Can You Remove Vinyl Graphics From A Van?

Is your company considering new ‘74’ number plate vehicles this September? Does your existing vehicle fleet need their vinyl wrap to be removed before selling? Would you like to have your new vehicles vinyl wrapped but are worried about its removal at a later date? Do you need an answer to the question ‘Can you remove vinyl graphics from a van?’ If so, you’ve come to the right place!! (Spoiler alert :The answer is yes!)

This guide will firstly walk you through the benefits and the process of vinyl wrapping your vehicle. We will then explain how this process is reversed if you need your vinyl graphics to be removed.

Lastly we will look at some notable British companies and industries that frequently use vinyl wrapping to their advantage on their vehicles.

Why Choose Vinyl Wrapping?

Vinyl wrapping has become a popular method for businesses and individuals looking to personalise their vehicles. Whether you want to advertise your brand, give your van a new look or protect the original paint, vinyl wrapping is an effective and versatile solution.

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of vinyl wrapping:

• Protects Vehicle Paint: The vinyl acts as a protective layer, preserving the vehicle’s original paintwork by shielding it from scratches, UV rays and minor abrasions as well as potentially increasing its resale value.

• Cost-Effective Customisation: Vinyl wraps offer endless possibilities for design. You can choose from a variety of colours, finishes (matte, gloss, satin), and even custom graphics. Compared to a full paint job, vinyl wrapping is often quicker and more affordable.

• Brand Visibility and Cost-Effective Advertising: Vinyl wraps turn vehicles into mobile billboards, increasing brand exposure and recognition. Compared to other forms of advertising, vinyl wraps offer long-term visibility at a relatively low cost.

• Professional Appearance: Branded vehicles present a uniform and professional look, which can enhance a company’s image.

• Reversibility: Unlike paint, vinyl wraps can be removed if you want to revert to the original look or apply a new design. Companies can easily update their branding or promotional messages by changing the vinyl wrap, without the need for a new paint job.

The Vinyl Wrapping Process

So you’ve decided you want to vinyl wrap your vehicle! What does that actually involve?

1. Planning and Design
   • If you’re wrapping for business purposes, consider your branding elements, such as logos, slogans and contact information. Here at Signwrite Studios, we can help you to create the wrap design. This will include the colour scheme, graphics and layout. We offer creative possibilities from simple vinyl graphics, detailing and partial wraps through to fully wrapped – both stock colours and bespoke digital prints. You can be assured that the design will fit the dimensions of your van precisely.

2. Choosing the Right Vinyl
   • We only use high-quality, commercial grade vinyl from reputable brands  such as 3M, Arlon, Avery Dennison & Metamark. High-quality vinyl lasts longer and is more durable.
   • Decide on the type of finish you want (gloss, matte, satin, chrome etc.) Each finish has a different aesthetic and maintenance requirement.

3. Preparation
   • We ask for vehicles to come in clean and we will then prepare the surfaces with some final clean preparation fluids. Please see our T&Cs.
   • To prepare the surface, the van is dried completely and we ensure there are no residues left.
   • Any removable parts like mirrors, handles, and trim pieces are removed to give a more intricate finish to the wrapping process.

4. Application
   • Each section of the van panels is measured and the vinyl prepared accordingly. With full wraps, we try to accommodate in as few sections as possible, to create a seamless finish.
   • The vinyl is positioned on the van and secured with magnets or masking tape. This helps to get the placement right before adhering.
   • The backing paper is peeled off and our expert team starts applying the vinyl. We use a squeegee to press the vinyl onto the surface, working from the centre outwards to avoid air bubbles.
   • A heat gun is used to stretch the vinyl over curves and contours. The heat makes the vinyl more pliable and helps it conform to the shape of the van.
   • The excess vinyl is trimmed with knifeless tape  and we manoeuvre the vinyl to conceal edges.
   • Any vehicle parts we removed are then reassembled and the wrap inspected for any imperfections. It’s important sufficient time is given for the vinyl to fully cure (adhere) before final aftercare checks are completed. Subject to the conditions and how soon the van is released from us it may take a minimum of 72 hours for the vinyl to settle (bubbles smooth out).

