posted
I started a new project today and the first step is to clean some old vinyl off of an awning. The vinyl has been baking in the sun for about 5 years and removing it is proving to be a real challenge. The awning had been painted prior to the aplication of the vinyl. I have been using steam, Rapid Remover, L'il Chizlers, my finger nails and lots of foul language but the task is agonizingly slow. After 4 hours today I am about 1/3 done and my effective hourly rate is dropping to below minimum wage levels. One lesson I have learned is to insist on being paid by the hour for a job like this rather than quoting a fixed price. Painting over top of the existing vinyl is not an option because many of the edges have curled up. Does anybody have any suggestions that might make this task a little easier?
posted
Bummer Jack! I would do the same and would have thought the steamer would be the best choice. The only other thing I would try is a flat blade razor blade. I use them all the time on vehicles and have good luck.
Always tell the client you get paid by the hour for removal with a minimum time frame. If they don't like it then they will try and when they get frustrated, they will call and be happy to pay your fee.
Best of luck on the project,
-------------------- Brian Diver PDQ Signs Everett, Wa
posted
well... it sucks, but it ain't skilled labor (except if using a blade) ...so find someone who needs a few hours at minimum wage... everybody wins! (especially your clients)
...always charge hourly for removal... but you know that now!!
posted
Jack, I understand your troubles with such baked on film, you may want to try a heat lamp tree, I have better luck with them then the steamers.
They are about the same price maybe a few dollars more, no mess of water, just plug in to 110v, heat from aprox. 16 inches away (takes only 2 minutes or less) heats a 4'x4' area very hot and uniform, then either peel by hand or use the "lil chisler", then the Rapid Remover for the adhesive residue.
posted
I've just learned to say "NO". . . . . the customer most likely had 5 other sign shops say no thanks till you came along. Have fun.
-------------------- John Arnott El Cajon CA 619 596-9989 signgraphics1@aol.com http://www.signgraphics1.com Posts: 1443 | From: El Cajon CA usa | Registered: Dec 1998
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posted
One thing you need to think about is whether a heat lamp will mess up the awning itself. If it's made of vinyl, a heat lamp might not be such a good idea. 3M makes a "woodgrain and stripe remover", #08907. It's a spray on, let is set for a minute or two and it curls the vinyl right up. It might take two applications for something really baked on but it goes pretty fast. It will leave the adhesive on so you'll need to use Rapid Remover to get that off.
-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3528 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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Remove the curled up edges, then figure out how to cover up the remaining lettering, maybe with paint, maybe with vinyl. The cover-up might look better if it had some kind of irregular pattern or appearance of texture to camouflage the old lettering's texture somewhat.
-------------------- Frank Smith Frank Smith Signs Albany, NY www.franksmithsigns.com Posts: 807 | From: Albany, NY USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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I'm happy to see at least one person who knows what his business is. John Arnott
I started to answer this yesterday but figured I'd just open a door to reality that many here don't feel secure in. I believe in first figuring out what your job is than going about business as usual. If my fingers hurt like you say yours do, then I'd be out of business. Granted I don't do vinyl but I'd be dawned if someone were to ask me to remove graphics and replace them with something new just so I can add some extra money to my bank account. Between removing vinyl and installing signs, digging holes and installing signage, how much of your time do you spend designing signage and putting it together? This sounds like more then 40 hours a week to me and grounds for divorce.
-------------------- HotLines Joey Madden - pinstriping since 1952 'Perfection, its what I look for and what I live for'
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Actually Joey, I really enjoy all aspects of the sign business, including the dirty work that must be done on ocassion. Just being outside and having the opportunity to meet with the many people that stop by to enquire about what i am doing is a real pleasure. Life is not perfect and neither is work; there will always be some tasks that are not as enjoyable as others but you just have to make the best of them. When I seek advice on the Letterville site, it is because I want to get better at what I do, not to hear that I shouldn't be accepting this type of work. As far as John suggesting that "5 other sign shops probably said no thanks." I know for a fact that this customer did not shop this job around because she has been very happy with the work I have done before. In fact, since posting my question yesterday, we have had another metting and she is very willing to ensure I am properly compensated for my time. Thanks to all for the advice.
posted
It's never fun removing old vinyl but you've left out a couple of details.
Is it a vinyl awning or a fabric awning? Is the banner on the wall or in your shop? Either way lacquer thinner won't hurt most vinyl awning material... test it first and if it doesn't have an adverse effect... cover the letters with newspaper and soak them with thinner( just a few letters at a time)
On the other hand if it is a fabric banner apply the thinner from the back side with a spray bottle...it will release the adhesive and the letters will fall off in your hand.
Been there on both of these methods and they work...you just have to keep tabs on the job is all!
-------------------- "Werks fer me...it'll werk fer you"
posted
Hiya Jack, From what you described so far, it sounds like it would be easier to reskin the awning or, at least replace the lettered panel. Do you know a local awning manufacturer? If you strip off the old meterial they may be able to knock it out for ya in a couple of hours.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
I feel your pain, and I like your attitude Jack.
I was on one of those "nobody in their right mind would do this" type of jobs last week. I perservered, made the best of it, got a tan, burned some calories, hahaha, and made a happy customer. I will also be paid well for it.
It's a real relief when the jobs from hell don't come with the customers from hell attached to them. Looks like you did right by your customer, and she in turn is very appreciative. whew!
Life just doesn't always follow your script! Not for me at least.
quote:If my fingers hurt like you say yours do, then I'd be out of business.
Oh the drama! Just gotta kiss the boo-boos and get on with it!
I like that slogan I saw in a commercial once. "Life's messy, ... clean it up!" hahhaaa ~nettie
-------------------- "When Love and Skill Work Together ... Expect a Masterpiece"
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After 4 hours today I am about 1/3 done and my effective hourly rate is dropping to below minimum wage levels. ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
One lesson I have learned is to insist on being paid by the hour for a job like this rather than quoting a fixed price.
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