Problems removing vinyl

[Stacey K]

I'm removing a wrap from a 8'x24' trailer. Relatively smooth sailing, however, there are some areas where the adhesive didn't want to come off - or I slipped a little and pulled the vinyl off where there wasn't enough heat. OK, I figured move on and go back with adhesive remover. I took a little break and went back to remove the adhesive and it seems like the finish is off too? How can this happen if the adhesive is still on? Or am I not going slow enough with my heat gun and ruining the finish? Posted a pic, those particles are from my rag. Now what do I do?

 

[ddarlak]

so is the glue still on or is it completely removed? i can't tell from your pic

 

[rjssigns]

Trailer panels have the absolute bare minimum paint or powdercoat on them. Nature of the beast to have some of it lift here and there. If you're installing a new graphic clean and paint the area. If the new graphic doesn't cover the damaged area you will never get it to match.

Above information comes from clients that own a tractor/trailer shop that does repair and wraps.

 

[Texas_Signmaker]

Trailers are the worst at removing graphics. You know now and warn your customers beforehand.

 

[Stacey K]

ddarlk: It feels sticky but when I remove the adhesive it's still dark. I'm guessing the finish is coming off in areas.
rjayssigns: Yes, I can see there is a bare minimum finish. He has no use for the trailer so he's selling it once the graphics are removed.
Texas: I've not had many issues if they are painted a color but since this is a metal finish, there's very little finish.
Not much I can do except go slowly and make sure it's heated before I pull it off, at least that's what I've figured out thus far.
Thanks all!

 

[Stacey K]

BTW - these graphics have been on for about 12+ years so it's not like they are fresh and pretty anymore lol

 

[2B]

have you tried a "zapper" wheel?

 

[Stacey K]

have you tried a "zapper" wheel?

I do have one and am going to try it today on one spot to see what happens. What I found was if I heated the adhesive and rubbed it off it didn't seem to take off the finish but if I use my remover chemical it took the finish off with the adhesive. I'm a little afraid to try the wheel but I'll try it on a small spot near the bottom of the trailer. Thank you!

 

[Jester1167]

It doesn't take much to remove the finish on old trailers. Adhesive removers seem to soak in and soften the thin layer of paint and when you come back and clean it with alcohol the paint wipes right off.

 

[Stacey K]

Curious how many hours would people expect this project to take? 8' x 24' two sides, no back or front, full wrap on both sides. I have everything off except one door - the door is a nightmare, I will have to use my zapper wheel to remove about half of the vinyl on the door.