How to remove old signwriting off your old van or vehicle.

Removing vinyl graphics from a van can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and approach, it can be done fairly quickly and effectively. The process involves heating the vinyl graphics with a hair dryer, ( heat guns may be a little fierce and cause paint damage in the wrong hands) and then gently lifting the corner with a plastic scraper and then peeling them back.

1. When removing the lettering, it is important to make sure the vinyl is not too hot, as it will stretch and tear if it is.
But also remember that if it's too cold, it will snap... a lot! By the time you've finished, you should be quite good at it.
It may take some time to remove all of the graphics, but with patience, you should be able to get the job completed without too much weeping or bleeding fingertips.

2. After removing the graphics, there may be residual glue or ghosting left behind. If there is residual glue, it can be removed with a cloth and tar and glue remover or white spirit, depending on the type of vinyl, sometimes meths is better.
If the graphics have been on the van for an extended period of time, there may be ghosting caused by oxidation of the paint, where the uncovered paintwork appears to have a different colour than the protected paintwork. In this case, a compound like T-cut can help.
Give the van a good soapy wash afterwards to clean off any light smears.

3. If you do not have the time or tools to remove the graphics yourself, you can take your van to a car valeter or specialist car wash, but this will come at a cost, depending on where you live.
Removing the old sign work may help you get a better price if you are selling it, but please note if the van paintwork is a bit rough and ready, the old sign writing will distract from a potential buyer looking too closely at it. But that never come from me!


Ps Do not use a chisel to remove old signage ( yes I have seen this ) Secondly do not use sandpaper to remove the glue residue. And yes I have seen that too!