How to Remove a Bumper Sticker from a Car or Truck

It can be fun to place a team's logo or a pithy quote on your car in the form of a bumper sticker, but in the event that you outgrow it, do you know how to remove a bumper sticker from a car or truck?  One thing that is important to consider is whether you know how to remove a bumper sticker without scratching paint.   But bumpers are not the only vehicle locations where people like to add catchy phrases; some car owners might also want to know how to remove bumper stickers from windows as well.

Given the end of election season, you might also wish to tone down the political rhetoric displayed on your vehicle. 

There is more than one way to remove bumper stickers from cars.

One method is to use WD-40.  To remove the bumper sticker, simply rub the edges of it in WD-40 and then begin to peel the edges back.  The WD-40 acts as a lubricant and solvent to break the binding agent holding the sticker to the surface.  You could also try scraping the sticker up off of the surface with a soft implement, like a rubber spatula, but do not use a razor or sharp instrument because you would risk scratching the paint of the car.

Similarly, you can use nail polish remover, rubbing alcohol, or an adhesive remover like Goo Gone to remove a bumper sticker.  Just repeat the same steps mentioned for using WD-40. 

After these solutions, do you still need other ways for how to remove a bumper sticker from a car or truck?  Sure, because you might not have access to any of those materials. 

Another way to remove a bumper sticker without scratching paint is with a blow dryer or heat gun.  Using a heat gun will work faster.  To remove a sticker, simply blow heat at the sticker from a distance of about eight inches, and then peel a corner back slowly.   When it becomes difficult to peel it back, apply more heat.  If you are using a blow dryer, this process will take longer and you need to place the dryer only about six inches from the sticker to achieve maximum effect.

Likewise, if you have a device that can produce steam, using it on the sticker can break down the glue and enable you to slowly peel it off like you can by using a heat gun.

Is there a different method to use to remove a bumper sticker from a window?  Yes, there is.  Of course, there is no need to worry about chipping paint if the sticker is on the window, so using a razor would be the easiest way to remove the sticker.  To do so, scrape with the razor from the corner of the sticker with the razor positioned at a 90 degree angle.  Be careful not to hold the corner with your hand while you do so, otherwise you could suffer a nasty laceration.  That's a more effective way to remove a bumper sticker from a window than using chemicals or heat. 

Any way you choose, be careful not to pull the sticker directly up, as this risks tearing the sticker and setting you back in the process.  Rather, you should peel the corners of the sticker back over the face of the sticker.

Further, next time you feel like expressing yourself via your vehicle, try to ensure that the sticker you purchase has removable adhesive, which will enable you to take the sticker off more easily. 

Now that you know how to remove a bumper sticker from a car or truck, you might just feel emboldened to add more to your vehicle, knowing that you will be able to peel them off in the future without damaging your car.