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Top Tips: Removing Car Window Stickers

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Categories Cleaning & Maintenance »

Top Tips: Removing Car Window Stickers

Everyone can relate to the frustration that goes hand in hand with removing an old window sticker. Often, it begins to peel off all on its own, but when removed by force, ends up ripping off into ragged strips and pieces.

Whether it’s the logo of a football team you’re no longer that interested in, or the melted residue of an outdated tax disk, this simple tutorial will teach you how to completely abolish any trace of that frustrating decal.

remove window stickers

How to remove car window stickers:

1. Prepare the window

Before you begin, you may want to prepare the window’s surface. This can be done simply by using a cloth and warm water, gently sweeping over the surrounding surface of the sticker to create a clean canvas to work with.

For any tough marks on the window’s surface, you may also want to use your usual car window cleaner. Working on a clean window is much easier, as you will be able to easily see any leftover residue or marks.

2. Peel Away the sticker

Begin by attempting to remove as much of the sticker as possible, using simply your bare hands. Peel slowly and carefully, as this will help keep the sticker intact, avoid ripping, and ultimately allow you to remove larger pieces at a time. This is often a much easier task with newer decal stickers, so don’t fret if your older sticker rips off a centimetre at a time.

Removing the majority of the sticker before beginning the process is not a necessity, but will undoubtedly make the removal of the vinyl easier later on.

3. Use an Adhesive Remover on the sticker

From your local hardware store, pick up a can of your most trusted adhesive remover. Recommended adhesive removers include WD-40, Windex, and even rubbing alcohol. Note that it’s always wise to read the safety instructions on each individual product before buying.

For example, acetone-based adhesive removers may partially dissolve the sticker you’re trying to remove, whereas others may not cooperate with your car’s paint. You may want to lay down towels or tissue to protect your car and catch any bits of decal that you scrape off.

Once you have your adhesive remover ready, and any potential issues have been established, apply the product to the remains of the window sticker and allow it to soak into the sticker’s adhesive. Keep a careful eye on it to ensure that it doesn’t dry to the window’s surface. If it does, simply begin the process again with more product.

4. Use a plastic scraper to remove all the sticker

Then, use a plastic scraper to chip away at the sticker. It should slowly begin to peel off, but if it begins to toughen up again, simply apply more adhesive remover and repeat the process. A razor blade can also replace a plastic scraper if one is not available to you, however, be aware that this does have the potential to scratch or damage your window.

Most hardware and automotive stores will stock razor blade handles made specifically for allowing the removal of window stickers. Be sure not to use either a steel wool or nylon scrubbing pad, as this is likely to leave scratches on the window where the sticker used to be.

5. Clean down your window

Cleaning your vehicle window that this can be a lengthy process, and that perseverance is the key to a spotlessly clean window. Once the decal is removed to your satisfaction, simply grab a cloth with warm water and wash over the area where the sticker used to be. This removes any left over residue and gives your sticker-less window a clean finish.

As for the future, you may want to note that sticker shields are available online, and are designed for easier decal sticker removal. Sticker shields create a clean barrier between glass and adhesive vinyl, making it an easy task to remove the decal when needed.

The Windscreen Company are on hand to provide high quality windscreen repairs and windscreen replacements to our customers throughout the East of England. To find out more, or for some advice about how to care for your windscreen, contact our experts today.

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The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.

The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.

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