5. Curing
   • After applying the vinyl, we use a heat gun to post-heat the entire surface. This ensures the vinyl adheres properly and increases its durability.
   • The vinyl is allowed to rest and cure for at least 24 hours before exposing it to harsh conditions.

Can You Remove Vinyl Graphics from a Van?

This is an important consideration when deciding whether to vinyl-wrap your vehicles and the answer is yes, you can absolutely remove vinyl graphics from a van! Here’s how we do it:

1. Preparation
   • We thoroughly wash the area to remove any dirt or debris that could scratch the paint during removal.

2. Heating the Vinyl
   • A heat gun is used to warm up the vinyl. The heat softens the adhesive, making it easier to peel off.

3. Peeling the Vinyl
   • Beginning at a corner, a special tool is used to lift the edge of the vinyl which is then slowly and steadily peeled back at a 45-degree angle. Applying consistent, gentle pressure helps to avoid leaving adhesive residue behind.

4. Removing Adhesive Residue
   • If adhesive residue remains, we use isopropyl alcohol to remove it. After all the adhesive has been successfully removed, the area is thoroughly cleaned again to eliminate any remaining residue.

5. Final Inspection
   • Our team will inspect the surface for any damage. The use of high quality vinyl, avoiding the use of blades and using trained vinyl applicators, helps to  minimise the risk of paint damage.

Vinyl Wrapping – Examples

Vinyl wrapping has become a popular choice for vehicle customisation and advertising among many British companies. It provides them with a versatile and cost-effective method for branding and promoting their services whilst offering paintwork protection too. Signwrite Studios has worked regularly with a variety of companies including Source Supplies, Crystal Air Conditioning, Champion Group, RS Refrigeration, Runnymede HVAC, Turf Machinery, SG Allison and many more!

Let’s take a look at a range of well-known businesses across the UK who leverage the benefits of vinyl wrapping to enhance their brand presence and reach a broader audience:

British Gas, one of the UK’s largest energy suppliers, uses vinyl wraps extensively on their fleet of vans. Their vehicles are instantly recognisable by their bright blue colour and the British Gas logo, making them stand out on the road and providing mobile advertising.

Royal Mail, the UK’s national postal service, utilises vinyl wrapping to maintain its iconic red fleet. The wraps ensure a uniform appearance across all vehicles and allow for easy updates and maintenance of the branding.

Tesco, one of the UK’s largest supermarket chains, uses vinyl wraps on their delivery vans. The wraps often feature vibrant images of fresh produce and the Tesco logo, reinforcing their brand presence and advertising their home delivery service.

Amazon’s delivery vans in the UK are often wrapped with the Amazon logo and branding elements. This not only promotes the brand but also ensures that their delivery vehicles are easily identifiable.

DHL, a global logistics company, uses vinyl wraps on their fleet in the UK. The distinctive yellow and red branding is immediately noticeable, helping to maintain their brand image and visibility.

Stagecoach, one of the largest bus operators in the UK, uses vinyl wraps on their buses for branding and advertising. These wraps often include promotional messages and local advertisements.

Vehicle Vinyl Wrapping  – In Summary

Vinyl wrapping is a fantastic way to customise and protect your van, whilst promoting your brand. Whether you’re a business owner looking to advertise or an individual wanting a fresh look for your vehicle, vinyl wrapping and graphics is a versatile and practical choice.

The process, from design to application, requires careful planning and precision but offers impressive results. Here at Signwrite Studios, we can assist you every step of the way. Likewise if you are looking to change designs or return to the original look of your van, we can safely and effectively remove your existing vinyl graphics.

If you have any questions about the application -or removal- of vinyl graphics, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today with our expert team at Signwrite Studios!

For more information on Can You Remove Vinyl Graphics From A Van? talk to Signwrite Studios Ltd