More than 80 years ago, Forest Gill invented the first adhesive bumper sticker. Now that the days of twine and placard advertisements have come and gone, these decorative vanity items provide bursts of color for cars and the drivers who own them.
It’s impossible to commit to the morning commute without seeing car bumper stickers advertising past presidential candidates we can scarcely remember, nor can we avoid the acrylic glass stickers proudly displaying happy stick-figure families.
Maybe you just bought the car of your dreams. If so, car bumper stickers are a fantastic opportunity to add personality to your vehicle.
But there’s a common concern that removing a bumper sticker from a car may damage the paint—or worse!
We’re here to debunk all these bumper sticker myths to provide you with some peace of mind before personalizing your vehicle.
Read on so you can rest assured that securely applying and removing a bumper sticker is both a safe and easy experience.
1. Car Bumper Stickers Won’t Leave a Scratch
Let’s put this misconception to bed: You won’t lose a single splotch of paint when removing a bumper sticker. Modern adhesives may initially appear worrying when you get your hands on them.
Surely, with something this strong and sticky, it’s bound to bring some paint along with it. Right?
Not quite.
Modern adhesives are acrylic and won’t interact with your vehicle’s paint job. They’ve been purposely designed to slip off effortlessly and without defacing or devaluing your car.
In fact, if properly applied and removed, there is only one way bumper stickers may interfere with your paint job.
When the time comes to remove the sticker, the paint hidden beneath will appear as lustrous as the day you applied it. The bumper sticker covering the paint has shielded it from the elements. While that section of paint is brand new, the rest of your vehicle, unprotected, may have lost some of its luster throughout the years.
It’s possible this may cause a slight discoloration, but no paint has been removed during the process. The patch should barely be detectable to a discerning eye.
2. Applying Is a Snap
As long as you’ve applied your bumper sticker correctly, there is nothing more to fear.
And applying a bumper sticker is nearly effortless.
Take a sturdy cloth and soak it in a bucket of soap and hot water. Scrub down the section of your bumper intended for the sticker and ensure all the dirt has been removed.
Once done, just remove the back cover of your sticker to reveal its adhesive side, align carefully, and smooth down from one corner to the other to guarantee a flush fit. A paint roller may help with this process.
It’s that safe and easy!
As easy as it is, you can always learn more if you need additional information about applying a bumper sticker or decal to your vehicle.
3. Removing Is Snappier
So many people are afraid of removing the car bumper sticker because they assume it’ll damage their vehicle. While completely safe for your paint job, it’s also just as easy as applying the sticker in the first place!
Ideally, your bumper sticker will have a lifespan of roughly two to three years, depending on its exposure to both the sun and rain.
Parking in a shaded, sheltered area will help avoid wear and tear on your bumper sticker.
Once your sticker has faded beyond recognition, or if you are simply looking to replace it, there are a variety of simple techniques and common substances that will have your old sticker slipping off like butter.
Heat
One of the favorite and simplest methods of removing a bumper sticker is to utilize a secure heat source, such as a hairdryer.
As the bumper sticker’s adhesive warms up, it will begin to loosen or outright liquefy.
Once loose, slip a thin and flat object along a corner of the bumper sticker and slip it underneath. We suggest either a credit card or gift card. Don’t use a sharp object, such as a blade, as you may accidentally scrape yourself or the paint on your vehicle.
Then delicately work the bumper sticker free.
Adhesive Removers
What could be more straightforward than using an adhesive remover to weaken glue?
Goo Gone is one such remover and is easily on-hand.
When using an adhesive remover, it’s important that the substance is not only applied directly to the face of the bumper sticker but also around its edges. You want it to slip underneath the sticker and penetrate the powerful glue underneath.
This may require several coats, but some people may find it an easier option than having an electrical outlet nearby to use something like a hairdryer.
If you’re lacking an industrial adhesive remover, WD40 and even hot water can do the job. However, avoid substances that contain acetone, such as nail polish. It will eat through your car’s paint job.
If any glue residue remains after removing the sticker, apply your remover of choice and a soft cloth to buff it out.
Are Bumper Stickers Not Enough?
Bumper stickers aren’t the only way to customize your vehicle. But they are certainly a completely safe accessory that’s sure to personalize your car.
You can also consider unique, custom paint jobs to really make your vehicle stand out.
Now that we’ve cleared up the common misconception about car bumper stickers and taught you how simple and easy they are to effectively remove, it’s time to get out there and search for the perfect designs that suit your style!