A vinyl wrap can do wonders for the look of your vehicle, but after years on the road, it'll eventually need to come off. And at that point, it's only right to have questions! You want to know how much van or car wrap removal services cost, how long the process takes, and if there could be problems along the way. You might even wonder if it’s worth removing the vinyl wrap yourself.
This guide answers these questions in detail, so you know just what to expect when you come to us for a rewrap.
Can you unwrap my vehicle?
Quite possibly! If you come to us for a new wrap, we’ll always take the old vinyl off and prepare the surface thoroughly.
If you only want your wrap removed, essentially restoring your vehicle to its original look, then we recommend speaking to the company that wrapped it for you. They’ll have a record of the date, the materials used, and the condition of the underlying bodywork. Armed with this information, they should have no trouble at all removing the vinyl wrap on your behalf.
If we wrapped your vehicle in the first place, or if you’d like us to unwrap your car or van as part of a new wrapping project, then we’ll be happy to help.
Does removing a vehicle wrap damage the paint?
Damage can happen, but it’s rare. If your vehicle was old, damaged, or underwent repairs before it was wrapped, then there’s a small chance there’ll be problems when the wrap’s removed. This happens when the vinyl adhesive forms a better bond with the paint than the paint does with the layers below. The risk rises if your existing wrap’s been on for longer than the 5 years intended.
In most cases, the worst you can expect is some adhesive left over. We can clean this away as part of our car wrap removal services, leaving your vehicle clean and ready for wrapping.
How long does it take to remove a car or van wrap?
It usually takes 2-3 days to unwrap a car or van. This gives us time to remove the wrap carefully, then jet wash your vehicle clean. Rushing this process isn’t recommended, and you should be wary of anyone who says they can do it quicker than this – they may be cutting corners.
Wondering how long it’ll then take to wrap your vehicle? Get all the info here: How long does vehicle wrapping take?
How to remove a vehicle wrap | Our Process
Removing a van or car wrap takes patience, the right equipment, and an environment where you can get the best results.
Step 1: Removing the car wrap with a heat gun
Heating the vinyl to above room temperature softens the adhesive and loosens its grip on the bodywork. We first heat a corner of the wrap as a starting point and gradually move the heat along the wrap, just ahead of the vinyl we’re pulling off.
Step 2: A consistent motion
It’s important not to be too aggressive or yank pieces off. Instead, our experts continue to use the heat gun while pulling the vinyl off in large sections. It’s all about a consistent speed to avoid tearing and moving the gun to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Step 3: Taking off the adhesive residue
In some cases, there may be some glue left on the bodywork. We’ll use a special chemical to get this off, which is sprayed directly to the affected area and then rubbed away.
Step 4: Cleaning your vehicle
Finally, we’ll jet wash the bodywork as part of our van and wrap removal service. Once fully dried, we’ll then prepare your vehicle for the replacement wrap. If you’re not getting a rewrap, we recommend asking a valeting or detailing company to wax and polish it for you. Your vehicle will then be back to showroom standard!
How much does it cost to unwrap a car or van?
It costs around £500 to unwrap a small car, £700 to unwrap a medium car, and £900 to unwrap a van.
These are approximate figures, and we can’t give an exact price until we discuss your project. Van and car wrap removal costs depend on the size of your vehicle, the material used, and how long ago the wrap was applied. The longer it’s been on, the harder it'll be to remove.
It can also depend on the wrap’s complexity. If mirrors and handles had to come off during the installation, then we’ll need to take these off again so we can access the vinyl. Rest assured, we’ll always be clear and transparent about pricing!
Can I unwrap my car myself?
You’ll need access to a heat gun and know how to use it safely, without damaging the paintwork. Removing a vinyl wrap takes time, so you’ll need patience, enough space to complete the work and be ready to tackle any adhesive leftover.
If you’ve said yes to the above, then you’re in great shape to do it yourself and probably won’t need car wrap removal services. Feel free to get unwrapping!
Have a rewrapping project you’d like to discuss?
Whether you want a bespoke car wrap that makes a big statement, or to fully brand a commercial vehicle, Raccoon has you covered. We treat every vehicle with the same high level of care and always remove the existing vinyl as part of a new wrap project.
Click the appropriate link below to get a quote for your new wrap, and get in touch for a full breakdown of pricing, including how much it'll cost to remove your existing wrap.
