How to Remove Vinyl Overlay

Vinyl overlays are used primarily for sign work or to add accent panels on vehicles. Applied directly over the paint of the car, the overlays use a strong adhesive to hold the vinyl in place for years at a time, throughout the worst of weather changes without peeling. Because of the strength of the adhesive, safe removal requires that you break the adhesive bond before you can pull the vinyl away. The best way of doing this is through the use of heat. By applying heat to the vinyl, you’ll be able to remove panels that have been in place for years without leaving a scratch on the paint beneath.

Heat-resistant work gloves
Heat gun
Plastic scraper
Sponge
Citrus-based adhesive remover
Mild liquid soap
Cloth

Instructions

- 1
  Put on a pair of heat-resistant work gloves. Set the heat gun to its lowest setting. Too much heat can melt the vinyl, damaging the paint in the process.
- 2
  Hold the heat gun about five inches from the surface of the vinyl with the nozzle pointed at the vinyl overlay. Begin at the top corner of the overlay. Apply heat to the corner, moving the heat gun back and forth over the surface of the vinyl for about 15 to 30 seconds to heat the glue holding the vinyl in place until the glue begins to liquefy.
- 3
  Direct the heat gun away from the vehicle and then pull at the corner, peeling the vinyl away from the surface of the car. When you meet resistance, apply more heat to the vinyl, beginning at the new edge of the still adhered section of overlay. If the vinyl does not peel away, increase the heat setting for the gun in slight increments until it works on the adhesive holding the vinyl in place.
- 4
  Repeat the heating process to the new edge, continuing to pull the vinyl from the vehicle in sections. Continue until you’ve peeled away all of the vinyl overlay.
- 5
  Examine the vehicle surface for any adhesive residue left on the paint. Scrape large patches of residue from the vehicle surface with the plastic scraper. Use a light amount of force to avoid scratching the vehicle paint.
- 6
  Remove light adhesive residue from the vehicle by dampening a sponge in a citrus-based adhesive remover and then rubbing the surface of the vehicle with the remover over the residue area. Allow the remover to sit for the amount of time the manufacturer suggests, and then wipe it off, along with any remaining adhesive, with a clean cloth.
- 7
  Wash the remover from the vehicle with a mild liquid soap and water. Rinse the vehicle with clean water and then pat it dry with a cloth.

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