Vehicle Branding Removal and Adhesive Clean-Up

• Rebranding a company name or logo across vehicles.
• Preparing vehicles for new wraps or lettering.
• Returning leased vehicles to their original look.
• Selling a vehicle that carries old company graphics.
• Removing faded, peeling or damaged vinyl.
• Clearing old window film and decals.

It also forms the first stage of many fleet changeovers, as described in fleet branding and rollouts.

• Full removal: all graphics, residue and marks from the body.
• Partial removal: selected logos, lettering or stripes while the rest stays.
• Glass only: window film and decals removed from glass.
• Removal and re-fit: old graphics removed and new graphics applied in the same booking.
• Assessment only: we inspect the vehicle and advise what can be removed and how the surface is likely to look afterwards.

Removal methods depend on what is on the vehicle. Cast vinyl normally lifts more cleanly than older calendered vinyl. Cracked, baked or very old film can come away in pieces. Gentle heat softens the adhesive, and the film is peeled at a low angle. Residual adhesive is then lifted with products suitable for the surface and wiped clean. Paint, plastic trim, glass and rubber each need different care.

We do not use abrasive or aggressive methods on paintwork, and we tell you what we find before we start.

Branding removal does not involve lighting. One practical point is that old graphics often leave a faint outline where the paint around them has faded in the sun. Checking the vehicle in strong daylight at the survey helps us show you what is likely to be visible afterwards.

• Choose removal when old graphics are peeling, damaged, or will show through new vinyl, or when a vehicle is being sold or returned.
• Choose overlaying only when the existing film is sound and the new graphics are fully opaque. We assess this vehicle by vehicle.
• Choose removal with truck branding or delivery van branding when replacing graphics on commercial vehicles.

For building signs rather than vehicles, see signage removal and replacement.

• Paint condition: factory paint usually removes well. Repainted or poorly bonded paint can lift with the film, so condition is checked first.
• Age of film: older vinyl is harder and slower to remove.
• Ghosting: faded surrounding paint can leave an outline that no cleaning can remove. Polishing may help.
• Panels and trim: rubber seals, textured plastic and decals near edges need special care.
• Waste: removed film and residue are disposed of responsibly.

• Total surface area and number of vehicles.
• Age and type of existing graphics.
• Amount of adhesive residue.
• Glass-only versus body removal.
• Whether new graphics are fitted afterwards.
• Location and access.

After removal, the paint underneath is cleaner than the exposed surrounding paint. Washing and, if needed, a light polish helps blend the look. We advise you on waiting before waxing or sealing the surface, and on how soon new graphics can go on. New vinyl is best applied to a clean, fully dry surface.

Removal is arranged by appointment at our premises or at your depot where the space allows. Areas we serve include:

• Sandton
• Johannesburg
• Pretoria
• Midrand
• Centurion
• Germiston