Remove a Bumper Sticker from Glass
A bumper sticker is a small piece of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) that is used to decorate a car, bicycle, home window or other object. Its name is derived from the fact that it is traditionally placed upon the back bumper of a car to advertise support for a political candidate, sports team or organization, although it can also be a simple joke, quote or decal. In many countries, bumper stickers are referred to as "country tags," small stickers with letters designating the country of a car's origin. In order for these stickers to last through outdoor weathering on a bumper or glass window pane, they are made with strong adhesives. The longer the sticker has been adhered to a surface, the harder it will be to get off. Luckily, removing bumper stickers from glass surfaces is possible using household tools and ingredients. This article will tell you how to remove a bumper sticker from glass.
Steps
- Protect the area around the bumper sticker using pieces of cardboard, paper towels and painter's tape. Tape pieces of cardboard and paper towels below the sticker to catch drips of liquid. Although the glass itself is not likely to be harmed using any of the materials needed to remove the bumper sticker, paint or wood around the glass can be damaged if oil or liquids leak onto them.
- Warm the bumper sticker with a hair dryer for 2 minutes, in order to warm the adhesive glue on the back of the sticker. If the cord will not reach the glass, let it sit in the hot sun or pour boiling water over the sticker and glass to warm the glue.
- Attempt to loosen the edge of the sticker with a credit card, razor blade, or a plastic or metal paint scraper. Recently affixed stickers may be removed simply by heating the glue and gently prying the edges with a metal or plastic instrument.
- Soak a paper towel in white vinegar or olive oil, if the sticker is still affixed.
- Blot the bumper sticker and the area outside of the bumper sticker with vinegar or olive oil. Repeat 3 times in order to ensure the surface is covered.
- Wait 3 minutes for the vinegar or oil to penetrate the PVC.
- Take your plastic or metal instrument and gently push it under the edge of the bumper sticker. Try to get a length approximately equal to half of your index finger, so that you will be able to pull on it later with your fingers later in the process.
- Leave the edge you have just brought up and work the straight edge under the other edges of the bumper sticker, until you have raised all the edges.
- Pull gently at 1 section of the sticker with your thumb and index finger, stopping if the sticker no longer moves or begins to rip.
- Pull gently at other edges in turn, switching sides frequently, until the sticker is removed.
- If the sticker rips, coat it in another layer of white vinegar or olive oil and wait a few more minutes for it to penetrate, then try to scrape the thin layer up with your sharp instrument.
- Clean the area with water and/or glass cleaner before removing your protective barriers.
Tips
- Bumper sticker removal can also be accomplished with WD-40 or denatured alcohol. Use them in a similar manner to the white vinegar or olive oil, but be very careful not to let them get on surrounding surfaces.
- Place your ingredients, like vinegar and straight edge near you before using the blow dryer, sunlight or boiling water, so that you can start the process of removing the sticker just after the glue has been warmed.
Warnings
- Always be careful when working with a razor blade or sharp edge. Use small, gentle motions with the blade and never place your opposite hand on sticker when you are attempting to scrape the sticker from the glass.
Things You'll Need
- Painter's tape
- Paper towels
- Cardboard
- Hair dryer, boiling water or sunlight
- White vinegar or olive oil
- Razor blade, paint scraper or credit card
- Water or glass cleaner
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- Remove Bumper Stickers
- Remove Old Decals
