Whenever we have a new customer interested in vehicle wraps, one of the first questions they ask us is “are vinyl wraps easy to remove?” The short answer is “Yes!” The longer answer is the subject of today’s blog entry.
High Quality Vinyl Is Easier to Remove
The removal process is quite simple if the automobile has been wrapped with a top quality vinyl wrap. All that is needed is some experience, a lot of patience, and a heat gun or other heat source. When removed, top quality films from world renowned manufacturers, like 3M and Avery Dennsion, are designed to not leave any adhesive residue.
It is also important that the vinyl was specifically created for car wraps. Both of the above manufacturers also make vinyl for other applications. The adhesives used for this vinyl may be quite strong and not appropriate for use on vehicles. Consequently, if you went with a wrap from a company that did not know what they were doing, you may have the wrong vinyl and may end up with residues after removal of your wrap.
Patience Is a Virtue with Wrap Removal
It is also crucial that the removal process be done correctly. First of all, the wrap needs to reach a certain temperature before it can be slowly pulled back at a 45 degree angle. While pulling back, both hands should be used with fingers spread apart in order to have contact with as much film surface area as possible.
Never yank the film. There is a good chance the adhesion is very strong if the vehicle wrap has been on the car for over three years. Separation of the laminate and vinyl could occur if the film is yanked. It is pretty tough to remove a vinyl wrap without a laminate.
Primer Makes Things More Difficult
When you get your wrap installed, make certain that there is no primer used in the process. In order to seal the vinyl and avoid separation that could allow water or debris to get under the film, wrap installers used to believe that using primer on the edges was necessary. This is false. There 
is absolutely no need for primer if the installer takes the time to complete the necessary steps for preparing the surface, installing the wrap, and performing the post installation touches.
It is a nightmare trying to remove a vehicle wrap that was installed using primer. The laminate and vinyl separate, and the adhesive residue left behind is very hard to clean and remove. Rather than performing the necessary steps for a quality installation that will last for years rather than months, many independent installers and wrap shops will skip these steps and just use primer to get the job done quickly. However, as with anything, cutting corners has its downside.
Are you ready to get a wrap? Or, perhaps, you need vinyl vehicle wrap removal? North Jersey’s vehicle wrap needs are all served by The Sign Center. Contact us today for a free consultation and quote!
