How to Remove Vinyl with 8580 Laminate

Our Facebook page is a great place for new and veteran installers alike to network, ask questions and showcase their work. Every now and then, we get a question that merits a blog post, here’s one of them.

Here you see an installer wrapping an HHR bumper that has the 8580 Gloss laminate over it. Removing this film is usually easy, however it does take some special attention.

One installer asked if there was anyone who had experience in removing 3M™ IJ380-10C film with an 8580 laminate. Concerned that the material was thin and the adhesive may be more aggressive than a 180-10, the installer wanted some advice.

If you’ve experienced this issue, here are some helpful tips that we can provide:

- Keep constant heat on it. The adhesive follows similar rules to the 180, where if it is less than three years old, most of the adhesive will stick to the film rather than the vehicle.

-The downside to this is 380 has a higher tendency to de-laminate upon removal. For ease of removal, you’ll want these two layers to stay connected. So if the laminate starts to separate, stop immediately and re-heat.

- IF you do find yourself with a large section that separated from the laminate, use heat and roll with friction.

-If the film is super old and coming off in postage stamp-size pieces, use CrystalTek vinyl off.

Some other advice that was given to this installer on our Facebook page includes:

-Use a plastic chizzler or peeling tool to help

- Check the clear coat before using  CrystalTek. If the clear coat is in bad shape, then test CrystalTek out in a small area because it has been known to remove paint if it sits too long.

- Gentle heat is your best bet- heat gun rather than torch or maybe a little sunlight!

- Thanks to those who gave this installer some helpful tips! If you have a question that you’d like to get some advice on, please visit our Facebook page.

- If you’re interested in learning the tricks of the trade, sign up for one of our training classes that happen monthly!

For more information about Lowen Certified visit our website.

Ask your questions and get advice from other installers on our Facebook page.