How to Remove Decals From Car Paint Work
Decals are a simple way to designate and personalize your car. Normally made of vinyl or plastic, decals can add style and flair to your vehicle, but can also be a burden if you wish to sell your car. Removing decals from car paint work can take a bit of time and effort, but a clean, damage-free paint job is well worth the work.
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic putty knife
- Blow dryer
- Rubbing alcohol
- Spray bottle
- Car wax
- Rag
Instructions
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1
Run the edge of a plastic putty knife under the edge of the decal to loosen it. The longer many decals have been in place, the weaker the glue is and the easier they will come off. If you notice any resistance in the decal, do not pull on it or you may damage the paint.
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2
Heat up the glue on the decal by running a blow dryer over the area, holding the gun a few inches from the surface to keep from blistering the paint. Allow the blow dryer to run over the decal for a minute or two, then try to pull the decal up with a plastic putty knife or fingernail. If it does not lift easily, heat it up for another minute and try again.
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3
Fill a spray bottle halfway up with rubbing alcohol, topping it off with water and shaking gently to combine. Spray the alcohol mixture over the decal, allowing it to sit for 10 minutes to dissolve the glue. Test the glue with the putty knife to see if it has loosened any. If not, spray again with alcohol and try again in a few minutes.
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4
Rub the decal with a clean rag to help pull it from the paint. Lay the towel against the vehicle in front of the decal, pushing down firmly to pull up the edge of the decal, continuing to rub firmly to remove it. The friction between the towel and the decal will break the adhesive bond and you can pull the decal off without issue.
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5
Apply a thin layer of wax to the area and rub it gently into the paint to polish and protect the newly clean surface. Repeat the removal and waxing process with each remaining area until your car is decal-free.
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Tips & Warnings
Test your alcohol mixture on a hidden area of your paint to make sure it is not going to cause blistering or fading before using it on your decals. Most vehicles hold up well to a mild alcohol solution, but testing in advance will prevent damage to your paint.
Never use paint thinner to remove decals. The paint thinner will eat the adhesive in the decal, but will also cause severe damage to the paint underneath.
