How to Remove Advertising Stickers From Cars? How to Deal with Residual Adhesive Marks on Car Advertising Film?

Car advertising stickers are a common and economical way of promotion. Many companies choose to stick advertising stickers on their vehicles, which can increase exposure and be replaced at any time. But when the advertising cycle ends or you want to restore the original appearance of the vehicle. How to safely and thoroughly remove the stickers becomes a key issue. Improper handling may not only leave unsightly adhesive marks, but also damage the car paint. This article will provide a detailed introduction on how to properly remove car advertising stickers and how to clean up residual adhesive marks, making your car look brand new.

Why Should We Remove Advertising Stickers Correctly?

Protecting car paint: Advertising film usually has strong adhesive properties, which become more secure after prolonged exposure to sunlight. If torn hard, it may come off along with the car paint.

Maintain vehicle value: A clean and residue free body can maintain a higher resale price for used cars.

Maintain brand image: The corporate fleet regularly replaces advertising stickers and keeps the vehicle clean when removed, showcasing a professional and responsible brand image.

Step 1: Prepare tools

Before starting, prepare the following items:

• Hair dryer or hot air gun (low temperature mode is sufficient)
• Plastic scraper or used credit card
• Microfiber cloth
• Special adhesive remover (citrus based or commercial vehicle adhesive remover products)
• Warm water and neutral car wash solution

Step 2: Heat Up the Sticker

• Moderate heating can soften the adhesive backing of the film, making it easier to peel off.
• Keep the hair dryer 5-10 centimeters away from the edge of the film and heat it for 30-60 seconds.
• Use your hands to test if the edges are loose.
• If it can be easily lifted, we can proceed to the next step.
• Tip: Do not overheat to avoid high temperature damage to car paint or plastic parts.

Step 3: Tear Off the Sticker

Starting From the Corners

• First, select one corner of the film and gently lift it up with a nail or plastic scraper.
• Remember not to use metal tools to avoid leaving scratches on the paint surface.
• If the corners are still difficult to lift, you can heat them moderately again for a few seconds.

Slowly Tear at a 45 ° Angle

• Slowly pull the film back and control the angle at around 45 degrees.
• This angle can effectively reduce the pulling of the car paint when the adhesive layer separates, and lower the risk of paint damage.
• Do not pull vigorously during the tearing process, otherwise the sticker may break and even pull off some of the paint surface.

Assisted By Plastic Scraper

• If the film is firmly adhered, you can gently tear it while using a plastic scraper to push it.
• This can make it easier for the sticker to fall off as a whole, while avoiding excessive force from the hands.

Step 4: Clean Up Residual Adhesive Marks

After removing the advertising film, there is often residual adhesive material on the vehicle body. At this point, you can do the following:

• Spray adhesive remover – evenly apply it to the adhesive mark and let it stand for 1-2 minutes.
• Gently wipe – use a microfiber cloth to wipe back and forth, and the adhesive marks will gradually dissolve.
• Repeated operation – stubborn residues can be sprayed multiple times, do not scrape with force.
• Clean the surface – use warm water and neutral car wash solution to remove chemical residues.
• Alternative method: If there is no adhesive, alcohol, vinegar, or a small amount of cooking oil can be used as an aid, but it should be tested on a small scale to avoid affecting the paint surface.

Step 5: Cleaning and Maintenance

Thoroughly Clean the Surface

• Thoroughly clean the entire vehicle body or at least the film coated area using neutral car wash fluid and clean water.
• Focus on removing potential residual chemical solvents, adhesives, or oils.
• It is recommended to use the “two bucket car wash method” (one filled with water to rinse the sponge, and the other filled with car wash solution) to avoid dirt and scratches on the car paint again.

Thoroughly Dry the Vehicle Body

• Wipe dry with a clean and soft microfiber cloth. It is not recommended to use a regular towel or tissue to avoid leaving water marks or small scratches.

Safe Removal Tips

In the process of remove advertising stickers, although the method is not complicated, improper operation often leads to paint scratches, uneven colors, or unsightly marks. The following tips can help you operate more safely and efficiently:

Test First, do not Blindly Use

• Whether it is a glue remover, alcohol, or cooking oil, it should be tested in an inconspicuous location (such as the edge of a car door or under a bumper) to confirm that it will not cause discoloration or damage to the paint surface before using it on a large scale.
• Especially for solvent based debonding agents, if the car paint has aged or has been repaired, it is even more necessary to test carefully.

Refuse to Use Metal Tools

• Although metal scrapers and blades are sharp, they are prone to scratching car paint, and even a gentle touch may leave irreparable scratches.
• It is recommended to use plastic scrapers, used credit cards, or specialized car sticker removal tools to assist in the operation, which can scrape the edges and corners of the film without damaging the paint surface.

Maintain Patience and Proceed Step by Step

• Removing stickers is not an overnight process, especially for advertising stickers that have been aged for many years and exposed to sunlight, which may require repeated heating and block removal.
• When operating, slowly tear and pull, do not be impatient and forcefully pull. Patient operation can not only reduce residual adhesive marks, but also avoid the paint from being pulled off due to excessive force.

Conclusion

Removing car advertising stickers is not complicated. As long as you master the correct method, you can avoid damaging the car paint and thoroughly remove any remaining adhesive marks. Heating → Slowly tearing off → Cleaning with adhesive → Cleaning and waxing, these four steps can restore your vehicle to a clean and new condition.

Whether it’s individual car owners or corporate fleets, learning this method can make it easier to replace advertisements or restore vehicle bodies.