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CrystalTek:  Graphics Friendly, Environmentally Conscious Products

 
 

 

 

 

 
Vinyl-Off
 

This is a BREAK THROUGH product in the Vinyl and Adhesive Removal Field. We designed VINYL-OFF 10-4 to remove vinyl graphics from fleet trucks, glass, signage, etc. Just wipe it on, wait a few minutes, and peel off the vinyl-and the adhesive- in one step! Take up to 90% less time.  You'll save HOURS of labor!

And a surprise bonus...it's about as safe as bath soap! We only make products that are environmentally safe and biodegradable. VINYL-OFF 10-4 is also non-flammable and water soluble. We can even ship it via air. It's that safe.

One Gallon typically covers approximately 1500 square feet of vinyl. We have one experienced user who claims to get over 3000 square feet of coverage per gallon! We can also offer you special pricing on larger quantities.  Contact Us today!

Picture of graphics being removed from a trailer with Vinyl-Off

Above is a picture of one of the owners pulling 4+ years old vinyl and adhesive from a box. No heat was used. Without VINYL-OFF 10-4, the vinyl was breaking about every 12 inches. You can see the results with VINYL-OFF 10-4!

See the Vinyl-Off video

 

Click to read about Vinyl-Off at SignIndustry.com
Click Here to read about Vinyl-Off at SignIndustry.com. SignIndustry.com will open in a separate window.

 
PRODUCT - All are Biodegradable Order
On-Line
VINYL-OFF 10-4 - One Gallon - $72.00 CLICK ON SHOPPING CART TO ORDER

  VINYL-OFF 10-4 - One Quart - $23.25
VINYL-OFF 10-4 -
8 Ounce Spray Bottle - $9.75
 

*Shipping charges apply

How To Use Vinyl-Off


 

Vinyl-Off is a safe ready to use product designed to assist in removing vinyl graphics from multiple substrates:  metal, glass, canvas, FRP, gel coat, fiberglass, etc. Vinyl-Off is a productivity enhancement tool (up to 90% less time!) and its benefits are the most obvious on older, difficult to remove vinyl graphics and decals.  Used properly it will remove vinyl and 90-98% of the adhesive at the same time.

Step by Step –
 

1.     Wipe Vinyl-Off onto ONLY the vinyl you want to remove using:
            Pad    Sponge    Foam Brush     Fine Nap Roller
                Paper Towel, etc.

·                        * A little goes a long way.  “Less is More”

2.     Allow 1 - 15 minutes dwell time.  Don’t be surprised when you see no visible evidence of it working.  Vinyl-Off penetrates the vinyl and attacks the adhesive behind it. You won’t usually see a visible change in the vinyl.
              Dwell time will vary based on vinyl thickness and age.
 

3.     For best results, warm surfaces (80°F) immediately before removal. Warm to the touch.  Sun warmed on a warm day is perfect!
            Non-Flammable and no toxic fumes!  So you can use a
                heat gun or propane to warm the surface even indoors!

   
4.     Lift an edge and pull.  The vinyl will come off in larger pieces because it has been rejuvenated.  Most of the adhesive should come with the vinyl.
            If it leaves the adhesive behind, Vinyl-Off is being too
                aggressive!  Use less heat or shorten the dwell time if
                this occurs.


5.     Remove any remaining adhesive by either re-applying Vinyl-Off or applying CitroSolv II Adhesive Remover.   Wipe off.
              Test – Test – Test   A little planning can save you a lot of effort!
            
 We also recommend starting with a small area and determining the best
                 method of dwell time, amount of heat, and angle of pull.

 
Additional Comments: 
 Want to see how well it works?  Try pulling some of the vinyl in your traditional manner without Vinyl Off.  Then apply Vinyl Off and just follow the directions.  You’ll see the difference!  Call us for technical support with any questions at 770-643-8501. We’re happy to help!
 What about paint?  VINYL-OFF will not harm properly catalyzed automotive paint.

A1.  Occasionally temporary softening has been reported mostly on recently painted equipment and aged surfaces with heavy oxidation. Painted surfaces returned to their previous condition when VINYL-OFF evaporated or was gently rinsed with water or both. 

