CAR WRAP REMOVAL: THE FAQ’s

Are Car Wraps Easy to Remove?

Pulling a car wrap off by hand

Vinyl car wraps are relatively easy to remove. This is something you can do at home, or you can get a professional to do it for you.

There are several ways to remove vinyl car wraps can be a hassle-free process that can be done both at home or by seeking professional assistance. Vinyl car wraps, known for their versatility and popularity, offer an effective way to change the appearance of a vehicle without the permanency of a traditional paint job.

To remove a vinyl car wrap at home, there are several options;

• a heat gun

• a hairdryer

• the sun

Why is heat used to remove a car wrap?

Removing a car wrap by hand

Heat is used to remove a car wrap because it helps to soften the adhesive that holds the wrap in place. When the adhesive is heated, it becomes more pliable and easier to peel off. Applying heat also helps to prevent any damage to the underlying paint of the car.

Heat can help to speed up the removal process, making it more efficient and less time-consuming. It is important to use the right tools and techniques when applying heat to remove a car wrap to ensure it is done safely and effectively.

Removing a Vinyl Car Wrap At Home with a Hair Dryer or Heat Gun

Van in the process of having vinyl wrap removed

Gently lift the edges of the vinyl using a plastic scraper or your fingers, ensuring not to damage the underlying paint.

As you peel off the wrap, continue applying heat to the area being worked on. If any adhesive residue remains, use a vinyl adhesive remover or isopropyl alcohol to dissolve it. But check on a part of the car first that isn’t visible.

For a more efficient and professional removal, it is advisable to enlist the services of a professional. They possess the expertise and proper tools necessary for a safe and swift removal process.

Professional installers often use specialised tools like heat guns and plastic scrapers to ensure that the vehicle’s paint remains unharmed during the removal process. Whether you choose to remove the vinyl car wrap yourself or hire professionals, it is crucial to exercise caution and patience throughout the process. By following the recommended techniques and taking the necessary precautions, you can successfully remove the vinyl wrap and restore your vehicle’s original appearance effortlessly.

Removing wraps with a hair dryer or heat gun, can take anywhere from up to a day to several days.

Steps to Remove a Vinyl Car Wrap At Home with the Sun

Car in the process of having vinyl wrap removed

The Melbourne sun can get hot! So if it’s summer you can use the heat from the sun to remove the wrap.

Park your car outside in the sun, and the sun will heat a large area.

Let the car sit for several hours and the whole car will heat up.

Start peeling from the edges.

Can you sell a car with a vinyl wrap on it?

Vehicle with wrap 

It’s common for people to sell or trade in a car with the wrap still on it. Some dealers will not accept a vehicle with a wrap still on it, but a lot will. The dealer will then organise for the wrap to be removed.

Start peeling from the edges.

Where can I get a car wrap removed?

CRG Designs Melbourne

The first place to start is where you go to the wrap put on. If you aren’t sure where that is, try Googling terms like ‘Vinal Wraps Near Me’, ‘Vehicle Wrapping Service’ and ‘Car Wrapping Services Near Me’. This should pop up with a list of places in your area that wrap vehicles. Most of these places will also remove wraps for you.

If you live in the Melbourne area of Victoria, try CRG Designs. We install and remove vehicle wraps.

Will taking off a car wrap ruin the paint underneath?

Boat wrap removal

When considering the impact of removing a wrap on the underlying paint, it is crucial to differentiate between the original factory paintwork and any repaired areas with additional paintwork.

If the paint underneath the wrap is the original factory coating, it should generally remain intact and unharmed during the removal process. The wrap acts as a protective layer, shielding the underlying paint from various external elements like UV rays, minor scratches, and debris.

Hence, when properly installed and removed, the original paintwork should be preserved. However, the situation becomes more uncertain when the vehicle has undergone repairs and received paintwork in specific areas.

In such cases, the outcome upon removing the wrap is less predictable. The quality of the repair work, the condition of the paint used, and the expertise of the technician performing the repair all play significant roles in determining whether the wrap removal will impact the paint. In some instances, if the repair work was performed meticulously, the paint may adhere firmly to the car’s surface, ensuring that the wrap removal does not cause any noticeable damage.

However, if the repair work was subpar or if the paint used was of inferior quality, there is a possibility that the wrap removal might result in some paint coming off along with it.

To minimise the risk of paint damage during wrap removal, it is advisable to consult with professionals who have experience in both installing and removing vehicle wraps. They can provide guidance on the best practices and techniques to ensure a safe and seamless wrap removal process.

How much does it cost to remove a wrap in Melbourne?

Boat wrap removal

Removing can take anywhere from up to a day to several days. So it is difficult to quote how much it is going to cost, as all jobs will be different. In Melbourne, you will pay anywhere from $1000-$1500 for a vinyl wrap removal.

Really old wraps will most likely cost more, and you will be charged per hour. This could then be $2000+.

Written by Cameron Gurnett, owner of CRG Designs. Cam has been designing vehicle signage, branding and wrapping cars in Melbourne over the last 15 years. 

Cam has worked on vehicles for brands such as; City Mazda Melbourne, Bob Jane T-Mart, Ray White, Cocobella, LJ Hooker and Metropolitan Plumbing + Electrical, Jim’s Plumbing. If you are interested in getting your vehicles wrapped, contact CRG Designs today.