How to Remove Bumper Stickers Effectively
While there are still some who deliberately place bumper stickers on their cars as a form of expression, to support a political candidate, to advertise a product, or simply to show other drivers where they've been, most of us prefer the clean look when it comes to car exteriors. Cars tend to look tacky when adorned with such items; especially if they display some stupid or hostile slogan in an attempt to be funny. Believe it or not, there was once a time when those who visited tourist attractions would find bumper stickers plastered on their vehicles when they returned to the parking lots! Places such as theme parks wanted to make sure that everybody else on the road knew that this family visited their establishment. However, as already suggested, such practices have become a thing of the past.
For the majority who prefer the clean, unobstructed, uncluttered look, this presents no problem if we buy a new car. But what if we buy a used car that is perfect in every aspect save for having the rear bumper covered with these annoying items? How can we remove them?
The first step involves trying to peel it by hand. In rare instances, the sticker will come right off with little effort. However, in most cases, what you'll find is that some if not most of the backing will still be stubbornly stuck to your bumper. In days of old, most cars had chrome bumpers and a razor blade would usually suffice in removing the remaining paper and glue. However, most cars today have plastic bumpers that match the car's finish, and you must be careful not to scratch the paint. The safest way to remove this residue is to use plain carwashing soap and water along with a little muscle.
If the glue is still stubborn, more agressive measures need to be taken. Solvents that contain naptha will easliy loosen and remove the sticky glue. Lighter fluid works and there is an excellent product made for this very purpose known as Goof Off. It can be found in discount and hardware stores. Never use any cleaner that contains acetone! This chemical will certainly remove all traces of glue and paper, but it will also melt your plastic bumper! Nail polish remover in particular contains acetone, so don't use it.
Finally, there is one more thing to consider. If that bumper sticker has been on the car for an appreciable amount of time, you may notice that the paint freshly revealed for the first time in years no longer matches the rest of the bumper! In other words, refinishing may be in order.
Bumper stickers can be an eyesore, but are easily removable with a bit of patience and care.
