How to Remove Vinyl Graphics With a Heat Gun
Vinyl graphics stick directly to many surfaces, such as windows and car exteriors. Once installed, the adhesive clings firmly to the surface to prevent rain or wind from detaching it. The glue is a special formula that does not damage the underlying surface and can be removed. Removing the vinyl graphic requires that you first heat it up to soften the adhesive. Once the adhesive loosens up, the graphics pull right off. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Heat gun
- Plastic blade
- Citrus-based glue remover
- Spray bottle
- Liquid soap
- Non-abrasive sponge
Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.
A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.
Instructions
-
-
1
Plug the cord of a heat gun into an electrical outlet and set the heat gun to the lowest setting. Turn the heat gun on and hold the nozzle at least 12 inches from the surface of the graphic. Move the gun in a side-to-side motion, never allowing it to remain still. Continue for at least 30 to 60 seconds, or longer for larger graphics.
-
2
Locate the corner of the graphic and place a plastic putty knife or other non-metal blade under the corner and scrape it to lift it off. Continue until the lifted edge is high enough that you can grasp it with your fingers. Set the blade aside and pull up the lifted section of the graphic firmly by hand.
-
-
3
Fold the lifted portion back over the top of the graphic and pull slowly but firmly to continue detaching the graphic from the surface. Continue until the entire graphic comes off. If the graphic peels off in small pieces, simply use the plastic blade to scrape up each new edge.
-
4
Spray the surface, once the graphic is removed, with a citrus-based glue removal product and allow it to sit for 60 seconds. Then push the plastic blade over the surface gently to scrape off the softened glue.
-
5
Fill a spray bottle with warm water and 1 to 2 tsp. of liquid soap. Spray the surface with the soap solution to get rid of any remaining glue residue. Wipe the area with a damp non-abrasive sponge then rinse with clean water.
-
1
