Decals can be fun to express your creativity and personality, but they are also very difficult to remove. If you decide to get rid of your old decal, we will tell you how to do it without leaving marks or scratches. For best results, wipe the area before and after removing the decal using heat and rubbing during the process.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare to uninstall
Step 1. Wipe down the decal and the surrounding area
Fill a small bucket with warm water and add a couple drops of liquid detergent or laundry detergent. Dampen a sponge in a bucket and scrub the area thoroughly to remove dust and dirt that might prevent the decal from separating.
Step 2. Rinse and dry the area
Pour fresh, clean water over the area to rinse off any foam. Thoroughly wipe the decal and surrounding area with a clean microfiber cloth until all traces of soap and water are removed. If you're in no rush, you can simply let the plot and decal dry naturally.
Step 3. Try prying off the weakened edges of the decal slightly
Examine the decal carefully and try to find its weak points. If one of the corners of the decal is already slightly raised, try pulling on that corner.
Part 2 of 3: Peel off the decal
Step 1. Heat the decal with a hair dryer to loosen the glue
Plug in the hair dryer and set it to hot air. Hold the hair dryer a couple of centimeters from the center of the decal for a few seconds. Then slowly move to other parts of the decal. Don't stop until the decal is warm to the touch.
Step 2. Apply rubbing alcohol or WD-40 before peeling off the decal
Remove the hair dryer and treat the edges of the decal with a safe oil or alcohol based substance. Rub gently around the edges of the decal.
Step 3. Peel off or scrape off the decal
Gently peel off or scrape off the decal with your fingernail, rubber spatula, or old credit card. If the decal has a clear weak point, start from there.
Do not use a razor blade unless you are trying to remove the decal from the window. If used carelessly, the blade can cause scratches on painted surfaces
Part 3 of 3: Clean the area under the decal
Step 1. Use a glue remover
Traces of glue may have remained on the surface, which it is better to get rid of. Go to an auto parts store or hardware store for a glue remover that can safely do the job. Apply a small amount of the product to a microfiber cloth and rub it into the glue marks. Wait about a minute before washing it off with soapy water. Repeat until the marks disappear.
Step 2. Wipe the area again
Use a sponge and warm soapy water to remove any remaining dirt from the surface. Wipe the area with a microfiber cloth.
Step 3. Apply a fresh coat of varnish and wax
Apply polishing compound and a new coat of wax to polish the area where the decal was. Both of these products can be found at an auto parts store. Polishing will help hide stains as well as protect the surface.