How to Remove Vinyl Lettering

How to Remove Vinyl Lettering

The current materials used for vinyl lettering can last for many years.  Unfortunately, they do not last forever.  When it is time to retire your vinyl lettering there are a few tricks for removing the letters.  One caveat is this, always be aware of the material the vinyl lettering is adhered to, if it is a delicate material some of these methods may be too aggressive.

For vinyl lettering that has just been adhered to the surface, it can be as easy as simply grabbing a corner and removing the lettering, if it was recent enough you can sometimes salvage the vinyl lettering for re-use.  However its original adhesion strength will have been compromised, and it will most likely not adhere as well as the original placement.

Once the vinyl lettering has been attach to a surface for a longer period of time, and especially if has seen extreme heat the adhesive becomes soft and sticky.  For this type of vinyl lettering you will most likely have to use rubbing alcohol underneath the lettering.  Simply begin peeling back the vinyl while applying the rubbing alcohol to the exposed adhesive. 

For vinyl lettering that has been in place for years they can be much more stubborn.  For this type of vinyl lettering it is usually necessary to use heat in addition to rubbing alcohol for removal.  This can be done using a hair dryer.  Once the vinyl lettering is removed the rubbing alcohol can be used to remove the sticky residue.