The stickers that some drivers put on their cars express their personal interests and identities, whether they are related to a sports team, a band, or even a political orientation or religious belief. But this pleasure of expression may turn into a real challenge when the time for these stickers is removed, which often leaves unwanted effects or damage the paint or glass.
Car care experts stress the need to avoid removing stickers in a violent way, because of this negative effects on the appearance of the car. It is recommended to use heat to soften the adhesive before trying to remove. The car can be exposed to sunlight for some time, or the use of a hair dryer to shed hot air on the label, taking into account the heat from a suitable distance to avoid damage to the surface.
As for dealing with glass windows, the surface must be completely heated evenly and the heat is not concentrated at one point, especially on cold days, because sudden thermal change may lead to cracking glass.
In the event that the blades or scraps are used to remove the poster, extreme caution should be taken, as any simple slide may leave a permanent scratch. Experts also advise not to use these tools at all on the paint without making sure they are suitable.
What do you do with the remains of the adhesive?
After removing the sticker, some effects of the adhesive may remain. It can be cleaned using metal alcohol (White Spirit) or materials for removal of stickers, with the need to first test them on an unprepared part of the car. In difficult cases, customized eraser tools can be used usually used with an electric screwdriver, noting that the paint is not scratched.
It is important for the driver to know that the area that was covered with the poster may be a slightly different color from the rest of the paint, as a result of the contrast of sun exposure. This is common and does not indicate damage, but it may affect the general appearance after the removal.
If you are not confident of carrying out the operation yourself, it is preferable to go to a specialized maintenance or polishing center, to avoid any permanent damage that may result from improper removal methods.