How to Remove Stubborn Car Stickers: Tips and Tricks
Removing car stickers can be a frustrating and sometimes seemingly impossible task. Whether it’s a promotional decal from a gas station or a personalized sticker you applied years ago, it can be difficult to remove without damaging your car’s paint job. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips and tricks on how to remove stubborn car stickers.
Why Remove Car Stickers?
Before we dive into the removal process, it’s worth considering why you might want to remove a car sticker. Perhaps it’s starting to peel off or fade, or maybe you’re tired of its outdated design. Whatever the reason, removing a car sticker can help restore your car’s original appearance and protect the paint job from further damage.
The Removal Process:
- Softening the Sticker: The first step in removing a car sticker is to soften the adhesive. You can do this by applying a hair dryer or heat gun to the sticker, or by using a lubricant such as WD-40, cooking oil, or even water. The heat will help loosen the adhesive, making it easier to remove.
- Using a Sticker Remover: Specialized sticker removers, such as Goo Gone or 3M’s Sticky Stuff Remover, can be very effective in breaking down the adhesive. Apply the remover to the sticker and let it sit for a few minutes before trying to remove it.
- Scraping Off the Sticker: Once the sticker is soft and loose, use a credit card or similar tool to scrape off the sticker. Work from one corner to the other, using a gentle, steady motion. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the paint job.
- Removing Remaining Adhesive: After the sticker is removed, you may still need to remove any remaining adhesive residue. Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to wipe away the adhesive, and then clean the area with soap and water.
Additional Tips and Tricks:
- For particularly stubborn stickers, you can try using a mixture of baking soda and water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the sticker and let it sit for a few hours before removing.
- If the sticker is damaged or brittle, it may be easier to use a razor blade or scraper to remove it.
- Avoid using household items like duct tape or packing tape, as these can damage the paint job or leave behind sticky residue.
- For professional-grade results, consider consulting a auto detailer or body shop for assistance.
Conclusion:
Removing car stickers may seem like a daunting task, but with the right techniques and tools, it’s achievable. By softening the sticker, using a specialized remover, scraping off the sticker, and removing remaining adhesive residue, you can restore your car’s original appearance and protect the paint job from further damage. Remember to work gently and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, and you’ll be able to remove even the most stubborn car stickers.
I’ve tried using a heat gun, hot water, even WD-40 but nothing will lift this thing!!!
Have you tried goo gone?
You can also try one of those rubber wheels. Amazon has them called decal removers
Lil bit of good ol fashion gasoline and a rag
3M specialty adhesive remover is the best/least messy product for this.
Goo gone really works
If you have a high powered hair dryer on full hot if not a HEAT GUN will fully remove. That’s what we use to remove pinstripes and those stupid dealer stickers they put on the back of cars.
Heat it up a bit. Hair dryer will probably do the trick.
Heat gun then glue gone.
Put a different sticker over it
more wd40 and a plastic razor scraper
ISO alcohol
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I used to detail cars and we did sticker removal heat gun or hairdryer and a razor blade. Took ages sometimes. But it worked. Heat up the sticker to soften the glue then carefully razor it off with a sliding motion is how we did it. A solvent probably works too. Id be cautious of the paint being damaged.
Rubbing alcohol?
Heat gun on the lowest setting. Check the sticker and when it softens up, remove it. Follow up with glue gone (edit – goo gone) for residue.
Hair dryer very carefully start bottom right, heat as you lift it away.
Olive oil should not harm the paint but makes short work of sticker glue.
Acetone
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Razer blade and goo gone.
FW1
Step one, get some paint remover, it will break down the sticker. Now for step two get a scraper and scrape away.
Plastic razor blade and goo gone
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Big shout out to @vc1914 and @tpp4 for putting me on to this decal remover.
Thankfully my friend had a couple laying around. Id suggest grabbing it on Amazon if anyone else runs into this problem in the future since in stores its about $30-
$55.
Heat gun
I believe they have special eraser like things that attach to a drill
WD40
Are you selling the car? If not, I’d suggest leaving it until you do. More likely to ruin the paint trying to remove it and it’s not like it’s an offensive sticker
Judging by the sticker, it’s the smell of B.O. in the interior that’s the biggest problem
Light car on fire
Replace it
Sandblast
Sell the car and don’t buy any more stickers
Brake fluid
Clay bar and some sort of lube, it works like magic