1. Different Types of Vinyl Stickers that you can remove with steam
There are many types of vinyl stickers and graphics on the market. They all will behave differently in the removal process. Thin vinyl graphics are the easiest to remove. Some UV-resistant and digitally printed vinyl graphics can be little tougher to remove. You will easily learn how to slightly adjust your vinyl sticker removal technique based on the material.
- PPF - paint protection film
- Wrap - vinyl wrapping film with print or solid color
- Stickers - vinyl stickers with print or solid color
2. Things to Gather to Remove old Wrap, PPF and Vinyl Stickers
- Portable Steam cleaner
- Plastic putty knife
- Microfiber cloth
- Waste basket or bucket
3. Preparation for Removing Wrap, PPF, Vinyl Stickers and Graphics
If you are working on a vehicle, prepare your area so you have enough space to work around the car or truck. Work with adequate lighting; performing your work in the day if possible. This will allow you to see any residual adhesive that you need to address.
Let your steamer warm up so it delivers steam at around 200-degrees Fahrenheit. Choose the proper nozzle that delivers the powerful steam in a small and concentrated area. Be careful not to burn your hand when working close to the steam.
3.1 Test on a Low-Profile Area before going big
Locate an area on the vehicle to test your technique. You want to ensure it is safe for the surface. Doing so will give you and the owner confidence to move forward.
4. How to remove the PPF, Wrap or Vinyl Stickers and Graphics with steamer
4.1 Use steamer for heat old wrap, ppf or sticker before removal
Begin to apply steam to the first letter or graphic. Focus on one object at a time. As you direct the steam at the vinyl, leave it on the area for about five seconds. This activity will soften the vinyl.
The vinyl material and its bonding agent will be removed. If you notice some of the bonding agent remaining, adjust your technique for the next piece of vinyl to minimize this residue. You can adjust your steam-time, the angle you pull at the vinyl object and steam temperature. With the many adhesives and bonding materials on the market, five to seven degrees in the steam can make a difference.
4.2 Use plastic knife to remove wrap, ppf or sticker from paint
Carefully lift up the corner of the vinyl with a plastic putty knife. Grasp the corner between your fingers, and continually apply tension on the vinyl. Slowly lift up the vinyl between a 30 and 45-degree angle. This will help prevent tearing. You can also remove vinyl striping and trim work with this method.
4.3 Wipe of residues with cloth
Wipe off any excess moisture with a microfiber cloth. You can use Fortador Paint Cleaner as a solvent
4.4 Extra work on hard to remove residues
If you have bonding residue that needs to be removed, use a solvent. Try the solvent on an out-of-sight portion of the car, truck or van. Make sure it does not harm the paint. Most solvents require you to leave them on the surface for one to two minutes. Sometimes simple Windex can work.
A job with a fewer number of larger vinyl graphics will go quicker than multiple smaller letters, numbers and symbols.
5. Vinyl Material Preservation When Using Steam
Another advantage of using steam for vinyl sticker removal is that you may be able to preserve the material. Beyond letters and numbers, some business owners may have invested a larger sum of money in design and material. He or she may want to adhere the removed vinyl work on a different vehicle.
Inform the customer that you will do your best to preserve the vinyl, but you really cannot guarantee anything until you start working with the material. Some thinner vinyl pieces simply crack. Age and weather exposure can play a role. For larger pieces of vinyl and graphics that you need to remove and preserve, you may have to work with a partner for optimum and consistent tension and steam.
6. Commonly Asked Questions About Removing Vinyl Stickers, PPF and Wrap
Q. Can you remove stickers with steam?
A. Absolutely! Using a steam cleaner is one of the best ways to remove stickers on almost any surface. It is a simple process and chemical-free.
Q. How do you remove stubborn vinyl decals?
A. There are few options including using a solvent. Most people use heat. Heat delivered from a hair dryer is most often not hot enough. Using a steam cleaner will soften the vinyl and deliver consistent results in a short time.
Q. How do you remove vinyl stickers?
A. When removing vinyl stickers, you more than likely want to preserve the surface you are removing them from. Chemicals can often harm or scratch surfaces. Using steam with the proper nozzle is the best way to remove vinyl stickers.
Q. What is the easiest way to remove permanent vinyl?
A. Most people choose vinyl because it is durable and will last. Because of that, a heat source around 200 degrees Fahrenheit is a very efficient and effective way to remove them. Use steam, start the edge with a plastic putty knife, and slowly peal back at a 30 to 45-degree angle.
Q: How long it takes to remove car wrap?
A: Depends on car size and age of wrapping, removal can take 2-6 hours
Q: How much it costs to remove car wrap?
A: It can be $500-$1000 to completely remove old car wrap, shops usually charge for first 2 hours of specialist and confirm estimate after removing wrap from 2 first panels.