Car wraps provide an effective advertising tool for a business and make personalizing a vehicle easy without damaging the factory paint job. Car wraps often protect the paint job, helping a vehicle to have a higher resale value. However, removing a vehicle wrap could damage the paint job, if it is not done correctly. Removing a car wrap is not difficult, but care needs to be taken to ensure a safe removal of the car wrap.
Necessary Tools
Removing a car wrap is not as simple as just pulling it off. Car wraps have a special adhesive that attaches them to the vehicle. Typically, heat needs to be used in order to safely remove the car wrap with little to no residue. In order to provide the heat, certain professional tools are required, such as a heat gun, although you could also use a blow dryer. You will also need a razor blade, plastic scraper, and alcohol. You should always use safety equipment, including gloves and goggles.
Beginning the Removal
Always start the removal of the car wrap at the edges of the wrap. Test a small patch to ensure that you are only affecting the wrap, and not the car’s paint, with your heat gun or blow dryer. If you notice damage occurring to the car, stop and take it to a professional to complete the process. Take care not to overheat the car. Once you notice the edges coming off of the wrap, you can start to slowly pull the wrap away from your car. Be very careful when you are pulling so that you do not damage your car. You might need to use your razor blade on any wraps on the windows of your car. If you struggle with an area of your wrap, you can use the plastic scraper to help remove it.
What about the Residue?
Vehicle wraps typically come off the car with little to no residue. However, there is always the chance that there will be a little residue left from the car wrap. A premium cast vinyl wrap that has been on the vehicle for less than two years will typically have no residue. Other vinyl wraps have longer length of time before they will leave residue. You can discuss this option when you initially purchase and install the vehicle wraps. Any residue left from the adhesive can be wiped off using products specially designed to remove adhesive while keeping the car looking like new, or you can use a citrus-based cleaner for a biodegradable option.
Vinyl Off
With the growing popularity of car wraps, companies have designed special products to assist with the safe removal of the vinyl. One such tool is Vinyl Off. This product is designed to remove both the vinyl and the adhesive simultaneously. As before, always test a small patch before you begin. You do not need to use a lot of the product. Once you put on the product, warm the surfaces, either with a heat gun or blow dryer. Give it a little time to work, and then you should be able to just pull the vinyl off. Some people find using a product like Vinyl Off helps with the process, although it is not always necessary.
Once you are done removing the car wrap, you should wipe down your car with isopropyl alcohol to remove an oily residue that may be left behind. Then, wash your car, and you should see it looking like new. The longer your vinyl has been on your car, the more difficult it will be to remove. If you do not feel comfortable removing a car wrap, you can always take it to a professional to remove it for you.