Signage Removal. How to remove from vehicle (selling) or recommendations of who can remove.

[Deactivated] on 31/07/2019 - 12:06

Just wondering about this matter. I'm quite time starved and am trying to figure out how to remove signage from old vehicle in order to create better saleability potential. I've heard about the 'heat gun' way and might have to consider this method. Of course it being winter will take longer and assumedly cost more in electricity usage with respect to heating up the adhesive enough to allow said removal. There are 3 medium/large 'panels' of signage on the van (rear and sides) and some other/random individual letters/wording. Would consider paying someone if they had a good idea of what they were doing and didn't charge too much.
I did speak to someone who suggested just 'painting' over it, but I wouldn't expect the result would impress. Mind you, what lies underneath the current signage could come as a surprise in itself. I know for a fact that there was some signage on it beforehand but don't know if the people who installed the new signage removed it or were… meticulous about it. I'd imagine not…

Would really appreciate hearing from anyone on this as time is also an issue. TIA.

Automotive

Comments

  • HighAndDry on 31/07/2019 - 12:09

    You might want to post some photos so people can see what kind of signage it is and how it's been attached to the van.

    • [Deactivated] on 31/07/2019 - 12:12

      Great suggesting HD' and I really do appreciate it but would rather keep a somewhat lower profile.
      But again, cheers/thanks very much.

  • Euphemistic on 31/07/2019 - 12:12
    +3

    assuming it’s a vinyl sign, heat gun is fairly effective. Depending on how much there is and how old it could take quite a while to get off and clean enough. Fresh vinyl that isn’t sun damaged will peel off fairly quickly in big sheets, older brittle vinyl will break into tiny pieces and not be fun at all. Then there is he adhesive residue that may remain. Eucalyptus oil works to remove that, but could cause a koala infestation.

    • [Deactivated] on 31/07/2019 - 12:15

      Yes, I did wonder about the age and condition of the 'sticker' or vinyl as I guess it is more appropriately called.
      It's only been on for about 2-3 years so hoping it won't be so 'flaky'. Like the Eucalyptus oil idea… but might be a bit costly?
      Guess it could be used very selectively/sparingly.

      Cheers.

      • Euphemistic on 31/07/2019 - 12:34

        The eucalyptus oil goes a long way, only use it on the adhesive that remains after the vinyl is gone. A small bottle from tour favourite supermarket cleaning aisle should suffice. Dab some on a cloth and rub it into the adhesive.

        But, with a bit of luck you can get away with mostly just heating.

        • [Deactivated] on 31/07/2019 - 16:53

          Thanks again, very helpful advice.

  • brad1-8tsi on 31/07/2019 - 12:23

    A place that tints windows should be able to do it… or a place that does vehicle signs or car wraps.

    They would use bank of heat lamps to heat the panel as a whole and the heat gun as an area specific heat source.

    Edit: If u still wish to DIY when some of those 250w halogen workshop lights from bunnings should be OK. Return in original packaging after use for a refund…

    • [Deactivated] on 31/07/2019 - 16:56

      Cheers brad. Some interesting and creative ideas there!

  • Austaurean on 31/07/2019 - 12:31
    +3

    I was in the new car game quite some time ago and we would put signage on some demonstrators.

    The issue is also the varience in paint after its removed, particularly when the car is dewey or wet, there is always a shadow outline of what was there.

    These vehicles may have had signage for upto 4 to 6 months, even less, so after a couple of years you may find the varience more dramatic.

    • [Deactivated] on 31/07/2019 - 12:33

      Fair point and one to keep well in mind where post removal of signage expectations are concerned.

      Cheers.

      • Euphemistic on 31/07/2019 - 12:35
        +2

        It will depend on the colour of the vehicle a bit too. You’ll probably find the paint under the stickers is in better condition than the rest. A good cut and polish might hide it a bit.

        • [Deactivated] on 31/07/2019 - 12:37

          Yes I see your point, glad you added that. Could come in handy if only to help reduce the contrast.

  • bobbified on 31/07/2019 - 12:36
    +15

    Of course it being winter will take longer and assumedly cost more in electricity usage with respect to heating up the adhesive enough to allow said removal

    Seriously… you're going to worry about the cost of electricity? Don't forget to factor in the cost of the wear and tear on the heat gun too! LOL!

  • [Deactivated] on 31/07/2019 - 12:45
    +2

    Cheers Bobb' lol :O] :O] :O]

    (Probably should have mentioned that I'm on quite a low income thus my addiction to OzBargain!)

  • hikaru78 on 31/07/2019 - 13:27
    +2

    lets put in perspective for you a heat gun might be 2400w
    say you use it for 3 hours total (I am being very generous)
    your looking at 8 KWH
    Even at a very high rate, you are looking at $2 - $3 dollars.

    Low income or not you need to understand the return on investment

    pretty sure removal of said signage is going to add more than $20 to the price (I've budgeted for the eucalytus oil too)

    • [Deactivated] on 31/07/2019 - 16:51

      Cheers for that hikaru. I never really broke it down to cost of electricity, just making assumptions to some degree I must admit. Yes, cost to have removed will surely cost much more even if I need to obtain a heat gun/hair dryer, solvents etc.

  • suchan on 31/07/2019 - 13:45
    +1

    Try using WD-40 maybe? I haven't tried it myself but was told that if you've got something like bumper stickers or anything else sticking to your car.

    • [Deactivated] on 31/07/2019 - 16:52

      The suggestion does have merit for sure suwandy'. Thanks.

  • altomic on 31/07/2019 - 14:09
    +6

    Of course it being winter will take longer and assumedly cost more in electricity usage with respect to heating up the adhesive enough to allow said removal

    wait for a sunny day and use a magnifying glass.

    • [Deactivated] on 31/07/2019 - 16:58

      Got a good laugh out of that alt'. Cheers.

  • MITM on 31/07/2019 - 15:35
    +3

    Depending on the age, it's going to be easy to remove the vinyl in large pieces or it's going to be brittle and shatter if it's cheap vinyl.
    You're only going to know if your try it out by peeling off a portion somewhere.
    You could use a hairdryer and work in the sunshine if you don't have a heatgun - all you're trying to do is liquify the adhesive.
    You'll be able to remove any residue with turps which will make the adhesive go jelly like. You'll need plenty of rags or old towels to remove the jelly.
    You can then clean up the vehicle with methylated spirits.
    After that you will need to use cutting compound and an electric buffer to get back to the original paint layer. Finish off with car wax and it will look like a million dollars.

    Now if the vinyl goes brittle and shatters there is a gel like substance similar to paint stripper but not as harsh called Goo-off or gunk-off or something. So you'll plaster this stuff all over the vinyl and it will blister to the point you can scrape it off with a plastic non-scratch scrapper.
    Then continue with the turps etc as stated above.

    • [Deactivated] on 31/07/2019 - 16:48

      Hey thats great advice and straight to the point.
      Really appreciate it MITM. Many thanks.

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