How can I remove this? Weathered Alumalite Wrap

[TheSnowman]

I sold this guy a sign probably a year or two ago, and I left the material covering on the back of it. Now he wants something on the back, and I quoted the job w/o looking at the back of the sign. Is there anyway I can do something other than sit here picking at this thing for a day to get this off of here? Some chemical?

 

[J Hill Designs]

boy that sure doesnt look fun

 

[Jester1167]

Been there done that. Thought I was protecting the back for future use, NOT. The UV degrades that thin plastic. In the end we just used a new blank. It seemed cheaper than time it would take to remove it.

 

[TheSnowman]

Yea, lesson learned. I've got 20 mins in it and MAYBE have 1/3 of it done. I'm ripping that stuff off from now on. A little "weathered" look would be fine in comparison to this.

 

[Mr. Sign Pro]

try laminating high tack app tape (maybe even laminate) on top of the wrap and then try and rip it off?

 

[TheSnowman]

I can tell you this...Alcohol and Adhesive Remover does NOTHING. And I tried the laminate thing, no success there either.

 

[FS-Keith]

try laminating high tack app tape (maybe even laminate) on top of the wrap and then try and rip it off?

this is what I would try, then take it as a lesson learned

 

[JTBoh]

Is there anyway I can do something other than sit here picking at this thing? Some chemical?

I think this applies.

 

[TheSnowman]

Here's what ya do. You call the customer and tell them that they can pay you for 3-4 hours of removal, or that since you already quoted it, you'll lose a few bucks on a sheet of PVC and sell them that for a few bucks more than what you quoted the job for. He took the bait, and I lost less money than just having no other alternative.

LEARN FROM MY MISTAKE! ALWAYS REMOVE BOTH SIDES!

 

[splizaat]

3-4 hours of removal?? You said you spend 20minutes on it and had it 1/3 done. That's only an hour of removal...

The high-tac then rip-off idea was brilliant tho. I Deliver signs on alumalite all the time with the backing on and let the customer tear off so it doesn't get scratched in transit....until this thread. THings are gonna change around here! hahaha never again. I'll tear backing off when it's delivered from now on! thank you!

 

[showcase 66]

Someone once told me to use spray adhesive on the backing and on the back of backing paper from another job. then let it sit for about an hour. Never tried it. I was too scared that it would be worse to get off if I did that.

 

[TheSnowman]

3-4 hours of removal?? You said you spend 20minutes on it and had it 1/3 done. That's only an hour of removal...

In a perfect world, yes, but then the whole thing towards the middle turned into 1/2" pieces that were baked on...the other 2/3 is RIDICULES.

 

[splizaat]

Why not just razorblade it off and cover it with a sheet of black 751 to cover scratches? I suppose it's too late now lol

 

[TheSnowman]

I'd rather give away a cheap sheet of PVC than go to all that bother. If it was a print, then yes, but it's cut vinyl.

 

[ChicagoGraphics]

One match and some gas would do the trick.....

 

[petesign]

We had the same issue not too long ago. Sign had been on a building a long ime, and they wanted us to use the back instead of buying new aluminum. After cussing it for an hour and scratching it all up, i decided it was just easier to replace it. Now when people say they want me to use the back of a substrate, my quotes are contingent on being able to use it, and they know in advance.

 

[Spud Murphy]

Pour lacquer thinner on it and it should bubble up and scrape off easily with a plastic squeegee.

 

[Spud Murphy]

Is that big hole in the left bottom corner part of the graphic...or did you lose your temper already?

 

[Speedsterbeast]

I always take the backing off. How else would I put my logo decal on the back so they know where to get the next one made.
-Or where to go for warranty work..... wait a minute....

 

[S'N'S]

Wonder if a MBX would take it off.
On another note, the sheets we get here have printed on the protective layer to remove said protective layer before installing.
I don't reuse any probond/coreflute signs, I quote them dearer to reuse than make a new one.

 

[TheSnowman]

I have an MBX, I wondered about that. I figured it'd do the trick, but then I'd have the mess that that thing leaves behind, and still not be much ahead, and have another $35 eraser to buy.