Best way to remove plastic window stickers from glass?

Discussion in 'General Motoring' started by Joe Blo, Feb 3, 2004.

  1. Joe Blo

    Joe Blo Guest

    I have a plastic window sticker on my back window glass that I want to
    remove.
    I considered using wd40, oil, acetone etc, but since the sticker is
    plastic, it can't soak through to disolve the adhesive. I am also
    considering using a razor but I am concerned about scratching my
    window.
    What is the best/easiest way to remove the plastic-film window
    stickers from glass? Thanks
     
    Joe Blo, Feb 3, 2004
    #1
  2. Joe Blo

    Don Bruder Guest

    Use your razor blade to "get it started", then spritz some solvent
    (WD-40 or lighter fluid works well, I've found) into the gap between
    sticker and glass. Give it a minute or three to work, then use your
    razor to increase the "start", and repeat the solvent application/wait
    process. Repeat until sticker is gone. Wash off any adhesive residue
    with solvent, and you're done.

    Your chances of scratching your window with a razor blade - ANY razor
    blade, are pretty slim - glass is harder than all but specially hardened
    metals/alloys, and I can't see any realistic chance of a finding a razor
    blade constructed of such material. Even assuming that such a beast
    exists, I'd be *VERY* doubtful about anyone going through the time,
    effort, and expense needed to harden it to the point where it would be a
    threat to even the lowest quality glass.

    You mention acetone - A lot of plastics (not all, by any means, but a
    decent number of them) will literally dissolve, like sugar in hot water,
    when exposed to acetone. That may be another option for you, depending
    on exactly what formula of plastic was used to make the sticker.

    The razor-and-solvent method is a sure bet, though.

    It should go without saying that you probably don't want to get any of
    your chosen solvent on the paint-job unless you're an admirer of the
    "streaks and dribbles" look...
     
    Don Bruder, Feb 3, 2004
    #2
  3. Joe Blo

    Andrew Smit Guest

    use a razor blade, it wont cut the glass but be carful not to cut any
    weather seal around the edge. once you have most of it off and just the
    adhesive is left then acetoene or whatever will take it off
     
    Andrew Smit, Feb 3, 2004
    #3
  4. Joe Blo

    Tegger® Guest

    (Joe Blo) spake unto the masses in

    Razor blade. Then acetone to dissolve the remaining smears of glue.

    You might get lucky here. If the sticker is old enough, it will crumble
    into powder as you attack it with the razor blade.
     
    Tegger®, Feb 3, 2004
    #4
  5. Joe Blo

    Ric21352 Guest

    Mask Off , call Modern Plastics
    800.556.7303
     
    Ric21352, Feb 3, 2004
    #5
  6. Roughly 2/3/04 12:26, Joe Blo's monkeys randomly typed:
    Use GooGone or similar orange peel based remover. Be careful
    not to get it where you don't want it, as the stuff was originally
    popular as an industrial grade graffiti remover. If this is
    a glass window, you won't scratch it with a razor blade. Best
    tactic is to put just a bit of the remover along the edges and
    then gently scrape with the razor blade. As the edge moves
    along, add a few more drops of remover.
     
    L0nD0t.$t0we11, Feb 4, 2004
    #6
  7. Joe Blo

    Gus Guest

    1. I doubt very much you could scratch the glass with a razor blade -
    but be careful about any defroster lines on the glass, those scratch
    fairly easily.

    2. years ago a recommended way to remove the formerly popular stickers
    on rocker panels was to apply heat to soften the glue, working backward
    a section at a time. As another poster commented, use a razor blade to
    get the process started. You may end up with some adhesive on the
    window, which you can remove with solvent after the sticker's gone.

    HTH
     
    Gus, Feb 4, 2004
    #7
  8. Joe Blo

    Jerry Guest

    A hairdryer.
     
    Jerry, Feb 5, 2004
    #8
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