We’ve had this X-Ray wrap on our Cybertruck for over six months, and today, we’re removing it to see how well it holds up. For context, this wrap is the Avery Dennison MPI 1105 with a matte laminate. This particular wrap was one of our early prototypes when we designed the X-Ray wrap, so while it served its purpose, it’s time to take it off and evaluate the process.
The Most Common Question: How’s the Steel Underneath?
One of the biggest concerns when removing a wrap is whether it will leave behind any residue or damage the surface underneath. That’s exactly what we’re going to find out today.
Conditions matter when removing a wrap. It’s about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, with no direct sunlight. The temperature plays a crucial role in the ease of removal—too cold, and the wrap might be brittle; too hot, and it can become too soft. Since we’re in neutral conditions, this should give us a realistic look at what to expect for you DIYers removing it outside in the elements.
Why We Use Avery Dennison Wraps
Avery Dennison is one of the most reputable brands in the wrap industry, known for its extensive testing to ensure easy removal without causing damage. Through our experience, we’ve wrapped and unwrapped this Cybertruck dozens of times—making it, quite possibly, the most wrapped Cybertruck in the world.
Tools You’ll Need for Wrap Removal
- Heat gun or hot water
- A plush Drying Towel (if you’re using the hot water method)
- Clay bar (for any adhesive residue)
- Mild soap and water (for any adhesive residue)
Step-by-Step Wrap Removal Process
1. Starting the Peel
Before using any heat, we attempted to remove the wrap by simply peeling a corner. It was securely adhered, meaning it wouldn’t just come off easily with a quick pull.
2. Understanding the Layers
A printed vinyl wrap consists of two layers: the printable vinyl layer and the matte laminate layer. A quality print job always includes a laminate layer to protect against UV damage and fading. A regular high-quality wrap won’t have the laminate layer on top, so keep that in mind.
3. Applying Heat for Easier Removal
Since we didn’t preheat the wrap, the removal was a bit more challenging. However, once we added heat from hot water, the process became much smoother. Applying heat softens the adhesive, making it much easier to pull off without excessive force.
4. Avoiding Adhesive Residue
One of the concerns with lower-quality wraps is that they can leave adhesive stuck to the vehicle’s surface. Fortunately, Avery Dennison’s MPI 1105 removed cleanly with very little residue.
For the small areas where residue remained, a quick wipe with a clay bar and soapy water was enough to remove it completely.
5. Dealing with Cold Weather Challenges
In cooler temperatures, the wrap tends to delaminate, where the printable layer separates from the laminate. This issue is more common with printed vinyl than solid color wraps. The key takeaway? Always use heat!
Hot Water Method: A Game-Changer for Removal
Rather than relying solely on a heat gun, we tested the hot water towel method. Here’s how it works:
- Heat up water until it’s hot, but not boiling so you don’t burn yourself.
- Lay the towel on the surface of the wrap and pour hot water over the towel.
- Let it sit for a couple of minutes, allowing the heat to transfer.
- Peel the wrap while the panel is still warm.
The difference was night and day! Areas that were heated peeled off in large, smooth sections, while non-heated areas were more prone to breaking and leaving residue.
Lessons Learned
- Heat is your best friend. Whether using a heat gun or hot water, warming up the vinyl makes removal significantly easier.
- Use high-quality wrap brands. We recommend Avery Dennison or 3M, as they conduct extensive testing for clean removability.
- Expect a few struggles. Wrap removal isn’t always quick and easy, but using the right techniques can make the process much smoother.
- Professional removal can take hours. If you’re hiring a shop to remove a wrap, expect to pay for 3-4 hours of labor—possibly more for PPF (Paint Protection Film), which is even more adhesive-heavy than vinyl wraps.
Final Thoughts
After removing the wrap, the Cybertruck’s stainless steel surface looked fantastic, with minimal residue that was easy to clean. Now, it’s ready for another wrap—because, let’s be honest, we’re going to wrap this truck again for the 69th time!
If you’re considering removing your wrap, remember to use heat, take your time, and choose high-quality materials from the start. Hopefully, this guide has given you the insights you need for a successful wrap removal process.