Use Vinyl Off to Remove Sign and Vehicle Graphics

This article is to explain the Removal of Vinyl Graphics/Decals using Vinyl Off. Vinyl-Off is a safe ready to use product designed to assist in removing vinyl graphics from multiple substrates: metal, glass, canvas, FRP, painted surfaces, gel coat, fiberglass, etc. Used properly it will remove vinyl and 90-98% of the adhesive at the same time.

Steps

  1. Test – Test – Test A little planning can save you a lot of effort!
    • We also recommend starting with a small area and determining the best method of dwell time, amount of heat, and angle of pull.
  2. Wipe Vinyl-Off onto ONLY the vinyl you want to remove using:
    • Pad Sponge Foam Brush Fine Nap Roller Paper Towel, etc.
    • A little goes a long way. “Less is More”
  3. For best results, warm surfaces immediately before removal.
    • Warm to the touch. Sun warmed on a warm day is perfect!
    • Non-Flammable and no toxic fumes! So you can use a heat gun or propane to warm the surface even indoors!
  4. Allow a few minutes dwell time(very little waiting needed)
    • Vinyl-Off penetrates the vinyl and attacks the adhesive behind it. You won’t usually see changes to the vinyl.
    • Dwell time will vary based on vinyl thickness and age.
  5. Lift an edge and pull.
    • The vinyl will come off in larger pieces because it has been rejuvenated. Most of the adhesive should come with the vinyl.
  6. Remove any remaining adhesive by either re-applying Vinyl-Off or applying Adhesive –Off.
  7. Wipe/Rinse off.
    • If installing new graphics after the removal,we recommend using isopropyl alcohol (IPA)to make sure that no oily residue from the other solvents is being left behind on the surface.



Tips

  • If your graphic’s ink gets slimy, decrease the amount of Vinyl-Off you’re using! Remember that a little goes a long way.
  • If it leaves the adhesive behind, Vinyl-Off is being too aggressive! Use less heat or shorten the dwell time if this occurs.
  • Best results are achieved when the surface temperature is above 55ºF/13C at time of application. Let stand a little longer before removing in cooler environments. Vinyl decals remove easiest when warm, typically above 80ºF/28C+. When a temperature-controlled facility is not an option, try turning the working surface to face the sun, use heat lamps, heat gun or propane. Whatever your preferred method VINYL OFF 104 will make the job easier, faster, cleaner and safer. Remember, too cold and the vinyl will take longer to remove. Too hot may leave significant adhesive residue requiring additional clean up time and reduced productivity.
  • When using VINYL OFF 104 on a heavily laminated, non-porous, old or reflective graphics, it can sometimes be useful to “rough up” the surface of the graphic with sandpaper or sanding sponge before applying VINYL OFF 104. This will allow VINYL OFF 104 to penetrate through to the adhesive much faster.
  • Lil Chizler works great for helping to lift an edge of the vinyl.
  • Is there a recommended way to remove really large graphics? A. Yes. Fine nap roller, apply to a few strips at a time (usually 2-4 feet wide). Allow to penetrate, score only the next strip then pull. Alternate applying more VINYL OFF 104 with scoring and pulling so that you are not waiting for product to penetrate as you remove. If you score prior or during dwell time, the product may be too aggressive in the scores and leave strips of adhesive.

Warnings

  • VINYL OFF 104 will not harm properly catalyzed automotive paint, but always TEST-TEST-TEST on an inconspicuous area before application. There are many paint choices at the point of manufacture and again during aftermarket repairs. We recommend that you wipe or roller apply only to the vinyl intended for removal. If the product is running off its intended surface then too much is being applied! A little VINYL OFF 104 goes a long way, so if it runs use less! A1.Occasionally temporary softening has been reported mostly on recently painted equipment and aged surfaces with heavy oxidation. Painted surfaces returned to their previous condition when VINYL OFF 104 evaporated or was gently rinsed with water or both. A2. Some non-primed, non-catalyzed paint may be seriously affected by this product. e.g. Do not use this on Aluma-Lite Signs unless you pretest or want the paint removed as well. Properly catalyzed paint is generally not affected. A3. Paint that was not correctly cured prior to graphics being applied (common in aftermarket repair work) is going to be an issue no matter what the method of vinyl removal.

Things You'll Need

  • Vinyl Off
  • Sponge, paper towel, fine nap roller, or cloth
  • Heat source: Sun, propane torch, heat lamp, or heat gun
  • lil' chizler or plastic razor blade

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