FAQ’s / Support

Question: Will the VML™ crack over time? And if it does, what should I do?

• Answer:
• 1) The Vinyl-Mylar Laminate product is the combination of the two parts- The Mylar base, and the Vinyl top layer. The Mylar, which provides all the performance functionality, is a robust 14mm thick.  This material is, for all intents and purposes, nearly indestructible under normal playing conditions.  By contrast, the Vinyl top is actually a fairly thin material, originally designed for use as an auto-wrap, and is meant to serve as “paint”, giving the VML™ its visual appeal. Though the texture of the Vinyl might indicate a carbon fiber weave, it is not, and should not be treated as such.  Over time, this top layer will wear down, resulting in cracking and chipping. Drumming is, at its heart, an activity that puts two disparate materials together in a fairly violent fashion.  Either the sticks give, or the surface gives.  To produce a surface that would be impervious to such continuous impact would be costly and lessen the benefit as a rehearsal tool.  A granite counter top holds up really well under hickory drumsticks, but it is loud, obnoxious, and in no way provides a reasonable analog to a drum for which practice pads substitute.  In short, any surface will eventually show signs of wear.  This is why, with every Invader V3™ VML pad, we include a replacement center for this area which typically suffers the greatest stress. Additional center circles are available for purchase if you should need them.
• 2) Your laminate may be cleaned with any basic window cleaner, like Windex™.  For scuffs, rubbing alcohol may help, or even Goof Off™.  Be very careful though!  Anything that would damage paint could damage the vinyl top.  Avoid ANYTHING abrasive, as these will permanently scratch the surface. If using a cleaner you are unsure of, test on a very small area to make sure it won’t cause damage.  No matter what you use, it is a good idea to finalize any process by cleaning one last time using window cleaner to remove any residue which may, over time, damage your VML™.

Question: How do I remove the VML™ surface?

• Answer:
• 1) Warm up the logo using a hair dryer and peel carefully and set aside, adhesive side up to re-apply later.  Then, using the hair dryer again,  warm up the laminate near the edge.  Don’t let the dryer any closer than a few inches to avoid damaging the DarkMatter™.  It should be really warm to the touch, but not too hot to touch.  About 5 seconds should do it.
• 2) Using any flat, non sharp object, such as a butter knife or similar thing, pry up the edge of the laminate enough to grip with your fingers.  Once you can grab and slowly peel back, continue warming the laminate across the surface in the direction of the peel, this will loosen the adhesive and make it easier to pull.
• 3) Once the laminate has been totally removed, there will, more than likely, be adhesive residue left.  You can warm up the residue in small sections and, using your fingertips, rub the “goo” into balls and remove.  THIS is the time consuming part.  You should use alternating fingers to ease fatigue.
• 4) After all that, you can use rubbing alcohol and a clean rag (make sure the rag is saturated to avoid dry dragging across the DarkMatter™, which will scuff it) to scrub any remaining residue.  Once that’s done, you should be able to replace your logo and treat using TurtleWax Inside & Out Protectant or Armoral Original Protectant (both available in most places that carry auto detailing supplies) to bring back some shine and slickness.  Or, apply a new laminate.

Email us if you still have questions or concerns: [email protected]