HOW TO REMOVE STICKERS & LABELS FROM YOUR CAR EXTERIOR
When you are learning how to remove stickers, it’s important to know that you should use a specialized product. Most parking permit stickers and ID stickers are made to last with a strong sticky adhesive that also prevents theft, which is why they can be tricky to remove.
It is important to always use a product that is safe on automotive paint, clear coat, plastic, glass, metal & other non-porous surfaces. Find out how to remove vehicle stickers, parking tickets and bumper stickers using these quick and easy steps.
Reading time: 4 min
DO STICKERS DAMAGE CAR PAINT?
It is unlikely any car sticker or decal will permanently damage your vehicle’s paintwork unless the quality of your paintwork is poor, to begin with, or you’re dealing with an older model. If the adhesive has been there for several years or more, the paintwork may be faded due to uneven sun exposure.
Precautions:
Avoid using extreme heat sources and sharp objects, such as hairdryers and razor blades, close to the surface of your vehicle as this will result in damage to the clear coat/ paintwork.
REMOVING STICKERS FROM PAINTWORK
STEP 1: FOCUS ON ONE STICKER AT A TIME
- Before attempting to peel the sticker off, focus on one sticker at a time and take your time.
- Remove any surface dirt with a damp microfiber cloth to prepare the targeted area.
- Saturate the sticker with Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover after having done a patch test on an inconspicuous area.
- Shake the bottle well and hold 2-4 inches from the car surface to spray the product.
- Let the solution set-in for a minute to help dissolve the adhesive. This will make it easier to remove completely and minimize the adhesive left on the surface.
STEP 2: WIPE AWAY THE EXCESS WITH A DRY CLOTH
- Once the sticker has been saturated with the product, allowing it to soak for 1 minute, wipe the surface with a dry microfiber cloth to remove sticker residue.
- Enriched with a citrus extract, Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover leaves behind a fresh scent.
- This should remove the majority, if not all, of the sticker and adhesive.
“Not only does it take it completely off but it leaves a very nice shine as well. Would recommend to anyone.”
Label & Sticker Remover - Ryno
STEP 3: REPEAT STEPS IF NEEDED
- If you are removing stubborn stickers or labels that have been adhered to your vehicle for a long time, especially on the exterior, they may require a little more attention.
- If the sticker or the adhesive has not been fully removed, repeat the steps above until there is no more sticky residue, possibly leaving the product to soak for slightly longer.
STEP 4: RESTORE THE SURFACE
- If you’re removing from an exterior surface, finish up with a wash and wax using Turtle Wax MAX Power Car Wash and Turtle Wax Dry Spray Wax.
- Alternatively, if you’re removing from an interior surface, finish up with Turtle Wax Dash & Glass Interior Cleaner.
- This step will restore your cars shine and leave it feeling smooth and adhesive-free - like the sticker was never there!
REMOVING STICKERS FROM CAR WINDOWS
STEP 1: CLEAN THE GLASS
- Removing stickers and decals from auto glass will require patience as the surface is a little more delicate in comparison to the paintwork
- Start by cleaning the surface with Turtle Wax Dash & Glass Interior Cleaner and a clean dry microfibre cloth.
- This will remove any road debris or dirt and prepare to sticker for removal.
“Not only does it take it completely off but it leaves a very nice shine as well. Would recommend to anyone.”
Ryno
STEP 2: APPLY THE PRODUCT
- Apply Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover to the sticker and allow the product to rest for 1 minute.
- The solution will begin to break down the sticker and the glue residue beneath it.
- Using this method to remove stubborn stickers will remove the need for harsh objects on the surface and potential damage.
STEP 3: SOAK AND REMOVE
- Once the product has been left on the surface for 1 minute, remove with a clean and dry microfiber cloth.
- If you are removing a sticker that has been on the surface for a long time, you may need to repeat this process to break down the glue residue.
STEP 4: FINISH WITH A WASH & WAX
- After you’ve successfully removed the remnants of the sticker from the surface, finish up with a wash and wax using Turtle Wax MAX Power Car Wash and Turtle Wax Wax & Dry Spray Wax.
- Alternatively, if you’re removing from an interior glass surface, finish up with Turtle Wax Dash & Glass Interior Cleaner.
REMOVING CAR DECALS
Car decals can be very tough to remove if you don’t have the correct tools and they can stretch across several types of surface when used for business advertising.
STEP 1: ASSESS THE SURFACE
- Branded decals may stretch across auto glass, paintwork and trim which require different levels of attention.
- If the decals have only recently been adhered to, you may be able to gently peel off the top layer by hand.
- Prepare the surface by washing with Turtle Wax MAX Power Car Wash to remove the top layer of dirt and grime.
STEP 2: WORK IN SMALL SECTIONS
- Start in a corner and make your way across to the other corner in order to break up your work into manageable sections.
- Shake the bottle well and apply Turtle Wax Bug & Tar Remover to your first section 2-4 inches away from the surface.
- Allow the product to soak for 1 minute.
STEP 3: REMOVE AND REPEAT
- Remove the product and dissolved solvent using a clean and dry microfiber cloth with slight pressure.
- Once you’re satisfied with the results of the current small section, move on to the next and repeat the above steps
STEP 4: RENEW THE SURFACE
- By this point, you should have successfully removed all of the decal and the surface should be adhesive-free.
- Restore the shine and create long-lasting protection on the surface of your vehicle with a wash and wax using Turtle Wax MAX Power Car Wash and Turtle Wax Carnauba Cleaner Wax Paste.
CONCLUSION
Stickers, Labels, and Decals all vary in stickiness and may take longer to remove depending on how long they have adhered to the surface of the vehicle.
For adhesives that have been there for multiple years, you will need to leave the solution to soak for longer than 1 minute and repeat the process a couple of times.
Always ensure to wash and wax the surface of your vehicle after removal to ensure long-lasting protection.
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