Whether it’s a dealership label, parking permit, or something decorative that’s outstayed its welcome, car stickers can be surprisingly stubborn.
Luckily, there are several safe and effective ways to get rid of them without damaging your paint or windows.
Table of Contents
Safety Precautions
Before you start, it’s important to take a few safety steps:
- Work in a well-ventilated area: especially when using strong-smelling substances like WD-40 or adhesive remover.
- Protect your hands and eyes with gloves and safety glasses.
- If using a sharp blade on glass, hold it at an angle and go slowly to avoid scratches or injury.
- Never use sharp blades on painted surfaces - stick to plastic scrapers.
Five Effective Methods
1. Adhesive Remover
Specialist products like Goo Gone, Auto Glym or De.Solv.It are designed to break down sticker adhesive. Spray the remover onto the sticker, let it sit for a few minutes, and then peel the sticker away. Reapply to any leftover residue and wipe clean.
2. Window Cleaner
Surprisingly, your standard glass cleaner can help loosen stickers. Spray generously, let it soak for a few minutes, then use a cloth with firm pressure or a scraper to lift the sticker. Reapply and repeat if needed.
3. Ice
Adhesives can be weakened by cold, too. Apply an ice pack or bag of ice cubes directly onto the sticker for a few minutes. Then, use a plastic scraper or card to lift a corner and peel it away slowly.
4. WD-40
WD-40 isn’t just for squeaky hinges, it can loosen sticky residue. After removing as much of the sticker as possible, spray the remaining adhesive and leave for a few minutes. Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Repeat if necessary.
5. Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl)
Apply rubbing alcohol to the sticker and let it sit. Once the adhesive breaks down, the sticker should peel away cleanly. This method works especially well on smaller stickers and leaves minimal residue behind.
Step-by-Step: Removing Stickers from Paintwork
1. Prepare the Area
Clean the area around the sticker with warm, soapy water. This removes grit that could scratch your car during removal. Dry the area with a soft cloth.
2. Apply Heat
Use a hairdryer or heat gun (on low) to gently warm the sticker for 30–60 seconds. This softens the adhesive and makes peeling easier. Don’t overheat — especially on painted panels.
3. Peel It Off
Use a plastic scraper, old loyalty card, or your fingernail to gently lift one corner. Slowly peel the sticker off, reheating if needed. Avoid rushing, which can leave more residue behind.
4. Clean Off Adhesive
Apply your chosen adhesive remover, WD-40 or rubbing alcohol. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe the area clean using a soft microfibre cloth.
5. Final Clean
Wash the area again with soapy water to remove any product residue. Dry the surface with a clean cloth for a streak-free finish.
Extra Tips
- Be patient - older stickers may take more than one attempt.
- Always test solvents on an inconspicuous area first.
- For large or delicate jobs, consider a professional detailing service.
