Do you have some old decals on your car that have to go? Are you worried about damaging the paint underneath the graphic? Then you have come to the right place. We are here to help you safely and gently remove your car decals. Read on to learn all about removing decals without damaging your paint.

What You Need to Remove Car Decals

• Car wash soap, water, and automotive sponge to wash your car before and clean the spot where the decal was after removal 
• Hair dryer to heat up the decal
• Plastic card to gently peel of the sticker
• Distilled vinegar or Goo Gone to remove the leftover adhesive
• Microfiber towel or sponge for the adhesive remover

Wash Your Car

Wash your vehicle thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris. Dirt and debris can scratch your paint so you want them completely gone when you are preparing to remove a decal. You can just spot clean around and over the decal or wash your whole car. Just be sure all debris is gone especially under any already peeling or curling portions of your vehicle decal. 

Heat Things Up

Heat loosens up the adhesive holding the decal to your car. The easiest and safest way to heat up the decal is with a hair drying set on high. Hit the edges thoroughly. We would recommend heating the entire decal for about 2 to 3 minutes. You can always use the hair dryer again as you progress in removing decals without damaging the paint. This is especially beneficial if the adhesive gets cool while you are in the process of removing the sticker. This will happen quicker when working in low temperatures and can be a necessity when working with large decals.

Once your decal is nice and hot use a plastic card (we all have an old gift card or 3 in our wallets) to gently remove the sticker a bit at a time. 

Unwanted Leftovers

There will probably be some adhesive remaining after you remove a decal. This can be removed with distilled vinegar on a soft microfiber cloth or automotive sponge or a product like Goo Gone. Follow the product directions for the best results. Once the adhesive is gone wash the area with soapy water and rinse.

That’s about it! Wash, heat, remove decal, remove any leftover adhesive, and clean off any residue from whatever you removed the adhesive with!

The Best Option for Removing Decals Without Damaging Paint

Remove any worry and visit your local car detailer for professional removal. Yes, you can remove a car decal yourself, but the risk of damaging your paint is all but eliminated when you leave it to the pros. 

Queen City Tint & Design will remove your decals safely at an affordable price. Call or email them today to schedule an appointment. Queen City Tint & Design is a 3M authorized window film dealer and certified installer. They provide window tinting services, full color change wraps, customized printed graphics, vinyl lettering, and decals.