Removing decals from your vehicle can seem intimidating, but with the right technique and tools, you can easily do it at home without damaging your car's paint. Whether you’re prepping your car for new decals or just want to get rid of old ones, this guide covers the safest and most effective method for decal removal. At the end of the blog, you can also check out our YouTube video to watch the process in action!

Tools Needed:

• Plastic scraper (Avoid metal scrapers to prevent scratches)
• Heat gun (Or a hair dryer, if you don’t have one)
• Adhesive remover
• Soft sponge or soft scrubbing pad
• Soap and water
• Gloves for protection

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Decals from a Vehicle

1. Start with a Plastic Scraper

First, try using a plastic scraper to remove the decal. The reason to use plastic is that it's less likely to scratch your vehicle's paint compared to a metal scraper. In many cases, the decal won't come off easily, so you may need to apply heat.

2. Heat the Decal with a Heat Gun

If the plastic scraper alone isn't working, grab a heat gun (or hair dryer). Start at a safe low temperature and only increase it if you need it. Hold the heat gun about half an inch from the decal and move it in small circular motions, heating the area for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to keep the heat gun in one spot for too long, as this can damage your paint. We set our heat gun to 400°F, and it worked great.

Tip: Wear gloves when handling the heat gun to avoid accidental burns.

3. Scrape the Decal Off

Once the decal is heated up, use the plastic scraper again. It should now come off much more easily. If it doesn’t, apply heat for another minute or two and try again.

4. Apply Adhesive Remover

After the decal is gone, you'll likely have adhesive residue left behind. Spray an adhesive remover on the area and let it sit for around 5 minutes. Always follow the instructions on the adhesive remover’s packaging. For instance, my adhesive remover recommended not to leave it on the car's surface for longer than 15 minutes to prevent paint damage. Wear gloves and follow any safety precautions listed on the product.

5. Gently Scrub Away Adhesive

Once the adhesive remover has sat for the recommended time, use a soft sponge or a soft scrubbing pad to gently scrub off the remaining adhesive. Be careful not to use anything too rough or abrasive that could scratch the paint.

6. Wash with Soap and Water

After the adhesive is removed, wash the area with soap and water to remove any leftover residue from the adhesive remover. This will prevent any lingering chemicals from damaging your vehicle's paint.

Key Safety Tips for Removing Decals from Cars:

• Use a Plastic Scraper: Metal scrapers are more likely to cause scratches, so stick to plastic to protect your vehicle’s paint.
• Wear Gloves: Always use gloves when handling a heat gun or adhesive remover for added safety.
• Control the Heat: Don’t hold the heat gun in one spot for too long, as this can burn or blister the paint.
• Follow the Adhesive Remover Instructions: Read the product's instructions carefully and avoid leaving the remover on for too long to prevent paint damage.
• Use Soft Scrubbing Pads: Avoid harsh scrubbing tools as they can scuff the paint.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to easily remove decals from your vehicle without damaging the paint, leaving a clean surface ready for new decals or a fresh look.

Check out our YouTube Video for a full demonstration of this decal removal process!

Looking for more car maintenance tips and DIY tricks? Visit our blog and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more helpful content.

By following this guide, you’ll make decal removal easy, safe, and paint-friendly. Be sure to leave any questions or comments below!