How to Remove a Vinyl Wrap on a Car Body
Materials You’ll Need
- Heat gun or hair dryer
- Plastic scraper or putty knife
- Goo Gone or another adhesive remover
- Clean rags or cloths
- Bucket of warm water
- Dish soap
- Automotive polish (optional)
Safety Precautions
Before you start, it’s important to take some safety precautions:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat gun and adhesive remover.
- Ventilate the area where you’re working to avoid inhaling fumes from the heat gun and adhesive remover.
- Don’t heat the vinyl wrap too much, as this can damage the paint underneath.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Car
Park the car in a well-ventilated area and wash it to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Heat the Vinyl Wrap
Use a heat gun or hair dryer to heat a small section of the vinyl wrap at a time. Hold the heat gun or hair dryer about 6 inches away from the vinyl wrap and move it back and forth until the vinyl wrap becomes pliable.
3. Peel Off the Vinyl Wrap
Once the vinyl wrap is heated, use a plastic scraper or putty knife to carefully peel it off the car body. Start at a corner and work your way around the section. If the vinyl wrap is difficult to remove, heat it up again.
4. Remove the Adhesive Residue
Once the vinyl wrap is removed, there will be some adhesive residue left on the car body. To remove this residue, use a cloth dampened with Goo Gone or another adhesive remover. Rub the cloth over the residue until it is removed.
5. Wash and Wax the Car
Once the adhesive residue is removed, wash the car with warm water and dish soap to remove any remaining dirt or debris. Then, apply a coat of automotive polish to protect the car’s paint.
Tips
- If the vinyl wrap is particularly stubborn, you can try using a steam cleaner to loosen the adhesive.
- Don’t use a sharp object to remove the vinyl wrap, as this can damage the car’s paint.
- If you’re having trouble removing the vinyl wrap, you can take it to a professional detailer.
