the Cleaning Process
After removing the vinyl car wrap and adhesive residue, it’s important to give your car a deep and thorough cleaning. Failing to do so can leave behind dirt, grime, or other contaminants that could damage your car’s paint. Use a soft cloth, mild detergent, and a car waxing product to give your car a showroom finish.
Above: Porsche with front fender vinyl wrap protection
The Wrap Up
Although removing vinyl wraps can be broken down into a few steps, it really does take a lot of skill to do successfully. At Outpacer, we have the space, the tools, and the experience to do it right the first time.
