Introduction: Sticker Removing 101 - Removeing Stickers Is Easy!
Got a bumper sticker, window sticker, or sticker tape left over from trim removal you want to get rid of? Maybe the used car you bought had one to many bumper stickers on it, and you want to remove them. Well, It's easier than you think, and this guide will show you multiple ways to remove your stickers.
Ways you can do it:
Heat
WD40
Sticker Adhesive remover (Recommended)
Step 1: Heat (Cost Effective)
The most cheap way (free!) is using a heat gun (not recommended, can make paint bubble or melt) or hair dryer (recommended). Your mom's bound to have one in the bathroom. It's easy to use, but time consuming.
Step 1 Heat up the sticker for about 10 seconds (if it's a long sticker, do it in sections). The sticker should be soft now, and you can peel it right off! Some areas might be tougher, but that's what your fingernails for.
Step 2 You might have some sticker Adhesive left over on the window or car body. You can try heating this up, and wipe it off with a clean rag. You can also try some cleaner and wet it, and see if that removes the leftover sticker Adhesive.
This is a cheap way, using around the house tools, but it takes a lot longer.
Step 2: Sticker Adhesive Remover (Fast 'N Easy)
I picked up a can of 3M Sticker Adhesive Remover at Walmart for about $5, and it works like a charm. Spray on, wait 5 seconds, and peel of the stickers. It's easier and faster then the hair dryer, but if you don't already have a can, you need to go out and buy one.
Step 1 Spray the Sticker Adhesive Remover on the sticker, trying not to let it run to much. Wait a few seconds, and peel of the sticker.
Step 2 If there's some Adhesive left after removing the stickers (happens on windows), spray the Sticker Adhesive Remover and wipe it off with a clean rag while it's still wet. It should come right off, as easy as cleaning off dirt.
Warning: This stuff ruins plastic, but it fixes itself in a few months. I got some on the plastic mirror holder on the driver-door rear-view mirror and it left lots of white spots, but they are gone now.
Step 3: Trim Removal
I had the daulting task of removing the door trim this past week, and the 3M Sticker Adhesive Remover helped a LOT! It softened up the tape enough so I could rub it off (the plastic trim was already off).
Step 1 Remove the trim. I used a screw driver, but you risk scratching the paint (I did once, fixed it up with some Dulicolor Quick Fix It Black Paint, my truck has so many scratches it doesn't matter anyway) but I don't recommend this. I hear some Goo Gone and fishing line can do the trick. If not, spray the 3M Sticker Adhesive Remover so it seeps under the trim.
Step 2 If you still have tape left on your car, spray the 3M Sticker Adhesive Remover and wait 20 seconds for it to soften up the tape. Then use your thumb and rub the tape off the car. It's fairly easy, but time consuming and you can hurt your thumbs.
Step 3 Be sure to clean the car good after that!
I don't recommend using a hair dryer on Step 2 because I burned my thumb trying it one day.
Good luck!
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9 Comments
12 years ago on Introduction
Relient K rules!!!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
haha yes
13 years ago on Introduction
Who would want to remove Chevy and Relient K stickers?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
That's OK, I didn't remove some of them and wanted that known. I have nothing against Relient K :P
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Why would you want to ask someone why they want to do something? Obviously because they want to.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I didn't remove Relient K, I did that one so no one would see me using a hair dryer in the car, haha. And the checvy one, I'm getting new ones, the other side some letters fell off so I'm expecting some new ones.
13 years ago on Introduction
I'll add my own tips to supplement.
For stickers on glass, just scrape them off with a razor blade. Usually found in the hardware sections of dept and dollar stores. A little WD-40 and a rag will take care of any residue left behind, but usually there isn't much.
On bodywork, a heatgun works well, but you can't be stupid with it, don't let the surface get too hot. So, don't get too close, and slowly work from one end a little at a time peeling it away as it loosens-up. Autobody adhesive remover is best for residue, but again WD-40 works, just has to be cleaned with soap and water as soon as possible.
Just speaking from personal experience, and from when I worked at a body shop.
13 years ago on Introduction
Your stickers appear to be on glass, that's easy. Any advice for the bodywork?
L
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I have not had to take anything off the body yet, but I'm sure it's the same process. :)