Tips For Decal Removal From A Vehicle

If you have a car or truck with a decal or bumper sticker that you no longer want to be on the vehicle, these tips may help with decal removal from the vehicle without ruining the paint.

A heat gun is usually very useful in removing the decals and stickers from a vehicle. If a heat gun is not available, try parking the vehicle so that the decal faces the hot sun in the summer. If this is not possible try using a blow dryer or an iron over a damp towel. You are trying to heat the adhesive under the decal so that it melts and and the solid part of the decal can be removed.

When the adhesive has been warmed you will want to use a soft scraper that can lift the edge of the decal without scratching the paint. An old credit card or a a plastic putty knife are good choices. If you feel confident using it, some people have great success with a single edge razor blade. Just be careful that you are only lifting the decal.

Once the edge of the decal is lifted sufficiently, try grabbing with your fingers and pealing away the decal or sticker. If the decal tears and you lose your grip, try reheating and lifting the edge again using your lifting tool. Eventually, you will be able to remove all of the decal from the vehicle.

For pinstripes, there is a tool made by 3M and others called a “stripe off” tool. The tool looks like a large eraser and is powered by a drill motor. It erases the pinstripe from the surface of the paint and can also be used for other small stickers.

After removing the decal from your vehicle, you may find that a sticky residue is left to be removed. If that residue is left on the vehicle, it will become very unsightly as dust and dirt adhere to it.

There are several types of solvent that can be used to remove the residue from the vehicle. You may want to try one or all until you are able to completely remove the decal from the vehicle.

The solvents, in no particular order, include, WD-40, Alcohol and dish washing soap, lighter fluid or even lacquer thinner. Do not allow any of these solvents to remain on the finish of your vehicle for an extended period of time. Give them a few minutes to work, then wipe dry before they have a chance to damage the harder clear coat of the vehicle.

Decals have a tenancy to protect the paint they cover. This may cause them to appear to be brighter and have more shine than the area around them. Waxing the vehicle can help to make the shiny spots less noticeable.

Unfortunately, if a decal has been on an older vehicle, it may be impossible to remove it without using a grinder and removing the decal and the paint underneath it. If this is the case, you will have to apply primer and repaint the vehicle to get rid of the decal.

It doesn’t have to be expensive to get decal removal for your company fleet. Learn more about how Hinton Water Blasting is able to quickly remove vehicle decals and logos.