The need for RideWrap bike protection removal does not come up frequently. However, there are times that it is necessary if you need to replace a damaged or broken piece from a crash or you’re selling a bicycle and want to make sure it looks extra fresh. Or, it’s time to change the look of your bike, and you want to swap protection film finishes. All are valid reasons to remove the protection film, but it is important to know the best practices before taking on this task.
What you need
- Heat gun
- RideWrap Squeegee or similar plastic scraper
- Goo Gone/ Isopropyl Alcohol
- Soap and Water
Bike Protection Removal Method
- Start by peeling up a corner or edge of a piece. Use your nail or hard plastic to avoid scratching frame paint.
- Use a small amount of heat from a heat gun or hairdryer (helps debond the protective film from the frame).
- Pull at a 30 to 90-degree angle from the frame.
- Pull and lift with consistent force. No quick jerks or aggressive pulls.
- Make sure to not heat the frame too much. Overheating will make the film weak and difficult to remove.
- Remove any residual adhesive with a mild adhesive remover like Goo Gone.
- Once all the film and adhesive is gone, clean the frame with isopropyl alcohol.
Cleaning
After cleaning with goo gone and isopropyl alcohol, thoroughly clean the area with soap and water to remove any residue left by the alcohol and goo gone.
Installing a new RideWrap kit or replacement piece?
After the bike protection kit or pieces are removed and the area of the frame is clean you can begin the installation of the replacement pieces the same as you normally would. Be extra careful to clean the frame if you used any Goo Gone or isopropyl. If there is still residue on the frame it can containment the protection film, compromising the properties and adherence of the protection film.