So like, this week I'm installing about 30 sq. of some prints on a pick-up truck bed. They're printed on a Mutoh and laminated. So when it is time to remove them, maybe 3 years, is the process the same a regular vinyl? I really like the control tac. It go on so nice. And the prints came out really clean looking. Not all dotted like the Gerber Edge. I subed out the prints.
Posted by Michael Boone (Member # 308) on :
removing controltac is the same be sure to apply controltac dry... 3M makes a removeable adhesive for next time
Posted by Checkers (Member # 63) on :
Hiya Alicia, You might get lucky and not need any tools. 3M makes several types of Controltac and the type of graphic that was originally installed will affect how easy it is removed. As Mike pointed out, there is a removable film, but there's also changable and permanent films too. Check out page 5 of this 3M warranty document. I've always used a heat gun or a torch to remove vinyl, but the latest thing I have yet to try is the wallaper steamer. Several others have commented on how well it works. So, I'll be purchasing one for the next project that requires a fair amount of vinyl removal.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
Posted by Dennis Raap (Member # 3632) on :
Alicia, if you have any deep body lines to wrap over be sure to use an adhesion promoter. We had trouble with the vinyl lifting on a Sprinter van , the promoter fixed the problem.
Posted by Alicia B. Jennings (Member # 1272) on :
Adhision promoter? What the heck? I washed the truck bed with soap and water, then towel dryed it, then wiped it all down with Rapid Tack cleaner stuff.
Posted by Chuck Peterson (Member # 70) on :
Alicia, I was told by someone at 3M that Controltac will not leave any adhesive residue when removed. For that reason I have used it a lot on mall directories where I didn't know how long it would be up but knew it would be removed at some point. I poured hot water on it and peeled. The aggresiveness of the tac seemed about the same as regular but saved the work of cleaning residue. Some of the "removable" vinyls were not easily removable after being in the sun awhile.
Posted by Mike Clayton (Member # 723) on :
Hi Alicia,
We used to use a product called "Pro-Prep".
It comes in a small bottle and is applied, then removed, like wax, before you apply vinyl. They used to advertise in Signcraft, but i'm not sure where to buy it now.
After applying the Pro-Prep and the vinyl, i have removed vinyl after 5 years with no problems.
MC
Posted by Jack Bass (Member # 6695) on :
adhesive promoter: 3m Primer 94. Yout paint it on groves and insents with a cheap brush, or twirled up paper towel, if you forget and leave your brush at the shop. Let it dry, then install right over it.
after it dries it is tacky, like the adhesive on the back of the vinyl. thnk it's basicly the same stuff...
after the wrap is removed,later down the road, the primer can be removed with some rubbing alcohl.
good luck!
Posted by Keith Myers (Member # 5051) on :
Alicia, 3M controltac should not leave much adhesive. 3M suggests using heat (they showed us using a torch) to remove it. For any deep chanels (especially like the side grooves on a sprint van) they suggest using 3M 94 Tape Primer. Put it on the vehicle in deep channels or even on plastic parts and the 3M controltac will adhear without lifting. It is an awesome product.
The 3M suggested cleaning process is to wash and wax the vehicle, then clean it with prep-sol and then clean with a mixture of ispropol alcohol and water 1:3 ratio (using 99% IA)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
, the promoter fixed the problem.