7
Sticker Removal
Sticker removal is the safe removal of unwanted stickers and labels on the exterior surfaces of a vehicle. The area where the sticker was placed, requires to be left undamaged, smooth, and free of any residues, adhesives, or glue.
The removal process requires the use of a heat gun, plastic razor blades, and a solvent-based cleaner degreaser.
Solvent-based cleaners and degreasers are formulated using organic solvents. Organic solvents are used to solubilize and dissolve certain residues; breaking them down into smaller particles and allowing for easy removal. Solvent-based substances are applied to dry surfaces.
Choose a solvent-based cleaner based on the application and surrounding environment requirements. Auto Valet currently offers four (4) solvent-based cleaners and degreasers that remove stickers, labels, and adhesives. All are ready to use and are body shop safe.
- SUPER-O: removes large areas of decal adhesive from a range of surfaces, including painted surfaces. Allow a few minutes of penetration time.
- SUPER SOL: a quick-drying solvent blend that dissolves adhesives for easy removal of labels from glass, metal, painted surfaces and plastic. Ideal for decal adhesive removal from vehicle painted surfaces. Once applied, dwell time is less than one minute.
- HERC: works to remove adhesives, along with other substances such as road tar, crude oils, and rust proofing. Works within a few minutes, and within 20 seconds on painted surfaces. Rinses away with water for easy removal.
- OUST: removes adhesives, along with other substances such as road tar, crude oils, and rust proofing. Chlorinated solvent-free. Works within a few minutes, and within 20 seconds on painted surfaces. Rinses away with water for easy removal.
The time to remove stickers, adhesives, decals, and labels is dependent on the exterior surface area of where applicable stickers are to be removed, the intensity and amount of permanence, and the product chosen to use. Once sticker removal is complete, the areas should be smooth and free of residue.
Safety supplies include goggles, an apron, rubber boots, and impervious gloves.
You will require a heat gun to complete this task. View the products used tab for Auto Valet products and accessories relating to this detailing task.
AREAS OF APPLICATION
Exterior Surfaces
PRODUCTS USED
PRODUCTS USED
Detailing task 7: Sticker Removal
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Directions
STEP 1: PREPARE THE AREAS OF APPLICATION
Ensure that the sticker and surrounding areas are clean and dry; free from dust, debris, and grime.STEP 2: REMOVE THE STICKER
Use a heat gun to evenly heat up the sticker and its adhesive on the back. Once heated up, use a plastic razor blade and work around the sticker, flipping up the edges towards the centre of the sticker. Gently pull the sticker off. The remaining adhesive may be stuck to the surface from where the sticker was removed.STEP 3: REMOVE THE REMAINING ADHESIVE
Use a spray bottle and a solvent resistant trigger sprayer nozzle. Spray a solvent-based cleaner degreaser onto the area where the sticker was previously. Allow the solvent-based cleaner degreaser to penetrate the adhesive, on the surface, according to the specific products’ dwell time. If using SUPER SOL or SUPER-O, wipe the surface with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth. If using HERC or OUST, rinse with high-pressured water.STEP 4: REVIEW YOUR WORK
Review work. For stubborn adhesive remaining, repeat step 3 or use a plastic razor blade to pry the remaining adhesive off.Tips
- Always follow the dwell time listed for the solvent-based cleaner and degreaser being used; incorrect usage may lead to damage to the applied surfaces.
- Use a plastic razor blade on painted surfaces for safe and effective removal of stickers, and to eliminate paint damage.
- Solvent-based cleaners and degreasers are flammable. Keep away from open flames, hot surfaces, or sources of ignition.
- Be sure to carefully read and follow all product instructions and precautions, on the product labels.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
There are currently five (5) Auto Valet solvent based cleaners and degreasers available.
- SUPER-O: a ready to use, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Removes grease, tar, oil, gum, wax, and cosmoline, as well as large areas of decal adhesives from painted surfaces.
- SUPER SOL: a ready to use, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Easily dissolves and removes label and sticker adhesive from painted surfaces. Dissolves tar, grease, and oily soil deposits on carpets, upholstery, and exterior paint.
- HERC: a ready to use, environmentally friendly, V.O.C. compliant, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Free of chlorinated solvents. Used to dissolve and emulsify road tar, crude oils, rust proofing, and adhesives. Rinses away with water.
- OUST: a ready to use, body shop safe, solvent based cleaner and degreaser. Used to dissolve and emulsify road tar, crude oils, rust proofing, and adhesives. Rinses away with water.
- SAP REMOVER: specifically formulated to penetrate, lift, and dissolve sap and organic resins. Safe to use on glass, metal, and painted surfaces; without scratching or scuffing. Ready to use, body shop safe, and environmentally friendly.
Yes, all of Auto Valet’s solvent based cleaners and degreasers are safe for body shop applications. Includes: SUPER-O, SUPER SOL, HERC, OUST, and SAP REMOVER.
Cleaners and degreasers are liquid products designed to remove dirt, grease, oils, and stains from a variety of interior and exterior vehicle surfaces. These surfaces include natural and synthetic fabrics, leather, metals, painted surfaces, plastics and rubber. There are two types of cleaners and degreasers; solvent based and water based. Each is formulated and applied differently from each other. Solvent based and water based cleaners and degreasers also have best usage applications depending on the makeup of the substance to remove.
Water based cleaners and degreasers are governed by the pH. The pH is the measure of how acidic or basic (alkaline) the product is formulated to be, and determines what substances can be removed. Products in Auto Valet's water based cleaners and degreasers category are formulated to be basic (alkaline) in their pH levels. This allows them to act as all-purpose cleaners for general removal of soil on surfaces. Oil, grease, and lubricants are easily removed with water based cleaners and degreasers as the alkali reacts with these substances, making them water-soluble and easier to rinse away. Water based cleaners and degreasers can be diluted with water to best suit the application requirements, and are best used to degrease and clean engine compartments and remove carbon. Water based cleaners and degreasers include PURPLE POWER, TRANSPORT, D'LIMOKLEEN PLUS, GREASE TERMINATOR and ULTRA KLEEN.
Solvent based cleaners and degreasers are formulated using organic solvents. Organic solvents are used to solubilize (dissolve) residues of fats, oils, and grease; breaking them down into smaller particles and carrying it into the solution, away from the area being cleaned. Solvent based cleaners and degreasers provide the opportunity of quick cleaning; dissolving and carrying away soils without extended prep, processing, or drying time. However; they typically contain higher levels of V.O.C’s, are usually flammable (must be kept away from open flames, hot surfaces, or sources of ignition), and cannot be diluted with water. Most solvent based cleaners and degreasers are applied only to dry surfaces, and are best used to remove solvent based substances such as tar and undercoating. Solvent based cleaners and degreasers include SUPER-O, SUPER SOL, HERC, OUST, and SAP REMOVER.
To remove vehicle transit coatings and new vehicle delivery wraps, use the same method as discarding stickers from a vehicle’s surface. First begin by preparing the areas of application, then remove the coating/wrap using a heat gun. Follow this by using a solvent-based cleaner degreaser to remove the remaining adhesive. Finally, review your work to ensure all adhesives are cleared away.