Prior to starting any removals we do go through a few steps with the customer. In addition to having the right questions for the customer, it's also smart to have the right tools on hand.

Cost

The first question we always get is “How much?” which is of course followed up by a string of our own questions. Some information the customer knows, some they don't.

• How long have the graphics been on the vehicle?
• Do you know what kind of material was used?
• Was it a factory paint job before it was wrapped / lettered?
• Is the car parked outside (in the sun) or garaged?
• Have the graphics cracked into pieces or turned dark on the horizontal surfaces?

• Are the graphics reflective?

We'll ask these last two if the vehicle isn't brought in yet. Usually we tell the customer we need to see the vehicle before we can quote removal but if this isn't possible, or the customer just wants it done, then we let them know that it's our hourly shop rate. At the most we'll give them a range — “Based on what you're telling me, we estimate it will take two to three hours to remove your graphics at our hourly shop rate of $___.” We also let them know that we will write down our start and stop times so they can have a record of the actual time we spent on the vehicle.

Do It Yourself

Many of our removals are in preparation for a re-wrap. If budget is already a concern for the client we may suggest that the customer take the old graphics off himself. If it's someone who is also just trying to sell a vehicle, or we sense that cost is a big hardship, we'll let them know how we do it and suggest they give it a try themselves first.

Leftover adhesive and clean-up is a big part of the cost in some cases. If a customer wants to attempt to do it themselves and bring it in for us to finish up, that's always an option as well.

While this is an article on sign shops removing vinyl, it's also important to know that success is built on relationships. If we work with a customer and help them out here and there with a little inside information they'll appreciate it and return to us.

Paint Removal—Not Good

I've mentioned this project before, and luckily it's been our only big issue. We had wrapped a Hummer for a local bail bond company; and after a year or so the customer decided he wanted to have it removed.

We had used the best 3M wrap vinyl on the market at the time, along with the corresponding cast laminate. Our install and trim work was on par, but we hadn't put in writing a potential issue prior to wrapping the vehicle and prior to removing the wrap.

The customer had an old paint job. While it was the factory paint job, it was also twelve years old. Sometimes just being an original paint job isn't enough. While we had mentioned the peeling areas prior to wrapping it, we hadn't put anything in writing.

And although we pointed out the paint again when the customer decided to have us remove the wrap, we again failed to put something in writing. This was all considered after the fact.

So, even though the customer tried to remove the wrap himself and pulled off some paint he brought it to us to finish. Despite the fact that we pointed out paint was going to continue to come off, the customer wanted us to continue. When large pieces started to come off we called the customer and asked him to come down to review the issues we were having, he declined and said to continue. Needless to say a large portion of the paint came off the vehicle when we were done. Not good.

Despite all our verbal warnings and the customer's consent to continue taking off the graphics, he still decided to take us to court. Now, thankfully the judge sided with us and other than a loss of time and sleep we weren't found liable. But, all of the headache after the removal would have been avoided if we had the customer sign some sort of disclaimer that relieved us of any responsibility for pulling off paint.

Since then we have created a disclaimer that spells out possible issues that may arise, and while it hasn't been reviewed by a lawyer and and isn't filled with big words, it does guide both us and the customer. It points out potential issues and encourages us to review them.

Materials

Now back to those questions we ask before agreeing to a removal job. One factor can make a big difference in the cost of removal is the material that was used. When I mentioned vinyl removal from say 15-20 years ago, we were dealing with a lot of cut vinyl graphics often laid on in layers. It was hard to tell if you were removing cast or premium graphics and they could get really baked on.

We still see these graphics, especially on older RV's, but the newer materials do make a difference. Most vehicle wraps we work with were produced using a high quality, premium wrap material. These graphics are designed to not only go on better, but to come off easier as well—especially if they're removed within 3-5 years from when they were installed.

Check out 3M's Instruction Bulletin 6.5 for a comprehensive list of factors that can affect vinyl removal. In it they point out how the the characteristics of the adhesive on the film affects the removal process.

On a material with a "changeable adhesive" the graphics are designed to be removed without heat and should leave behind little or no adhesive residue. If the vinyl has a "removable adhesive," like most high-quality wrap films, then the graphics are designed to come off with heat and tools and should leave behind little adhesive. If the graphics have a "permanent adhesive" then they're designed not to be removed. If you do attempt to remove graphics made using a permanent adhesive film you can likely expect to see damage and significant adhesive left behind.

If you know that a high quality wrap material was used, and the graphics haven't been on more than five years, then by using the right techniques and heat there should be no adhesive left behind. If the graphics you're removing are more difficult to take off and are leaving behind a lot of adhesive, then a vinyl with a more aggressive adhesive was probably used.

Heat

The process of removing vinyl graphics is fairly simple—it takes patience and the right tools. If the wrap has not been on long, and a high quality wrap vinyl was used, then you may only need a hot summer day.

But whether you're benefiting from the sun or you're using a heat gun or propane torch to soften the adhesive—you will need a heat source. After wiping down the old graphics, to remove anything that may be flammable, heat the graphics to between 160-200 degrees and start peeling the film.

3M recommends using what they call a “high pull-off angle” for changeable and removable films. Essentially you pull the film back on itself.

Be careful that you don't overheat the graphics, or pull them at more than a 90 degree angle—the laminate could separate from the vinyl making removal much more difficult. This will also leave behind excessive adhesive which is time consuming to remove.

Heat small areas of graphics at a time. If the vinyl cools, then rewarm another manageable area and start peeling again.

Tools

To lift the edge of the vinyl, after warming it, you can use a plastic scrapper, plastic razor blades or the "Lil' Chizzler" tool to get the graphics lifted and started. Pull the graphics slowly, and evenly, for a cleaner removal.

There are also power tools on the market that are designed to remove vinyl stripes, decals and adhesives without damaging the paint. One inexpensive option is the Motor Guard Stripe Eliminator that attaches to an air tool. 3M offers a similar product, the Stripe Off Wheel. These tools move in a rapid, circular motion that, similar to an eraser, removes the vinyl and adhesive with friction instead of abrasion.

Another power tool option is from Monti Tools. Their Vinyl Zapper tool is used in conjunction with their MBX drive units. There is a pneumatic heavy duty unit and an electric unit. These units are light weight and operate at a low speed for ease of use.

The Vinyl Zapper wheel has a patented design that ensures a long life. The rubber teeth of the tool quickly and effectively remove both the vinyl and adhesive. These tools are ideal for dealing with old, baked on vinyl and adhesive. However, be careful when using this type of tool as it can burn the paint if left in one place too long.

Adhesive

If you have any areas of leftover adhesive try a citrus-based adhesive remover, Orange Peel or Rapid Remover for quick and effective removal. These products work by attacking the chemical bonds of the adhesive and allowing you to wipe it off the substrate. Leaving the liquid on for a few minutes before wiping helps it do its work. You may need some elbow grease to get older dried adhesive. Once the adhesive residue is removed the left over oily film can be wiped off with a glass cleaner followed by a wipe down of denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol.

Document

If you are removing an old vehicle wrap, especially one that you did not initially install, be sure to document any damage on the vehicle after removal. This may be damage from removing the graphics or pre-existing damage on the vehicle.

Note any missing or damaged paint, any scratches, dents or knife marks. A template of the vehicle can be used to circle and note the damage. Along with photos of any larger issues.

This documentation should be reviewed with the customer so they're aware of it prior to the re-wrap. Suggest fixing the damage if it will compromise the new wrap. Be sure to keep this documentation on file with the customer's paperwork for future reference, if needed.