How to Remove Vinyl With a Hair Dryer
Vinyl is used in everything from clothing and jackets to floor tiles and graphics. It's durable, versatile, and when it's used in conjunction with an adhesive, it's easier to apply and remove than fibrous materials. While stubborn adhesive can make it difficult to remove vinyl floor tiles, most graphical elements like signage or stickers come away easily. All you need is a little heat.
Things You'll Need
- Heat gun or hair dryer
- Plastic putty knife
- Goo remover or denatured alcohol
Instructions
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Use a heat gun or hair dryer to warm the vinyl and the adhesive backing before you attempt to remove a vinyl graphic. Keep the hair dryer about 6 inches away and turned to the low setting.
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Immediately after removing the heat, work carefully at the corner of the graphic until you get some purchase, then pull it away. If it resists, apply more heat as you pull.
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Use a straight edge, like a plastic putty knife, to work at the corner while simultaneously applying heat with the hair dryer. Once you get a good start, the rest should come away easily.
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Use the hair dryer throughout removal, if you are picking up old vinyl tile. While many pieces will come away easily, using the hair dryer first will prevent excess adhesive residue from staying on the floor. For stubborn pieces, or for adhesive that remains on the floor when you are through, thoroughly soften the remaining residue, then use your straight edge to scrape it away. Use a goo remover or denatured alcohol to clean the surface.
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Heat a vinyl decal on fiberglass (lettering on the side of a boat, for example) by holding the hair dryer about 6 inches away from the surface. Use the plastic straight edge to peel at the corners of the vinyl. Do not use a metal straight edge. When the decal begins to resist, apply more heat and pull away another few inches. Repeat until the entire decal is removed, then use the goo remover to wipe away the residue. Use rubbing compound to even out the color, if there is still a shadow of the decal.
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