Vinyl wraps are a unique way to customize your vehicles with unlimited creativity, but they also protect the original surface. For adequate protection, vinyl wraps are durable and made to last for years with the proper care. Eventually, you’ll decide to remove a vinyl wrap, whether you want to change logos, restore the original paint job, switch to a new design, or if the wrap has started to deteriorate. You can remove it yourself or get a professional to do the job. If you choose to do it yourself, there are some essential things to know first.
Important Things to Consider Before Removing Vinyl Wrap
When you are ready to remove or replace the vinyl wrap on your van, there are a few things to consider first. Although the removal process is simple, there are some factors that make it more challenging, so hiring a professional for the job might be a better move. To remove a vinyl wrap, you must be careful and patient, or you may damage your vehicle’s original exterior finish.
Certain factors affect the difficulty of removing vinyl. Wraps that have been on your vehicle for longer periods of time will be harder to remove and leave behind more adhesive residue than wraps that have only been on for a short time. The type of vinyl used affects the difficulty as well. Usually, a high-quality vinyl wrap will be easier to remove than others.
Removing the vinyl won’t cause damage if the original paintwork on your van is stock or professionally applied. However, aftermarket or improperly applied paint may be removed during the process.
If you feel confident in your DIY abilities and do not expect a challenging removal process made more difficult by the above factors, then there are a few supplies you will need to continue.
Supplies Needed for Removing Vinyl Wrap
Properly removing vinyl wrap from a vehicle requires a few supplies. Tools commonly used for vinyl removal include:
- Sharp tool or Plastic scraper: Either tool can be used to lift the vinyl edge and go underneath the vinyl wrap and lift it. Avoid metal scrappers because they will damage the original exterior.
- Heat gun: Heat will make it easier to remove the vinyl wrap.
- Adhesive remover: After removing the adhesive, some residue is typically left behind that can only be cleaned up with products designed for adhesive removal.
- Paper towels: Use paper towels to wipe up any mess, like the leftover adhesive.
- Microfiber cloth: A clean microfiber cloth should be used for the final cleaning of the van.
- Cleaning solution: A cleaning solution made for the surface the wrap was on should be used to clean the vehicle during the final step in the removal process.
Tips For Removing Vinyl Wrap
Before removing vinyl wrap from your van, there are a few crucial dos and don’ts to remember. The best way to start is from an edge to loosen the wrap, aided by adding heat to relax the adhesive. Once you begin peeling the wrap off, do it slowly so it is removed in one piece and no chips are left behind.
Never use harsh tools, only a plastic scraper. Be careful not to overheat the vinyl, as this may damage the paintwork. You may also find it easier not to work in the sun, as this makes the adhesive more challenging to work with. Remember not to panic if the adhesive tears; just start from a different edge and reheat the area that you are struggling with.
How to Remove Vinyl Wrap in 5 Simple Steps
Once you have a thorough understanding of the necessary tools and essential tips, you can begin removing the vinyl wrap from your van. The removal can be done in five simple steps.
Preparing the Surface
Before starting, ensure the surface is cleaned with warm soapy water or isopropyl alcohol. If you remove the wrap outside, the temperature may affect how easy or difficult the process is, but being inside will make it less of an issue. In colder climates, you will need more heat in the next step. Start by peeling the edges of the vinyl wrap with a sharp tool or plastic scraper to lift it up. Typically, the edges will be around the seams of the vehicle, like the trunk, hood, and doors.
Adding Heat
Heating the vinyl with a heat gun or other tool that emits heat softens the adhesive, loosening it up to make it easier to remove. When using a heat gun, hold it about six inches away from the surface, moving in a back-and-forth motion to evenly apply the heat and lightly pull it to lift the vinyl. The amount of heat needed depends on the materials used to apply the wrap, but remember not to overheat. If your van has chrome parts, do not heat those areas to prevent damaging them.
Removing the Wrap
After you have applied all the heat you need, you can begin removing the vinyl wrap. The best method is to hold the vinyl with your thumbs under it and your other fingers on top, peeling at about a 20ยฐ angle. Try to avoid tearing the vinyl. Removing it in one piece will be much easier. Add more heat to soften the adhesive if you come to problematic areas.
Removing Leftover Adhesive
Once the wrap has been removed, some adhesive may be left behind. Vinegar can be used for smaller areas, but an adhesive remover is guaranteed to work on any amount of adhesive. For larger sections using a spray bottle to apply the remover is helpful. Once you’ve applied the remover, let it sit for a few minutes, and you should be able to wipe it away easily. You’ll want to end up with a smooth surface that isn’t sticky anywhere.
Cleaning the Van’s Surface
With the vinyl wrap and adhesive residue removed, you can clean the body of your van with a cleaning solution or soapy water. Adhesive removers tend to leave streaks or cloudy spots on surfaces, so cleaning your van after is important for a clean, shiny surface that looks brand new.
Leave It To The Experts
Now that you know how to remove the vinyl wrap from your van, you can decide whether it’s something you can undertake or if you’d rather leave it up to the experts. Contact us at RoadRunner Wraps to have our expert installation team remove vinyl wrap from your van without any damage to your vehicle.
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