Indoor signs
1/9/2019
A common question we get from our clients is how do I remove a decal? The answer to this question? It depends. Determining which approach is right for you and your decal depends on a few variables.
The simplest method for removing vinyl graphics is to pull them off. This can be easier said than done so there are tools designed to help you get under the corner of the graphic. The most common and affordable of these tools are plastic razor blades. This tool slides under the edge of the vinyl and scrapes it away from the surface without damaging it. If you can pry the edges up with a plastic razor blade, you may be able to simply peel the rest by hand. This will depend on the age and type of vinyl.
The younger or more pliable the vinyl is, the better your chances of getting it off in large sections. The older it is, the more likely it will be brittle and come off in little pieces, due to long-term UV exposure. If the vinyl is old and brittle, you may be able to get it to come off more smoothly by using a heat gun or a hairdryer to warm the face of the vinyl film. This will also help soften the adhesive underneath the vinyl for easy clean-up as well. If you live in a warm climate and you’re removing vinyl from a vehicle, you can park it in the sun for a while to allow the vinyl to soften and then remove the decals with a plastic razor blade.
Whether your vinyl comes off in complete letters or little pieces, you will almost certainly have adhesive residue. Some vinyl is made to have little residue when removed but if you are not that lucky, use Orange Peel or another type of citrus cleaning agent. These products work by attacking the chemical bonds of the adhesive and allowing you to wipe it off the surface.
