posted
Hiya Bob, Pay someone else to do it! Seriously though, I've used the steamer that Mike links to with goo results. However, I've found that there is no single "best" way to remove vinyl. Heat and/or chemicals work most of the time, sometimes they don't. It just depends on the vinyl material and substrate's finish. One time, while removing reflective vinyl from a tractor door in very cold weather, I discovered that just scraping the vinyl with a plastic razor worked better than using heat. With a quick scraping motion, the vinyl "snapped" off, glue and all. It was one of the few times we actually did very well with vinyl removal.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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Did you mean "good results" or "goo results" or both? Your typo is right on. No matter what I do in removing vinyl, I have some "goo results" that have to be taken off with a combo of Rapid Remover and elbow grease. The elbow grease, unfortunately, does not come in a bottle.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5084 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Hi Dave Drane has a gizmo that takes the vinyl off vehicles without scratching; I was over there and he demonstrated it; wonderful! about $400 bucks U.S.
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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-------------------- Tony Vickio The World Famous Vickio Signs 3364 Rt.329 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 t30v@vickiosigns.com 607-535-6241 http://www.vickiosigns.com Posts: 1063 | From: Watkins Glen, New York | Registered: Sep 2001
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posted
Good catch Dave! Perhaps it was a freudian slip ?!?! Or, maybe I can't type today
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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If you're just doing the doors, a vinyl eraser tool and a drill usually works well. Plan on taking a little Rapid Remover to it after for the glue. You can find them a most auto parts stores up here in the Northeast.
Hope this helps... Rapid
-------------------- Ray Rheaume Rapidfire Design 543 Brushwood Road North Haverhill, NH 03774 rapidfiredesign@hotmail.com 603-787-6803
I like my paint shaken, not stirred. Posts: 5648 | From: North Haverhill, New Hampshire | Registered: Apr 2003
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posted
I purchased a Wagner wallpaper steamer and haven't yet used it for vinyl, but did a great job on wallpaper removal!
I generally use a heat gun to remove the vinyl, and rapid remover to remove the goo. If a larger area, a body shop heat lamp comes in handy. The drill eraser things are especially good for smaller graphics however it's not my first choice of removal. You have to have just the right touch.
Many ways to achieve the same end result depending on what kind of removal is before you. Got more details?
posted
Has anyone tried Vinyl Off 10-4? I just ordered a small bottle. It seems a little bit pricey, but if it works I'd gladly pay twice that. Directions say, spray it on, wait 15 mins and peel off. free sample - be sure to mention you heard about it here on Letterville
[ July 10, 2008, 01:06 PM: Message edited by: Kelly Thorson ]
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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I use Rapid Remover alot, especially if I can work flat on a table and to get any left over adhesive,.
I've Tried the Vinyl off 10-4 with mixed results. On large prints, it worked well, but is very messy. It disolves laminates and softens inks. I tried it on small letters on clear acrylic and it hazed the plexi beyond repair.
-------------------- Tom & Sharon Giampia Creative Image Design Port Chester, NY Posts: 285 | From: Port Chester | Registered: Mar 2001
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posted
Thanks Tom, Does it work well on non printed vinyl?
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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posted
We've tried them all except the Vinyl-Off 10-4. I just ordered a sample of it and we will see. I think our favorite one is the wallpaper steamer for large pieces and the rubber eraser on a drill for smaller stuff. The eraser makes quite a mess when you use it and sometimes that can be a whole problem in itself it you have "crumbles" all over the steps of a brand new semi. But we like the steamer the best I think.
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
That's it: the vinyl zapper: nicer than nice tool, no chemicals, no scratches afterwards; what more could you ask for? Until then, I'll use the rapid remover.
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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quote:Originally posted by Deb Fowler: That's it: the vinyl zapper: nicer than nice tool, no chemicals, no scratches afterwards; what more could you ask for? Until then, I'll use the rapid remover.
Yes Deb, I am surprised that you remember it. I had forgotten that I showed it to you. It certainly is an amazing tool and will pay for itself in one or two jobs.
-------------------- Drane Signs Sunshine Coast Nambour, Qld. dranesigns@bigpond.com Downunder "To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer" Posts: 965 | From: Nambour, Qld. Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
The vinyl Zapper, is it an air tool? Or can you just buy the head and run it with a cordless drill?
-------------------- Signs by Alicia Jennings (Mudflap Girl) Tacoma, WA Since 1987 Have Lipstick, will travel. Posts: 3814 | From: Tacoma, WA. U.S.A. | Registered: Dec 1999
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[ July 11, 2008, 02:47 PM: Message edited by: Jane Diaz ]
-------------------- Jane Diaz Diaz Sign Art 628 W. Lincoln Ave. Pontiac, Il. 61764 815-844-7024 www.diazsignart.com Posts: 4102 | From: Pontiac, IL USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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posted
I have had great success with Rapid Remover, a L'il Chisler, and a hair dryer. (a heat gun is too hot) I have had Goof Off take paint off....not a good thing. Always wanted to try a wallpaper steamer. I have also heard of using those lights on stands used by auto body repair guys to heat up the whole vehicle for easier removal. You're a lefty, Bob, doesn't that make it easier? Love....Jill
Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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posted
I usually park them in the sun and peel it off, any residue left is cleaned off with DT thiinner, and then cleaned with alcohol.
I am not going to stand there waving a dryer, heat gun or a coke bottle with gas and a burning rag over a vehicle. if the customer cannot wait for the sun to be out they can go elsewhere. Did I mention I do not like removing vinyl
-------------------- You ever notice how easily accessible people are when they are requiring your services but once they get invoice you can't reach them anymore
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But we like the steamer the best I think.
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