A2.  Some non-primed, non-catalyzed paint may be seriously affected by this product.  e.g. Do not use this on Aluma-Lite substrates unless you pretest or want the paint removed as well. Properly catalyzed paint is generally not affected.

A3.  Paint that was not correctly cured prior to graphics being applied (common in aftermarket repair work) may be an issue no matter which method of vinyl removal is used.

Is it vinyl? Vinyl-Off only removes vinyl.  If the product you are removing is not vinyl, or if it is coated in such a way that the Vinyl-Off cannot get to it, it may react differently, and sometimes not at all.

 
Frequently Asked Questions

How does VINYL-OFF 10-4 work?
VINYL-OFF 10-4 migrates through the vinyl layer, revitalizing it as it passes, and reduces the adhesion level to the substrate while leaving the adhesion to the vinyl sufficiently intact.  When the vinyl is pulled its renewed flexibility allows it to be removed in larger pieces with the adhesive still attached.  VINYL-OFF 10-4 is a ready to use non-hazardous, nonflammable, non-petroleum, biodegradable, non-toxic solvent. VINYL-OFF 10-4 does not contain petroleum distillates, caustics, acids or butyl ethers and can be safely used indoors. 
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How do you apply VINYL-OFF? 
VINYL-OFF 10-4 is a Ready to Use product designed for professional users. Apply with a pad, sponge, foam brush, fine nap roller, even a paper towel to dry vinyl surface selected for removal.  Allow several to fifteen (15) minutes of dwell time depending on vinyl thickness and age. Raise an edge of the vinyl, peel to remove at a 35 degree angle. Vinyl decals are temperature sensitive and this product works best if surface is warmed immediately before removing. With a little practice to determine the correct dwell time, temperature and angle of pull for your specific project the adhesive is removed as well.  Apply only amount needed to cover surface to be removed.  A little goes a long way and if it runs, you are using too much! 
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When does the vinyl fall off? 
It doesn't.  VINYL-OFF 10-4 is a productivity enhancement tool. We get reports of up to 200% faster removal but you still have to peel.  
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Why do I have adhesive left after removal?
1.  Typically, noticeable adhesive residue is a result of VINYL-OFF 10-4 being too aggressive.  This can be caused by three different things:  1) too much heat.  Ideal working temperature for this product in most cases is comfortably warm to your touch typically above 80ºF/28C.  2) Being left too long on the surface or 3) too much being used.  Some crews have reportedly re-applied VINYL-OFF 10-4 prior to pulling to try and make the job that much easier.  This is not a “more is better” product!  It has a specifically engineered balance for optimum results.   A2.  A layer of non-vinyl in the film has kept VINYL-OFF 10-4 from getting to the adhesive layer.  VINYL-OFF 10-4 will help to get the top layer removed, but the second step of removing the adhesive will need to be addressed with an adhesive remover like our Citro-Solv II.   
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Why is the vinyl so soft? 
1.  This is usually caused by a combination of overheat and very thin vinyl.  Apply and pull immediately rather than waiting. In really hot conditions, either cool the surface (and your crew) with water and allow to dry prior to application, or mix 1/3 water with 2/3 VINYL-OFF 10-4 prior to application. (NOTE: be careful with this step.  Diluting changes the predetermined balance and cannot be changed back.)  A2.  There may be a metal layer in the vinyl that is turning the product back and concentrating all its power in the top layer.  VINYL-OFF 10-4 may not be the correct choice for this application.   
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I applied as the directions said and nothing seems to be happening, why not? 
1. VINYL-OFF 10-4 is designed to penetrate the vinyl and weaken the adhesive.  If the product is doing its job the changes are usually not visible without a lot of magnification.  There may be exceptions including when the vinyl bridges a gap such as around rivets. If you are testing VINYL-OFF 10-4 for a new application, we recommend that you use your normal removal technique with and without to see the difference.    A2.  Some older graphics, reflective graphics and conspicuity may have been produced with a polyester “protective” lamination or a layer of metal within the film.  VINYL-OFF 10-4 is intended to penetrate vinyl decals and may not be effective on other materials. A3.  Some “problem” adhesives require special application methods.  Please call West End Products technical support if you think you have run into one of these.  We can advise methods to try that differ in timing or method from the generally successful directions on the label.  
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The surface is too cold.  What should I do? 
Best results are achieved when the surface temperature is above 55ºF/13C at time of application. Let stand a little longer before removing in cooler environments.  Vinyl decals remove easiest when warm, typically above 80ºF/28C+. When a temperature-controlled facility is not an option, try turning the working surface to face the sun, use heat lamps, heat gun or propane.  Whatever your preferred method VINYL-OFF 10-4 will make the job easier, faster, cleaner and safer.  Remember, too cold and the vinyl will take longer to remove.  Too hot may leave significant adhesive residue requiring additional clean up time and reduced productivity.  
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VINYL-OFF 10-4 affected the paint. Why? 
VINYL-OFF 10-4 will not harm properly catalyzed automotive paint, but always TEST-TEST-TEST on an inconspicuous area before application. There are many paint choices at the point of manufacture and again during aftermarket repairs.  We recommend that you wipe or roller apply only to the vinyl intended for removal.  If the product is running off its intended surface then too much is being applied!  A little VINYL-OFF 10-4 goes a long way, so if it runs use less!  A1.Occasionally temporary softening has been reported mostly on recently painted equipment and aged surfaces with heavy oxidation. Painted surfaces returned to their previous condition when VINYL-OFF 10-4 evaporated or was gently rinsed with water or both.  A2. Some non-primed, non-catalyzed paint may be seriously affected by this product.  e.g. Do not use this on Alumalite panels unless you pre-test or want the paint removed as well. Properly catalyzed paint is generally not affected.  A3.  Paint that was not correctly cured prior to graphics being applied (common in aftermarket repair work) is going to be an issue no matter what the method of vinyl removal.  
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Is there a recommended way to remove really large graphics? 
Yes.  Fine nap roller apply to a few strips at a time (usually 2-4 feet wide).  Allow to penetrate, score only the next strip then pull.  Alternate applying more VINYL-OFF 10-4 with scoring and pulling so that you are not waiting for product to penetrate as you remove.  If you score prior or during dwell time, the product may be too aggressive in the scores and leave strips of adhesive.  
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What about reflective? 
It depends (don’t you love an answer like that?).  Some reflectives are made with metal flakes.  VINYL-OFF 10-4 is effective in removing these, as it can migrate around the metal and still get to the adhesive backing.  If the reflective has a solid metal layer in it, Vinyl-0ff may help in removing the vinyl but will leave the adhesive behind for a two step removal.  Sometimes, the metal layer is so close to the surface that the total power of VINYL-OFF 10-4 is concentrated on the paint alone, causing it to melt off the surface.  A different removal method is recommended when this occurs.  
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Picture of yellow, cracking vinyl before being removed with Vinyl-Off

