You have a hood decal but you're ready for a change! In this blog we walk through the simple process of removing a vinyl hood decal.
Tools Needed*
plastic razor scraper - Or other non-abrasive scraping tool like a credit card
heat gun - If you are working where it is warm this is not necessary, your objective is to heat the adhesive for removal
Rapid Remover - May not be necessary, however if you have leftover residue then we suggest a car-safe product like Rapid Remover
microfiber cloth
Some Things To Consider Before You Get Started
When it comes to installing and removing vinyl, the climate is very important. During installation we suggest avoiding extreme temperatures (nothing below 60˚). It is also imperative that the installation is not attempted on a hot surface or in direct sunlight. HOWEVER because we are removing the decal it can be helpful to do this in a warmer space, especially in direct sunlight. The warmer the climate the less you will be fighting the decal.
To ensure a smooth clean finish on your car after removal you can use our Universal Debadge and Clay Bar Kit. This is especially helpful if you plan on installing another vinyl kit as leftover residue or adhesive can create issues during the installation process.
Step 4: Remove Latent Adhesive
Finally, spray the hood with Rapid Remover and wipe down with the microfiber cloth.
If you want to ensure you have a clean car, or if you are planning on installing another decal on the same area, then use our Clay Bar Kit to get a spotless (and adhesive-free) finish.
Step 1: Grab the Heat Gun
Pick a section of the decal and begin to heat that section with the heat gun*. You are trying to warm up the adhesive on the back of the decal so that it will be easier to peel off.
*Your objective with the heat gun is to warm up the vinyl adhesive to make it easier to remove. If the vinyl is breaking and tearing after you heat it then you are overheating your workspace.
Step 2: Scrape the Decal
While you are heating a section, use your scraping tool and your fingers to begin to pick and peel at the edge of the decal.
Step 3: Remove the Decal
Now that your decal is heated and you have lifted some edges you can begin to pull up and peel the decal up from the car.
Using heat as you go, pull the decal up slowly at a 45° angle.
Step 4: Remove Latent Adhesive
Finally, spray the hood with Rapid Remover and wipe down with the microfiber cloth.
If you want to ensure you have a clean car, or if you are planning on installing another decal on the same area, then use our Clay Bar Kit to get a spotless (and adhesive-free) finish.
Step 1: Grab the Heat Gun
Pick a section of the decal and begin to heat that section with the heat gun*. You are trying to warm up the adhesive on the back of the decal so that it will be easier to peel off.
*Your objective with the heat gun is to warm up the vinyl adhesive to make it easier to remove. If the vinyl is breaking and tearing after you heat it then you are overheating your workspace.
Ready For A New Decal?
Before installing a decal in the same spot you will need to ensure that you clean the space WELL with an alcohol solution. You do not want to have ANY Rapid Remove residue on your car if you are going to install a new decal.
The best way to ensure that you have removed all residue and other contaminates is by using a clay bar to clean the installation surface. Add a Clay Bar Kit to your next vinyl decal order and you'll be ready for a smooth installation!
Like what you saw?
Check out our hood bulge decals!
Or contact our custom department for a custom hood bulge decal!
Owning and operating a vinyl wrap shop regularly has me tinting lenses of all kinds, shapes, and designs. It is a regular business activity. Luxe material immediately became my go-to from lens one. Light smoke, medium smoke, & dark smoke, in both gloss and stealth... It covers all the bases. The material is Top Shelf, 10 stars out of five. My clients are going to be very very happy, and I suspect that the failure rates that have been steadily increasing using a competitor's material... Well I suspect they will drop significantly now that I've made the switch. Thank you again to everybody at Luxe, definitely have to big up the guys and girls on the team and I look forward to doing business with you in the future. And thank you for the stickers! 🤜🤛
The kit arrived quickly and worked as advertised to make for quick work debadging my Challenger. And then 15 minutes later my Luxe decal was installed and looks great between the tailights.
I love the dark and holographic concept! I was planning to use it on my tail light but.. Its bit too dark. I did get the light one and im still going to use the dark one for a different purpose! Maybe putting it over some black trim and make other places on my car pop from the holographic.
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