How to Remove Vinyl Graphics

Vinyl graphics are used in a wide range of application surfaces, including vehicles, storefront signs and art. Thanks to specialized printing, plotting and computer software, designers have the ability to create unique decals and lettering in accordance with a customer's need. Vinyl graphics require the use of special adhesives that keep them in place. The process for removing vinyl graphics may vary, depending upon the surface used, age of installation and environmental conditions exposed to vinyl.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hair dryer
• Razor blade scraper
• Denatured alcohol or specialized vinyl adhesive remover
• Nonabrasive cloths

1. Heat a small corner of the vinyl graphic with a hair dryer. The heating process will loosen the adhesive underneath the vinyl, which in turn aids the removal process. Continue heating the corner until a visual separation of the vinyl and surface appears.

2. Separate the heated corner of the vinyl graphic with your fingernail when dealing with painted surfaces. Separate the heated corner using a razor blade scraper when removing window glass decals.

3. Continue to heat the vinyl with the hair dryer while carefully peeling the vinyl from the surface with your fingers. Peel off the vinyl in a slow manner to lessen the chance of breaking the decal during the removal process.

4. Remove any residual adhesive from the surface with clean nonabrasive cloths and liberal amounts of denatured alcohol to finish the process. You may also use a specialized vinyl adhesive removal product to clean off the residual glue; read the manufacturer's instructions and make sure that the removal product is compatible with the surface before use.

Tips & Warnings

• When removing vinyl graphics from glass, all of the steps are the same, but a paint scraper can be used instead of a plastic razor blade. As long as you are sure to use a brand new razor blade in your scraper, this can cut down on removal time dramatically. It should also leave behind less adhesive than using a plastic razor blade. This method should only be used on glass however, as a paint scraper will scratch and gouge most other surfaces.

• If your graphics were applied to a painted surface, you may still see the outline from your graphics as the sun will have faded the paint, while the vinyl has protected the paint underneath the graphics. This is perfectly normal and, over time, this effect will fade and blend in with the rest of the paint.

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• Use caution with the heat gun as leaving it to heat one area for too long can damage the substrate. The heat can also burn your fingers.

References

• SignCraft: Step By Step Quick Vinyl Sign
• Sign Industry: Stripping Vinyl Graphics Made Easy
• Direct Decals: How To Remove Vinyl Graphics