Guide: How to Remove Color Change Wraps on a Tesla

Color change wraps typically last 5-10 years, depending on the brand, install quality, and maintenance. Besides wear and tear damage, the most common reasons to take it off are simply wanting a different color or when you need to return your Tesla when the lease is up.

One question we always get is if it will damage the car when you remove it, and the answer is no. It actually protects your car if installed correctly. Here’s how to easily remove wraps where it looks as good as new underneath!

NOTE: Keep in mind that if you have a full car wrap, it will take a lot of time and patience. It’s worth asking a professional for advice before doing it yourself. On the other hand, smaller areas such as chrome delete kits and interior wraps are easy for the DIYer to remove. 

What you need

• Heat Gun or hair dryer
• 70% isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
• Goo Gone (optional, if you have sticky residue left behind)
• Microfiber cloth

Exterior Wrap Removal Steps

1. Apply heat to the wrap to warm it up.
2. Apply heat to the corner where you’ll start to peel. Start peeling it back slowly in a 45 degree angle.
3. As you pull and it gets cold and stiff, apply more heat to keep it flexible.
4. If you use both hands, it will cover a bigger surface area as you pull back, making it less likely to break. Aim to pull it off in one piece. NOTE: Do not yank the film. This could cause separation from the vinyl and adhesive. 
5. Once the vinyl is completely removed, look for sticky residue that might remain on the car. This most likely happens if the wrap has been on there quite a while. Spray Goo Gone on your microfiber and wipe the area down OR for bad areas, let it sit for a couple minutes before wiping it off.
6. Wipe down the areas with 70% isopropyl alcohol to remove any contaminants.

Interior Wrap Removal Steps

Interior wraps are very similar to exterior, but there are a few differences.

1. Try to peel a corner to get it started.
2. Apply heat over the entire surface about 6 inches away, being extremely careful as the interior surfaces can be plastic and more sensitive.
3. Take heat away.
4. Pull by getting your hands underneath the vinyl and pulling towards you. See picture to the right for reference.
5. This causes the least amount of tension and helps prevent damages as you move along the whole piece.
6. Wipe down the areas with 70% isopropyl alcohol to remove any contaminants.

Tips to Keep Your Wraps in Tip Top Shape

The key to making color change wraps last as long as possible is to protect your vehicle from the elements.

• Keep it covered in a garage or carport.
• On a hot day, park it in the shade when you can.
• Don’t wash your car with harsh chemicals.
• Limit the amount of automatic car washes you go through, and wash it by hand instead.
• Steer clear of rough rags and stick to only using microfibers to clean your interior and exterior.