How to Remove Dealer Labels from Car Paint

You know it's impossible to keep a new car flawless forever, but you want to at least get off the dealer lot without the finish of your new vehicle marred. For many people, a dealer's sticker on the rear of the vehicle detracts from its brand-new feel. These stickers typically are placed on a painted surface, but that shouldn't stop you from removing them. Here's how to remove them without damaging the paint.

Things You'll Need

• Hair dryer
• Dull-edged tool
• Adhesive remover
• Car shampoo
• Car wax

Instructions

1. Heat the dealer label. If it's a warm day, park the vehicle in direct sunlight for awhile or aim a hair dryer at the label. This softens the adhesive.

2. Use a dull-edged tool to loosen an edge of the label. Use a plastic knife, golf tee, dental floss or thin fishing line.

3. Peel the label away with your fingers. It should come off easily if the adhesive has been heated.

4. Remove any leftover adhesive. Apply Goo Gone, WD-40 or a general trim adhesive remover you can find at any auto parts store. Wipe the solution away with a clean cloth and rinse thoroughly with water, or water and a little soap specifically made for car cleaning. Follow up with wax.

Tips & Warnings

• Removing a dealer label from a painted area on a vehicle that isn't new may show a difference in paint color. The paint on the rest of the car likely has faded to some degree.

References

• AutoGeekOnline: Removing Dealer Stickers