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Why do I have adhesive
left after removal?
1. Typically,
noticeable adhesive residue
is a result of VINYL OFF 104
being too aggressive. This
can be caused by three
different things: 1) too
much heat. Ideal working
temperature for this product
in most cases is comfortably
warm to your touch typically
above 80ºF/28C. 2) Being
left too long on the surface
or 3) too much being used.
Some crews have reportedly
re-applied VINYL OFF 104
prior to pulling to try and
make the job that much
easier. This is not a “more
is better” product! It has a
specifically engineered
balance for optimum results.
2. A layer of non-vinyl in
the film has kept VINYL OFF
104 from getting to the
adhesive layer. VINYL OFF
104 will help to get the top
layer removed, but the
second step of removing the
adhesive will need to be
addressed with an adhesive
remover like our
Adhesive-Off.
Why is the vinyl so soft?
1. This is usually
caused by a combination of
overheat and very thin
vinyl. Apply and pull
immediately rather than
waiting. In really hot
conditions, you may cool the
surface (and your crew) with
water and allow to dry prior
to application.
2. There may be a metal
layer in the vinyl that is
turning the product back and
concentrating all its power
in the top layer. VINYL OFF
104 may not be the correct
choice for this application.
I applied as the
directions said and nothing
seems to be happening, why?
1. VINYL OFF 104 is designed
to penetrate the vinyl and
weaken the adhesive. If the
product is doing its job the
changes are usually not
visible without a lot of
magnification. There may be
exceptions including when
the vinyl bridges a gap such
as around rivets. If you are
testing VINYL OFF 104 for a
new application, we
recommend that you use your
normal removal technique
with and without to see the
difference.
2. Some older graphics,
reflective graphics and
conspicuity may have been
produced with a polyester
“protective” lamination or a
layer of metal within the
film. VINYL-OFF 104 is
intended to penetrate vinyl
decals and may not be
effective on other
materials.
3. In these cases sometimes
it may be useful to “rough”
up the graphics’ surface
with sandpaper before
applying VINYL OFF 104
4. Some “problem” adhesives
require special application
methods. Please call
CrystalTek™
technical support if you
think you have run into one
of these. We can advise
methods to try that differ
in timing or method from the
generally successful
directions on the label.
The surface is too cold.
What should I do?
Best results are
achieved when the surface
temperature is above
55ºF/13C at time of
application. Let stand a
little longer before
removing in cooler
environments. Vinyl decals
remove easiest when warm,
typically above 80ºF/28C+.
When a
temperature-controlled
facility is not an option,
try turning the working
surface to face the sun, use
heat lamps, heat gun or
propane. Whatever your
preferred method VINYL OFF
104 will make the job
easier, faster, cleaner and
safer. Remember, too cold
and the vinyl will take
longer to remove. Too hot
may leave significant
adhesive residue requiring
additional clean up time and
reduced productivity.
VINYL-OFF 104 affected
the paint. Why?
VINYL OFF 104 will
not harm properly catalyzed
automotive paint, but always
TEST-TEST-TEST on an
inconspicuous area before
application. There are many
paint choices at the point
of manufacture and again
during aftermarket repairs.
We recommend that you wipe
or roller apply only to the
vinyl intended for removal.
If the product is running
off its intended surface
then too much is being
applied! A little VINYL OFF
104 goes a long way, so if
it runs use less!
1.Occasionally temporary
softening has been reported
mostly on recently painted
equipment and aged surfaces
with heavy oxidation.
Painted surfaces returned to
their previous condition
when VINYL OFF 104
evaporated or was gently
rinsed with water or both.
2. Some non-primed,
non-catalyzed paint may be
seriously affected by this
product. e.g. Do not use
this on Aluma-Lite Signs
unless you pretest or want
the paint removed as well.
Properly catalyzed paint is
generally not affected.
3. Paint that was not
correctly cured prior to
graphics being applied
(common in aftermarket
repair work) is going to be
an issue no matter what the
method of vinyl removal.
Is there a recommended
way to remove really large
graphics?
Yes. Fine nap roller,
apply to a few strips at a
time (usually 2-4 feet
wide). Allow to penetrate,
score only the next strip
then pull. Alternate
applying more VINYL OFF 104
with scoring and pulling so
that you are not waiting for
product to penetrate as you
remove. If you score prior
or during dwell time, the
product may be too
aggressive in the scores and
leave strips of adhesive.
What about reflective?
It depends (don’t you
love an answer like that?)
Some reflective is made with
metal flakes. VINYL OFF 104
is effective in removing
these, as it can migrate
around the metal and still
get to the adhesive backing.
If the reflective has a
solid metal layer in it,
Vinyl-Off may help in
removing the vinyl but will
leave the adhesive behind
for a two step removal.
Sometimes, the metal layer
is so close to the surface
that the total power of
VINYL OFF 104 is
concentrated on the ink
alone, causing it to melt
off the surface. When using
VINYL OFF 104 on a heavily
laminated or reflective
graphic, it can sometimes be
useful to “rough up” the
surface of the graphic with
sandpaper before applying
VINYL OFF 104. This will
allow VINYL OFF 104 to
penetrate through to the
adhesive much faster. A
different removal method is
recommended when this
occurs. |
