How To Remove Car Wraps Without Damaging Your Vehicle

Every vehicle wrap or graphic has to come off eventually, and when that time comes, Baltimore Signs and Graphics can get the job done fast, with no risk of adhesive residue or damage to your paint job.

Read on to learn more about how we go about removing car wraps the right way, or call (410)-877-6011 to speak directly with a car wrap specialist in Baltimore, MD.

Beginner’s Guide To Car Wrap Removal In Baltimore, MD

When Should I Remove My Car Wrap?

Most car wraps are designed to last for 5 to 7 years. However, product lifespan depends on a number of variables, including:

• Storage
• Maintenance
• Local weather
• Vinyl quality

But time is not the only factor to consider. Because people use your signs to make quality assumptions about your business, and car wraps generate so many views per day, it is generally recommended that you remove and replace them at the first sign of any damage, such as:

• Abrasions
• Lifted edges
• Weathering
• Faded colors
• Slits, holes, or rips

They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but if you need a second opinion, call (410)-877-6011—every consultation is free.

How Are Car Wraps Removed?

Car wrap removal is approached in one of two ways:

1. Heat-aided removal, which involves the use of heat guns to heat the adhesive for easy removal
2. Chemically-aided removal, which involves the use of solvents to break down the adhesive for easy removal

We offer both at our shop, which houses one of the largest climate-controlled car wrap facilities in Baltimore, MD, and we’ll dispose of your old wrap or graphic, too!

Can I Remove My Car Wrap Myself?

Some car wraps are suitable for DIY removal. In fact, some adhesives, labeled “ultra removable,” are specifically designed for customers to be able to remove them on their own. However, this style of wrap is not especially durable, making it suitable only for short-term applications.

In most cases, car wrap removals should be left to the pros. While car wraps are totally safe to be applied to any type of paint, damage is often caused as a result of improper removal tools and techniques.

Common mistakes that damage paint and bodywork include:

• Too much heat—Heat-assisted car wrap removals are common, but applying too much heat causes adhesives to delaminate, leaving hard-to-clean residue behind.
• Mechanical removal—Trying to use scrappers, abrasive wheels and particle blasting devices to remove your car wrap is a mistake that puts the underlying paint job and bodywork at risk. Only use these tools if you plan to repaint or refinish your vehicle after the car wrap removal.
• Improper choice of chemicals—Chemical-assisted car wrap removal involves the use of certain solvents to break down the adhesives, but the wrong choice of chemical could result in serious damage to your vehicle.
• Pulling at the wrong angle—Pulling car wraps off at the wrong angle can make the job much harder, leaving adhesive residue behind, tearing off vinyl in small pieces, and increasing the risk of damaging your vehicle with all that excess elbow grease. 3M recommends using a “high angle” for ultra-removable and remove-with-heat films, and a “low angle” for perforated window graphics and reflective films/sheetings. In either case, spread your fingers out as you pull to create even tension across the vinyl as you pull.

Get A Free Quote On Car Wrap Removal In Baltimore, MD

Call (410)-877-6011 or fill out our online contact form to request a callback from a car wrap specialist and get a free quote on your removal and/or graphic replacement!