During the past decade bumper stickers and decals have become less and less popular, while the popularity of putting stickers on a car’s backglass has grown tremendously. From stick figure families, to 5K races, and landmarks, these stickers give people a sense if individuality- showing other drivers what they’re passionate about- while at the same time hoping other drivers might have common interests.
Glass.com Operations Manager, Daniel Snow, demonstrates how to quickly and easily remove stickers from your car’s glass windows and windshield.
The Death of the Bumper Sticker
For those of you who have applied, and then later tried to remove a bumper sticker, you know why they lost their popularity. Although bumper stickers and vinyl decals adhere like they’re meant to last forever, the reality is that they become old and tired looking, political campaigns end, and future owners likely won’t share your same interests. And when the time came, removing a bumper sticker often meant removing a layer of paint underneath too.
Types of Auto Glass Window Stickers
Stickers and decals on car windows don’t just end up on the back glass (also known as a backlite) though. Dealerships often put stickers on the windshield advertising the price (which should be removed before driving). Other stickers like parking permits or expressway passes often end up on the inside of the windshield also. Some people even apply tint strips across the tops of their windshields in order to block glaring sunlight. (always check state laws regarding legality before applying anything to the windshield).
Young children sometimes are seen building sticker collections on rear sidelites (side windows), which is especially common on vans and SUVs. Other than cartoon characters though, it is rare to see stickers on sidelites as they are usually consolidated to backglass.
How to Remove Stickers and Decals from Auto Glass
Maybe your child has outgrown their sticker phase, maybe your stick figure family got a divorce, or maybe its just come time to sell your vehicle. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help you remove those stickers safely and effectively.
Sticker Removal Tools:
Before we talk about the best techniques and methods for removing stickers from auto glass, we need to talk about the tools you’ll need for the removal process. Using the proper tools will help ensure this is a quick, easy, and painless project.
Towels
Towels aren’t just towels. For the best results, use “shop towels.” These towels are more absorbent and create less lint.
Microfiber Towels
A clean, high-quality microfiber towel will help ensure your glass gets polished to a crystal-clear finish.
Glass Cleaner
A high-quality glass cleaner is essential in this process. An aerosol cleaner makes the process easier. Be sure to use a formula specifically for automotive use so you don’t risk deteriorating window seals and weatherstripping.
Adhesive Remover
An adhesive remover will help break the bond between the sticker and the glass.
A Scraper
This is the number one tool you’ll need to help lift away the sticker and remove it from the glass.
Sticker Removal Methods:
The Razor Blade Method:
A razor blade is the easiest and most effective sticker removal method.
- Start with a new, clean, and unused razor blade- the kind used in box cutters. If there is any dirt or rust on the blade this can scratch the glass. Also clean the glass thoroughly with and automotive glass cleaner and microfiber towel to remove any dirt and prevent scratching.
- Next, liberally apply glass cleaner to the area of the sticker. The glass cleaner will act as a lubricant to let the razor blade slide across the glass more easily.
- Hold the razor against the glass at a 45 degree angle and slide towards the sticker. Start at the outside corners of the sticker and work towards the center. The razor blade will separate the adhesive backing from the glass.
- Once you have pulled away the bulk of the sticker, clean the blade, respray the area, and make another pass to remove any remaining adhesive.
- Turn the microfiber cloth, apply a small amount of glass cleaner, and clean the area for a final time.
- Turn the cloth once more and buff the glass to a shine.
*Note: Never use this method on the inside of auto glass if window tint has been applied as it will likely damage the tint.
The Adhesive Remover Method:
If the thought of taking a blade to your car’s glass is intimidating, then this method may be a better option for you. Be warned however that it is not as easy. Instead of scraping away the sticker, you are dissolving the adhesive which can become a sticky mess.
- Start with an adhesive remover such as Goo-Gone or similar. Read the label to ensure that it is safe to use for automotive applications and won’t harm trim, paint, or tint.
- Clean the glass with auto glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to remove any dirt and grime.
- Apply the adhesive remover in the method specified by the manufacturer. Usually this will include applying the product to the sticker liberally, and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Use a plastic non-marring scraper can help scrape away the sticker once the adhesive remover has worked to soften it.
- If you don’t have a plastic non-marring scraper available, use a folded paper towel to scrub at the sticker, starting at a corner and working your way toward the center.
- Repeat steps 2-4 until the sticker and remaining adhesive is gone.
- Apply auto glass cleaner to your microfiber cloth, and clean the area again.
- Turn the cloth and buff the glass to a shine.
There are different methods out there for removing stickers and decals from auto glass such as using rubbing alcohol, WD-40, baking soda, and other. But these are liable to cause more of a mess than they’re worth. Or worse yet, possibly damage your vehicle’s trim or paint. The two recommended methods above are the easiest and most common practices.
Do you have other tips or tricks for removing stickers from car glass? We’d love to hear them! Let us know in the comments below.
Having done this for a living I would add one more important note to the process. On instruction 3 you should never drag the blade backyards of move it back and forth without lifting from the glass. When you drag the bade backwards you are likely pulling debri with it and this is when you scratch the glass. Only use the blade moving forward and lots of lubricant.
Great tip Scott!
If you still want to use the sticker what would be the best option?
Hi Sandra,
You can try to get the sticker up in one piece by being gentle with the razor blade but the adhesive backing will not be reusable.
I tried the window cleaner and it worked perfectly thank you very much for the advice greatly appreciated!😃
Ahh i feel like an idiot. I got a good amount of decals and it being my first car I put them on the inside of the car. Is there any way I can switch them or is it too late for me
Hi Phillip,
By “switch” do you mean removing the stickers from the inside of the glass and re-sticking them to the outside of the glass? If so, stickers usually do not hold up well to being removed. The removal process usually removes most of the adhesive and typically causes the stickers to deform.
I have a sticker on my back window that has been worn out and peeling off on the top but it wont peel off in 1 piece. It is just coming off like dust. How can I completely remove this?
Hi Sherry Lee,
You’ll want to (carefully, at your own risk, and only if you’re comfortable doing so) use a razor blade and glass cleaner. Wet the sticker with the glass cleaner then scrape it with the razor blade. The glass cleaner should help the dust pile together and the razor blade will lift it away.
How can i remove a dealership sticker which has been on my car from new in 2008
Hi Sandra, just follow the steps in the video featured in this blog!
Hi, My car insurance broer slapped a sticker on the inside of my Tinted window to show only certain towing companies are allowed to tow my car. I recently changed insurance companies, no limitations with towing, and want to remove the sticker.
Problem is… Both the sticker an tint on window is quite old and hardened from sun exposure. How do I remove the sticker without damaging the tinted surface of the window?
Thanks for the question, Annelize. You definitely don’t want to use a metal razor blade since it would scratch or cut the tint. You may be able to use Goo-Gone or a similar chemical to dissolve the sticker. However, we’re not 100% sure this wouldn’t harm the tint. For whatever solvent you have on hand, or decide to use, first contact their customer service line to verify that the chemical is safe to use on window tint.