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is there an easier way to remove old vinyl off a truck?
HI Everyone
I have 10 large 30ton truck trailers to do. The vinyl has been printed and ready to go. Going to use intercoat 1490 for the flat sided trucks and avery 1900 for the corrugated trucks.
unfortunately the trucks have old graphics on about 3-4 years old and they are stuck like anything. The corrugated trucks are even worse and the vinyl is stuck over the rivets and is cracked around the edges of each rivet.
My guys have started to try and peal with heat gun etc but it is proving extremely time consuming and labour intensive.
On some of the trucks there is another layer of vinyl underneath from a previous graphics goodness knows how long that has been on for!!!1 🙁
Someone said that they heard of a chemical from 3M or something that removes the vinyl and adhesive.
Is there no better way of doing this. We dont really want to apply on top as this is going to effect the lifespan of our prints. As the vinyl will only last as long as the vinyl underneath. Was thinking of a wire brush on an angle grinder or something.
I really hope someone has some good suggestions.
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10 Replies
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The MBX vinyl remover is excellent for this type of work although best suited to small text which is difficult to peel.
Also a excellent for removing reflective.http://www.jagsignsupplies.com/aqshop/c … .php?id=14
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thanks peter.
would you think the wire tool would be good for removal on the aluminum corrugated trucks.
I had something similar. a little air tool with an orange rubber but i dont find it to be that good the rubbers dont last.
Does the MBX last longer. and does the rubber really get it off that good.
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just doing loads of them same company 3rd time
use as peter has said slowly though, we use a caramel wheel in a drill
Rich -
quote DaneRead:thanks peter.
would you think the wire tool would be good for removal on the aluminum corrugated trucks.
I had something similar. a little air tool with an orange rubber but i dont find it to be that good the rubbers dont last.
Does the MBX last longer. and does the rubber really get it off that good.
The wire tool is for cleaning rusted metal etc – NOT removing vinyl!
The rubbers can wear fairly quickly if you’re doing large areas of solid vinyl but the cost is far outweighed against the labour time saved.
Yes, the rubber really does rip it off and turns the vinyl and glue in to a messy dust which just wipes off. A quick polish off and the surface is ready.
Not to be used on heat sensitive surfaces like acrylic and foam pvc.
Always test an area first and watch out for dodgy resprays where the paint might flake off.
It’s one of those tools that I don’t use that often but wouldn’t be without. -
Lots of folks here have good luck with wallpaper steamers, but I heard that they don’t work so well with reflective vinyl. You can get them at the DIY store.
I have also heard of people putting up huge heat lamps, like those used in auto body repair shops, beside the vehicle to soften up the vinyl. You can do this simply by using the sun on a hot summer day too.
I use a hair dryer, as a heat gun is too hot for me and I always hurt myself. I heat the vinyl with it, then scrape with a L’il Chizler tool (get them free at sign trade shows) Then I use Rapid Remover on the adhesive residue. I saturate it, it turns to a snot-like substance, then I scrape it off with the L’il Chizler. Then clean with rapid Prep or PrepSol.
It’s a crummy job and I charge accordingly. I have never tried the vinyl remover tool, the one that fits on a drill, because I think they are mainly for thin stripes and smallish letters.
Love….Jill -
you have no idea how much this vinyl is stuck on. Its no ordinary removal.
I have a diffrent type of caramel disk. I didnot find it that effective. Maybe the other one will be better. I have located the southafrican supplier. I have also found that 3m has a chemical and there is another chemical called. Xxl-1000 trying find the south African supplier. Maybe the steamer will work I’ll try that in the mean time -
3M do a graphic remover which you apply with a brush and it eats into the vinyl and makes it kind of rubbery.
I’m not sure it will work on old, cracked vinyl though.
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I have used the 3M spray adhesive remover.
It was $16.99 a can, made a HUGE mess, and didn’t do diddly-squat.
Seriously, try to find Rapid Remover, it’s great stuff:
http://www.rapidtac.com/products/remover.html
The maker ships free samples and really stands behind his product.
If you can’t find that, go to an auto parts store and ask if they stock something called orange turpine. That will also work on the adhesive, and can be diluted as needed (I think with water)
I really think you need heat from a large lamp on a stand to gradually warm the surface.
Love….Jill -
I haven’t tried it yet my self but may be worth a try, they do have a UK distributor
http://www.westendproducts.com/vinyloff.htm
Good luck
David -
I have seen this but not used it, we use 3m file remover but has little effect on curtain side truck vinyl !!
if it does I will be getting some
any one know if it does
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