I tested the product on two windows at home that I decorated with 3 mil etch-look vinyl 18 years ago.  The vinyl was yellow and cracking into hundreds of small pieces.  The vinyl removal would have taken me hours of hard work.  I sprayed on Vinyl-OFF and let it soak in about 15 minutes and I removed the vinyl with a razor blade in less than 30 minutes.

 

Vinyl-Off saves HOURS OF TIME!

Here are some pictures of a customer, who has a vinyl installation business, using Vinyl-Off 10-4 to remove signage prior to installing new graphics. 

Chris shared with us that he had estimated/quoted this job based upon removing, cleaning up, and re-applying vinyl decals to 2-3 vans per day. 

When using Vinyl-Off, he was able to completely do 3 vans BEFORE LUNCH!

He applied Vinyl-Off using a cloth, warmed the vinyl with propane, and pulled. He re-applied Vinyl-Off to the small amount of adhesive remaining and was done!

Chris Lokker

Snap Graphics
770-633-3131

Images as shown are used to demonstrate examples using CRYSTALTEK Products. Logos and graphic elements on vehicles pictured are not intended to imply endorsements by or from their respective companies.

Click on photos for larger view.
Picture of graphics being removed from a van with Vinyl-Off
 
Picture of graphics being removed from a van with Vinyl-Off
 
Picture of graphics being removed from a van with Vinyl-Off
 
Picture of van after graphics were removed using Vinyl-Off
 
 
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