Tools Needed To Remove Vinyl Wrap From Car
Plastic scraper: A plastic scraper will go underneath the vinyl wrap and pry it up. Do not use metal scrapers as these may damage the paint of your car. Plastic scrapers can be found at any auto detailing shop.
Heat gun: Use this to heat the edges of the vinyl to make it easy to remove.
Adhesive remover: Get a mild chemical citrus cleaner designed to break down adhesive. You can find this in your local hardware store.
Spray bottle: Use this to spray your adhesive remover over the vehicle.
A piece of cloth: Get a clean microfiber rag.
Rubbing alcohol: This will help you clean the surface of your car after you have removed the vinyl wrapping. If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, use water and mild detergent.
5 Easy Steps To Remove Vinyl Wrap From Car
Step 1: Peel The Edges Of The Vinyl
Slide your scraper under the edges of the vinyl wrap to lift them. Vinyl edges will mostly be found along the trunk, hood, doors, and any other part of the vehicle with seams. Insert a fingernail first and see if you can be able to peel the edges. If not, go in with the scraper.
Step 2: Heat The Vinyl Edges
Heating will help soften the adhesive underneath the vinyl and make it easier for you to remove the wrapping. Hold your heat gun over the wrapping about six inches away and move it back and forth so that the heat can be distributed evenly.
How much heat you need to remove the vinyl will depend on the material used to make the vinyl. Do not heat too much that it becomes difficult to hold the wrap.
As you heat, gently tug at vinyl edges to see if they come out easily. Be careful not to heat any areas where the wrapping goes over chrome.
Step 3: Remove The Wrap
Once you are done heating, slip your thumbs under the vinyl edges and have the rest of your fingers spread out over the vinyl. Now, start peeling the wrapping slowly, holding it at a 20° angle to the car’s body.
Try not to rip the vinyl; do your best to keep it in one piece so it can be easy to remove. Also, do not pull off the wrap at 90°, as this can cause the glue to adhere to the vehicle.
If the wrap becomes difficult to pull off, heat again near the edge you are peeling to soften the adhesive. Make sure to heat evenly so all the glue detaches from the vehicle’s body when you begin to pull the wrap off again.
Step 4: Spray Adhesive Remover On Any Leftover Glue
After you have removed the vinyl wrapping, check to see if there is any residue adhesive and pour a few drops of chemical citrus cleaner over it. If there is a large amount of leftover adhesive, put the cleaner in a spray bottle and mist it over the glue or wet a clean cloth with the cleaner and spread it over the vehicle. Let sit for about two minutes to soak in the glue.
Once the remover has eaten through the adhesive, grab a clean rag and wipe the glue off your car. Move the rag back and forth applying pressure to the affected areas to get rid of all the glue.
If the rag doesn’t get the job done, try scratching the adhesive with a plastic scraper, then wipe off the surface with a clean cloth. When you are done, your vehicle should feel smooth to touch rather than rough and sticky.
Step 5: Clean The Surface Of The Vehicle
Most adhesive removers will leave unsightly streaks or cloudy residue on the surface of your car. Soak a soft cloth in rubbing alcohol or soapy water and rub over the body of your vehicle to wipe off any visible streaks. If you are removing adhesive from a window, you could use a glass cleaner.
