removing stickers

[XCH00N]

hi all im just wondering how hard is it to remove a sticker off paintwork without damaging the paint? and also what is the best method to do so?
thanks

[flappist]

Use a heat gun. That usually works well just be careful not to overheat the paint.

[GasoLane]

I've heard that a hairdryer works as well.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by GasOLane

I've heard that a hairdryer works as well.

So what, you unbolt your turbocharger and use it to scrape the sticker off? Won't that scratch the paint?

[GULL]

Originally Posted by flappist

So what, you unbolt your turbocharger and use it to scrape the sticker off? Won't that scratch the paint?

That is correct

[XCH00N]

Originally Posted by flappist

So what, you unbolt your turbocharger and use it to scrape the sticker off? Won't that scratch the paint?

Now for a funny part to that the car im looking at buying which is what ill be removing the stickers off is an XR6 Turbo so that one might work, LOL!

[Shonky.]

depending how old it is and what kind of life it's had, you may encounter a difference in weathering of the paint (as long as it's thick enough you should be able to correct it though - just another thing to think about)

[Gavin Thomas]

Heat gun usually does the job - but if it is extra stubborn, then a caramel wheel will get the job done. ( P&P repair shops use them ). Can be attached to a electric or cordless drill.

[Cashie]

I just left mine parked in the sun and picked the sticked off with my finger nails (fingers were numb for a few hours after)..

[sneaky]

i have done it in the past on a red daihatsu that was about 10 years old, and there was no fading that i could notice.

hopefully if a red daihatsu of that age can get good results a newer ford should be ok.

i used a hair dryer to warm the sticker/glue up and carefully peeled it off.

[Marquis]

Hair dryer, Yes
Heat gun, Never.

Like said above, sunlight is worth a go first

[dave351cid]

depends a lot on the age of the sticker and how much its been in the sun / weather.

if the sticker is still reasonably fresh it should just peel off easy.
if its a bit old and harder then warm it up a little ( warm , not hot) with hair drier, heat gun ( becareful not to scorch the paint), sun whatever and hopefully it will peel off ok. may come off in bits but be patient and keep picking away (finger nails ). eucalyptus oil can help soften the glue and once you get the vinyl film off eucalyptus oil and a rag is good for cleaning away any residual adhesive. a final clean with paint cleaner or fine polish should tidy it up.

if the sticker is realy old and baked on, then you might need to sand it back and repaint.

[Kryton]

Caramel wheel.

[AndyXR6T]

Hair dryer works a treat.... Just don't let it be yours missus' GHD... They don't like that... At all

[casabonka]

bunnings sell a citrus cleaner, gets rid of any adhesive that's left over. comes in a clear bottle with blue label, works a treat.

[coasty]

We use a heat gun at work (dealership) and have never had a problem. Obviously you need to watch what your doing. Otherwise a caramel wheel works well. Again be very careful. Very easy to destroy paint.

[XCH00N]

thanks for all the comments and help but ive been lucky and found another car and it hasnt got any on it (thank god) but now that leads to what is the easiest/best way to remove a badge off the body without damage.

[LoudXR6]

sign places usually use steam mops and guns from what ive seen to remove vinyl and badges

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by Marquis

Hair dryer, Yes
Heat gun, Never.

Like said above, sunlight is worth a go first

Why not a heat gun?


They have temperature and speed control.

[BOOSTEDGAZ]

Heat gun is fine. just heat the area as evenly as you can and then get a corner lifted and heat as you remove. Wax and grease remover will get any residue off. Best way is to combine both methods. Park the car in the sun fo r a while to warm the panels up and then heat the stickers with a heat gun and way you go. I removed the stripes off my GTP and after a clean you would never know they were there.

[superfly]

I've just used a hair dryer in the past and then used some wax to remove all the residue. That was on some stickers that were 4 years old.

[Sunburst 335]

Originally Posted by XCH00N

thanks for all the comments and help but ive been lucky and found another car and it hasnt got any on it (thank god) but now that leads to what is the easiest/best way to remove a badge off the body without damage.

Use fishing line just slip it behind badge use sawing motion easy and citrus cleaner to remove left over glue

[Neale]

I remove stickers with a heat gun all of the time at work as a signwriter & have never cooked the paint.

As long as you dont concentrate the heat in one spot for a long time, it wont be a probem. The sticker will burn before the paint anyway, so if you see the sticker starting to discolour then you know its getting too hot

Just remember theres no point getting the sticker any hotter than you can touch or you cant grab it to peel it off.

[HornGT]

thanks it was worth looking this up.Hair dryer did it for me.