tips for removing bumper stickers

If you're like many Americans, you may have a bumper sticker or window sticker on your car. Perhaps a football team, favorite city, band, or political statement. Bumper stickers are everywhere, and with the proliferation of high quality die-cut stickers, we see them showing up in even more places. Like on your car!

When they were brand-new, these bumper stickers could scream their message to the world. However, with time and in different weather circumstances, the message on the sticker may fade until it is little more than a simple black piece of vinyl attached to your automobile. Eventually, these stickers exceed their useful life, and it's time to remove them. Unfortunately, it can often be challenging to remove them after years on your car's paint or glass. So what should you do?

Here are a few ideas:

Use a penetrating Oil:

It works wonders on undesirable bumper stickers to use that handy can of WD-40 (or another inexpensive lubricant). Spray the superhero solution over the bumper sticker's four edges after using safety glasses, and let it sit for five minutes. Next, lift up a corner of the bumper sticker with your fingers, a credit card, or a rubber spatula while keeping it as flat as you can to reduce residue. Spray a little WD-40 on the stuck region to help loosen it if it starts to stick while working. After the bumper sticker has been removed, any remaining residue can be cleaned up with a gentle cloth soaked with rubbing alcohol. To restore shine, use a car-safe buffer pad (like Chemical Guys Buffing Pads) to apply a fresh coat of wax to the bumper. Before trying this approach however, test your oil of choice on a painted portion of your car that's out of sight, in case the oil has unintended consequences.

Use Heat:

Aim a blow dryer's nozzle six inches away from the bumper sticker while using the low heat setting. (Heat from a closer distance can melt plastic bumpers or degrade paint!) Then, for about a minute, blast away, spreading heat as evenly as you can across the whole surface of the bumper sticker. You should be able to remove a corner of the bumper sticker with a credit card or rubber spatula after doing this to properly loosen it. A spatula or knife made of rubber or plastic may be used. Use plastic instead of metal to prevent scratches on the surface. Once the tool is tucked under the corner, slowly slide the tool beneath the paper to remove the bumper sticker. Applying extra heat to the front of the bumper sticker with one hand while using the other to peel off any stubborn pieces that refuse to come off during the procedure. With a soft cloth moistened with rubbing alcohol, remove any remaining sticker residue. Next, use a car-safe buffer pad to buff fresh car wax into the bumper. 

Try vinegar:

​White vinegar has powerful adhesive-removal abilities in addition to its well-known cleaning marvels throughout the house. Place a clean paper towel wet with white vinegar in a small basin, then cover the bumper with the towel for three to five minutes (the wet towel should adhere on its own, though you can hold it in place with your hand if it slips). The bumper sticker will start to lift and loosen as the vinegar penetrates it. Then, with a rubber spatula, credit card, or your fingers, just pull up one corner and carefully peel it off in its entirety. Remove sticker residue by wiping a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar, and then top the cleaned area with a fresh coat of wax using a buffer pad made for vehicles.

Whatever your approach, go slowly, and test first. All cars are different, and variances in paint, surface material, and other factors could cause damage. 

Always test your approach on an area of your car that is out of sight, so damage does not ensue. 

For quality stickers that won't fade over time, give ours a shot! You won't be dissapointed!