Home Forums Sign Making Discussions Vinyl Vinyl removing wheel tools – advice needed, please?

  • Vinyl removing wheel tools – advice needed, please?

    Posted by Adam Armstrong on 20 July 2015 at 10:30

    Hi Guys

    We are looking at quicker ways to remove vinyl graphics and wraps from vehicles.

    Currently we use the good old fashioned method of heat them up and peel them off but this is quite slow and can leave glue behind, which then needs to be removed with chemicals.

    We are interested in getting a vinyl removal tool like this one http://www.signgeer.com/product/mbx-kit-electric-270
    which is supposed to strip graphics easily. It is a rubber wheel powered by electric or a compressor which spins it at high speed and strips the vinyl away like a grinder.

    Has anyone used one of these and if so what was it like? Pros and Cons?
    It is quite expensive but if it speeds the process up then it is worth it in the long run!

    Thanks
    Adam

    Gordon Smithard replied 10 years ago 13 Members · 15 Replies
  • 15 Replies
  • Robert Lambie

    Member
    20 July 2015 at 10:37

    What are you planning on stripping?

  • Jon Marshall

    Member
    20 July 2015 at 10:43

    No good for removing wraps. You’d go through about 20 wheels.

  • Gary Barker

    Member
    20 July 2015 at 12:26

    I found the best tool for removing graphics

    an Apprentice and with out a knife

  • David Hammond

    Member
    20 July 2015 at 12:58

    We use those for removing small text etc. Works a treat.

    We just stick it in our cordless power drill, or power drill.

  • Gary Birch

    Member
    21 July 2015 at 07:15

    As has been said, these are great for small text but no good for wraps. Be careful you don’t let the area you are removing from over get too hot though as it will leave an embarrassing scorch mark

  • Jean Oakley

    Member
    21 July 2015 at 19:48

    Yes score marks are easily made and if using a compressed your hands will be freezing after an hour . We use when taking off reflective vinyls but anything else old fashioned heat and fingernails. Got to be the worst job ever hate it

  • Adam Armstrong

    Member
    22 July 2015 at 07:54

    Thanks for all the help guys

  • Phill Fenton

    Member
    22 July 2015 at 08:07

    You really can’t beat heat for removing old vinyl from a vehicle. Wall paper strippers are best rather than a hot air gun or hair drier

    examples of wall paper strippers

  • Daniel Taylor

    Member
    23 September 2015 at 08:35

    Okay I’ve just took a job on to remove old decals that have been on for two years … I quoted £60 and I now feel that I’ve shot myself in the foot haha! Is that around the right price?

  • Gary Barker

    Member
    23 September 2015 at 08:38

    time your self then you will know,

  • David Rogers

    Member
    23 September 2015 at 09:11

    I quote by the hour. £30 – 50 an hour depending on how I feel / how busy I am.

    If they ask how long peel off a couple of sample letters to make sure they come off clean then estimate.

    If they freak out and say "that’s more than I paid to put them on" they can do it themselves…it’s a crap job and there’s easier way to make money.

    When they come back with a van covered in glue and scratches and a look of utter defeat from spending 8 hours on it…they’ll think giving you £100 to strip it wasn’t that bad a deal as you’ll further disappoint them by adding on a few quid to clean up the crap they left.

    Finger nails & a heat gun…following up with IPA to get of any spot of glue…and the least skilled member of staff to ‘build character’ – gotta maximise profits!

  • Richard James Martin

    Member
    23 September 2015 at 20:14

    How good is IPA compared to say rapid remover ?(citrusy glue remover from APS)

  • Chris Windebank

    Member
    24 September 2015 at 10:54

    personal preference, I prefer rapid remover followed up by IPA

  • David Rogers

    Member
    24 September 2015 at 11:07

    Rapid remover = orange scented petrol 🙂

  • Gordon Smithard

    Member
    25 September 2015 at 20:24

    Kettle of hot water, followed by white spirit and old credit card for the adhesive. Works for me every time.

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