How to Remove a Bumper Sticker

A bumper sticker is a fun and creative way to express thoughts, beliefs and personality. It also can become an outdated eyesore on your vehicle over time. There are various ways to remove a bumper sticker, but the following method is a simple and effective means of doing so. Depending upon how firmly adhered your bumper stick is to your vehicle, this process may take only a few minutes to complete or it may take much longer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• WD-40
• Plastic putty knife
• Hot soapy water
• Sponge
• Clear rinse water
• Clean dry rag or towel

1. Locate one corner of the bumper sticker. Use a loose corner if there is one. Carefully attempt to lift and pull up as much of the bumper sticker as possible from that corner. The plastic putty knife may be useful in this process.

2. Apply WD-40 liberally to the area of the bumper sticker you have exposed by lifting and pulling. This section is touching the bumper. Allow the WD-40 to soak the area for approximately 30 seconds.

3. Lift and pull the bumper sticker more. Use the plastic putty knife to aid the lifting and pulling by scraping and pushing the adhered section of bumper sticker that has been treated with the WD-40. Continue the lift, pull, soak and set process until all of the bumper sticker is removed.

4. Remove the remaining adhesive residue with WD-40 and the plastic putty knife.

5. Wash the treated area of your bumper with a small amount of hot soapy water and a sponge. Rinse with clear water and dry with a clean towel or rag.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have the long red straw-like applicator for your can of WD-40, using it works best for this process as it focuses the spray onto the specific small areas you are working on.
• A bumper sticker can decrease the resale value of your vehicle. If you have a great bumper sticker you want to show off you do not have to apply it to your bumper. Place the bumper sticker with the adhesive cover strip intact facing outward in your rear window. Use care so you do not block your view as a driver. Use small pieces of clear tape to hold the bumper sticker in place. When you want to remove it, simply remove the clear tape and intact bumper sticker. Then use your intact bumper sticker as a bookmark or create a keepsake book containing all of your favorite bumper stickers.
• Do not substitute a metal-edged putty knife or razor blade for the plastic putty knife. It will cut, nick and scratch your bumper surface and could present a risk for injury.