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How do you remove car decals without damaging the paint?

What’s the best way to remove decals from my car without ruining the paint job? I just bought my sister’s car, and she stuck a ton of stickers on it that I don’t like.

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Stickers are great when you like them and very frustrating when you don’t. Luckily, you can follow these steps to remove car decals without
damaging your paint
:
  • First, clean the area with soap and water to remove any debris on the decal or the area around it.
  • If the sticker isn’t peeling up, heat the area with a hairdryer for about two minutes. You can also pour boiling water on the area for the same effect.
  • At this point, you should be able to peel up the decal. If it’s still difficult to remove, use a plastic card to help pry it off.
  • To remove the adhesive residue, rub it off with a microfiber cloth and a glue removal product like Goo Gone or distilled white vinegar.
  • Once you’ve removed the last of the adhesive, make sure to wash and wax the area to protect your paint!
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