Applying car stickers is a fun way to personalise your vehicle, and for some, they serve a practical purpose—like signalling the need for extra space to unload a wheelchair. However, when it's time to remove stickers that are no longer wanted or necessary, the task can often be trickier than it seems.
In this guide, we explain how you remove car decals or stickers by providing simple and effective advice from our expert car detailers. Learn everything from the tools you should use to the most effective way to remove car stickers without damaging your car's paintwork.
The best tools for effective car sticker removal
Before you attempt to remove car stickers from your vehicle, you need to make sure you have all the necessary tools for the job. This includes:
- Warm, soapy water
- Distilled white vinegar
- Paper towels
- Clean, microfibre cloths
- Rubbing alcohol or specialist adhesive remover
- Hair dryer or hot water
- Plastic spatula or old plastic card (a credit or bank card works well)
- Car wax or detailing spray
What not to use when removing car stickers?
Stickers can leave an unsightly sticky residue that can be hard to remove from your car. Although it may be tempting to pick up tools like metal scrapers, razor blades, steel wool, or sandpaper to tackle this stubborn residue, these tools should never be used. They are too abrasive and can easily damage your car's paintwork or scratch your windows.
Instead, follow our step-by-step car sticker removal guide below. Or for really hard-to-remove decals, consider seeking professional help from expert car detailers like Star Car Wash.
How do you remove car stickers? A step-by-step guide
To effectively remove car stickers from your vehicle without causing any damage, follow our below guide:
- Apply distilled vinegar to the sticker – Start by applying distilled vinegar directly onto the sticker. Next, saturate a paper towel in vinegar and hold onto the sticker for a few minutes. The acetic acid in the vinegar should start to break down the sticker's adhesive, making it easier to remove.
- Gently lift the sticker off – Gently pry a plastic spatula or old credit card underneath a corner of the sticker and gently peel the sticker off without scratching or damaging the vehicle's surface.
- Apply heat to hard-to-remove stickers – For stubborn stickers that will not peel off with gentle pressure, try applying heat to further loosen the adhesive.
- Using a hair dryer – Put the hair dryer on its lowest heat setting and hold it approximately six inches away from the car's surface. Direct the warm air onto the sticker for 30-60 seconds, making sure you move the hair dryer around the sticker so that all the adhesive is loosened.
- Using hot water- If you don't have access to a hair dryer, you can try applying hot water to the sticker, although this method tends to be less effective. Soak a cloth in hot water and hold it onto the sticker for a few minutes to loosen the adhesive.
- Gently peel the sticker away – Once heat has been applied, the sticker's adhesive should have loosened, and you should be able to gently peel the softened sticker away.
- Remove any remaining residue with rubbing alcohol or adhesive remover – Once the sticker has been removed, you can gently apply rubbing alcohol or a special adhesive remover spray to the affected area to remove any final sticky residue.
- Wipe clean – Wipe the area clean using a microfibre cloth and warm, soapy water.
- Leave to dry – Allow the area to dry.
- Apply automotive wax or detailing spray – Restore the affected area's protection by applying car wax or a car detailing spray. Follow your chosen product's specific instructions on how to apply for the most effective finish.
How to make removing car stickers easier in the future?
Although it is possible to remove car stickers, it can be a time-consuming and laborious job. To make the process easier in the future, try:
- Putting any stickers or decals on the rear window instead of the bumper, as stickers are easier to remove from glass than car paintwork.
- Attaching your chosen sticker to a magnet that can be easily attached or removed from your car instead of putting it directly on the paintwork.
- Ensuring you wash, dry, and wax your car before applying stickers to ensure the removal process is easier and that your paintwork is adequately protected.
Get professional help
Whether you are looking for help with car sticker removal or just want to maintain your car in pristine condition, Star Car Wash can help.
As Australia's leading professional hand wash, our expert car detailers are dedicated to using the best car detailing tools and products to ensure your vehicle gets unrivalled treatment and leaves us in like-new condition.
Since 2003, we've detailed thousands of cars, helping to restore their showroom look and feel once more. Our services go beyond an ordinary car wash by removing blemishes, restoring paintwork, and revitalising interiors from leather seats to plastic coverings.
Book online today or visit your nearest Star Car Wash branch.