How To Remove Aging Vinyl Decals
Removing a vinyl sign can be a difficult process. Even though it can seem like the decal is permanently etched into your window, sunbaked, old decals can be removed with a little elbow grease and few good tricks.
New Decals
If you need to remove a vinyl decal that was installed in the last day, removal and repositioning should be fairly easy. The adhesive on vinyl decals generally takes 48-72 hours to completely stick, which leaves you plenty of time to make any absolutely-necessary changes to its position or angle. If the install was not a success or if you need to change windows, it is recommended to only try a re-install once. Since the sticker has not completely dried, you should be able gently pull the decal away from the window without needing any outside tools. The key word here is gently—don't tug or yank as this could tear the decal. If you cannot remove it, apply direct heat to the decal using a blow dryer or heat gun. This will loosen the adhesive so you can pull it off the window with damaging it.
Old Decals
It's nearly impossible to know how long a window sign has been stuck, especially when you are taking over window signs which you did not install. Printing companies use a variety of different vinyls and each one can have a different strength adhesive and installation specifications.
The most-successful way to remove a vinyl sticker is to apply direct heat with a blow dryer or heat gun. Older stickers will likely require more time and more-focused heat sources. This heat should eventually be enough to loosen the bond and let you pull off the sign with a little force. Using heat will also help reduce the amount of adhesive residue that's left on the window.
If heat doesn't work, treat the decal with a common household solution of alcohol and water. The mixture should be 2/3 alcohol and 1/3 water preferably in a spray bottle. Saturate the decal with the mixture. This will loosen the adhesive enough for you to pull up a corner. Gently pull the decal away from the window and continue saturating the sign with the alcohol mixture. If you still have difficulty removing the decal, use a razor blade, along with the mixture, to separate the adhesive from the window.
No matter what way works best for removing your vinyl decal, the most-important thing is to take your time and use caution throughout the process. Moving too quickly and trying to rip off the sign can result in more work and lots of leftover pieces on your window. Gently pulling the sign off will help you to remove it in one piece and leave little or no residue on the window. Once you remove the sign, you can clean the window with a standard glass cleaner and your window will be brand new.
New Decals
If you need to remove a vinyl decal that was installed in the last day, removal and repositioning should be fairly easy. The adhesive on vinyl decals generally takes 48-72 hours to completely stick, which leaves you plenty of time to make any absolutely-necessary changes to its position or angle. If the install was not a success or if you need to change windows, it is recommended to only try a re-install once. Since the sticker has not completely dried, you should be able gently pull the decal away from the window without needing any outside tools. The key word here is gently—don't tug or yank as this could tear the decal. If you cannot remove it, apply direct heat to the decal using a blow dryer or heat gun. This will loosen the adhesive so you can pull it off the window with damaging it.
Old Decals
It's nearly impossible to know how long a window sign has been stuck, especially when you are taking over window signs which you did not install. Printing companies use a variety of different vinyls and each one can have a different strength adhesive and installation specifications.
The most-successful way to remove a vinyl sticker is to apply direct heat with a blow dryer or heat gun. Older stickers will likely require more time and more-focused heat sources. This heat should eventually be enough to loosen the bond and let you pull off the sign with a little force. Using heat will also help reduce the amount of adhesive residue that's left on the window.
If heat doesn't work, treat the decal with a common household solution of alcohol and water. The mixture should be 2/3 alcohol and 1/3 water preferably in a spray bottle. Saturate the decal with the mixture. This will loosen the adhesive enough for you to pull up a corner. Gently pull the decal away from the window and continue saturating the sign with the alcohol mixture. If you still have difficulty removing the decal, use a razor blade, along with the mixture, to separate the adhesive from the window.
No matter what way works best for removing your vinyl decal, the most-important thing is to take your time and use caution throughout the process. Moving too quickly and trying to rip off the sign can result in more work and lots of leftover pieces on your window. Gently pulling the sign off will help you to remove it in one piece and leave little or no residue on the window. Once you remove the sign, you can clean the window with a standard glass cleaner and your window will be brand new.
