Most car emblems show the make, model and sometimes the logo of the car dealer. On older cars, the decals are often attached through holes in the metal, but on most modern cars, the decals are attached with a strong adhesive that is safe for car paint. To safely remove a decal from your car, you will need to soften and loosen the adhesive. After removing the decal, wash the paint and apply car wax to protect the affected area from the elements.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Getting the glue off
Step 1. See how the decal attaches to your car
Emblems and logos can be attached to your car in different ways. Most decals are held in place with strong adhesive, but others are attached to the car from the inside through a hole. If there is a hole, you will have to have it filled by a mechanic and have that part of your car painted.
- Check the owner's manual for your car's make, year and model to see how decals are replaced so you can see how they are attached.
- You can also search the internet and use a search term such as 'remove emblem' or 'remove logo' followed by the make and model of your car. You may be able to see pictures of other people removing their decals so you can see how they are attached.
- If the decal is not secured with glue, you will need to go to a garage to have the decal removed.
Step 2. Use hot water to soften the glue
To soften the decal glue, pour hot water onto the car body just above the decal. The water doesn't have to be scalding hot, but it should be as hot as possible without running the risk of burning yourself.
- Heat water in the kettle or in a bowl in the microwave and pour it over the decal on the car.
- Pour the water over the decal on the car so that it flows along the body and ends up in the adhesive behind the decal.
Step 3. Spray glue remover on the glue
Instead of using hot water, you can also try a glue remover. Spray the adhesive remover on the car just above the decal and then along the edges of the decal to soften the adhesive on all sides.
- Glue remover can damage the clear coat on your car, so don't spray large amounts on your car.
- Leave the adhesive remover on while removing the decal to help the adhesive eat away.
Step 4. Heat the glue with a hair dryer
You can also make the glue come off by heating it with a hair dryer. Plug in the power cord and set the hair dryer to the warmest setting. Point the hair dryer at the decal and move it left to right over the decal if the decal is larger than the hair dryer opening.
- Point the hair dryer at the decal for a few minutes, or until the glue starts to get tacky.
- Check how strong the glue is by running your fingernail along the edge of the decal. If you can push your fingernail into the glue, the glue is hot enough.
Part 2 of 3: Removing the decal
Step 1. Use a plastic tool to pry the decal off
Hold a thin plastic tool against the car just above, below or to the side of the decal. Slide the tool under the decal and into the adhesive. You may have to do this on several sides to get the decal loose enough. You can then pry the decal off or use another way to loosen the glue in the middle.
- The decal may break if you try to pry it loose. However, if you do want to throw the decal away afterwards, you can use this method.
- If you'd like to keep the decal, try another method of loosening the glue in the center.
Step 2. Run a piece of floss or fishing line through the adhesive
Cut a piece of fishing line or floss about eight inches long. Wrap the ends around your index fingers and push the piece of wire against the metal of the car. Slip it behind the decal and alternately pull the piece of wire left and right to make sawing motions as you run it behind the decal and through the glue.
- This method has the greatest chance that the decal will remain intact when removed.
- If the floss breaks, cut another piece and repeat the process until you remove the decal.
Step 3. Remove the decal with a debit card
Instead of a plastic tool or piece of wire, you can also use a bank card. Slide the bank card behind the decal and push it through the softened adhesive until the decal is loose enough to remove it from the car.
- Make sure that the bank card is facing you so that the letters do not scratch the paint.
- If you want to keep the decal, try to remove as much glue as possible before pulling the decal off the car.
Step 4. Spray glue remover on the glue residue
When you have received the emblem of the car, spray glue remover on the glue residue that is still on the car. Leave the adhesive remover on for a minute and then wipe the area with a cloth.
You may need to apply glue remover several times to remove all the glue
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning and waxing the paint
Step 1. Wash the spot with soap and water
When all the glue has been removed, fill a bucket with water and car soap. Spray the area with a garden hose, then wash it thoroughly with a sponge and the soapy water. Rinse the area again when you are done.
- Make sure to remove any glue remover residue that you sprayed on the paint.
- Perform this step shortly after removing the adhesive so that the adhesive remover does not damage the paint.
Step 2. Wait until the spot is completely dry
After you have thoroughly cleaned the area, let it dry completely. You can towel dry the spot to help it dry faster, but make sure no drops of water remain on the paint, or it may take longer to wax the car.
It can take several hours for the car to dry if you don't dry it yourself
Step 3. Do not park your car in direct sunlight
Do not treat a car with car wax while it is in direct sunlight. So, if necessary, park your car in a different place so that it is in the shade. Sunlight can cause the wax to dry too quickly on the paint.
- It is best to park the car in a garage, but you can also park it somewhere so that the place where the decal was located is in the shade.
- Because there is no wax in the area under the emblem and probably little transparent lacquer, you will have to apply wax to protect the lacquer.
Step 4. Apply the wax in circular motions
Use the sponge that came with the laundry to apply wax to the area where the decal used to be. Apply the wax in circular motions, making sure to cover all areas of the paint that you have sprayed adhesive remover on and where the product has landed.
- You can completely wax the car so that you have an even layer of wax.
- You don't have to apply too much wax. Apply only a thin layer.
Step 5. Let the wax dry completely
It can take half an hour to several hours for the laundry to dry completely. Check occasionally to see if the wax is dry by touching the area with your finger. The laundry is dry when you can easily wipe it off with your finger.
Most waxes dry white, making it easier to see when to brush away
Step 6. Buff away the wax with a chamois leather cloth
When the wax is dry, polish it with a chamois leather cloth. Be sure to brush away all the laundry. Under the wax layer, the paint will shine and be protected from the elements.
- Make sure to use a chamois leather cloth. Most rough cloths will scratch the wax layer you just applied to the paint.
- You can apply another coat of wax if the area is not yet as shiny as the rest of the car.