Adding a decal or sticker to your glass surfaces may seem appealing initially. However, you may find over time that you want a change and wish to remove these decals from your glass surfaces. In order to refrain from damaging the window, it is important to understand how to remove these decals. Never use sharp objects like car keys to remove stickers from your windows, as these are very likely to scratch the window and lead to extensive damage.
Try Peeling First to Remove Decals
The level of adherence to the surface will depend on the type of sticker or decal you are attempting to remove. First and foremost, you should try peeling the decal off of the window. Carefully try to peel one corner off from the glass. If this works, ensure that you carefully clean the surface of the window after the decal has been removed. This can help to remove the sticky residue from the surface of the glass and ensure that it maintains the best appearance possible.
Consider the Time Frame
The time frame in which the decal has been present on the glass surface will have a substantial impact on the difficulty of removing the decal or sticker from your surface. If a sticker has only been present for a short period of time, it will likely be much easier to remove. However, if the sticker or decal has been present for an extended period of time, you may need to use more intensive methods for removing the sticker or decal from your glass surface. Implementing the right technique will depend on the type of decal, the surface, and the time frame.
Water and Putty Knife
If the sticker has only been present for a short period of time, you may be able to successfully remove the sticker with only the use of water and a dull putty knife. It is important to use a putty knife that is specifically designed for glass surfaces to prevent damage from occurring to the surface of the glass. To remove the sticker in this manner, you will first want to wet the sticker or decal using either a spray bottle or a sponge. Allow some time to pass to ensure that the water can effectively absorb onto the surface. After this, you can use the putty knife to scrape away the decal. If the decal or sticker doesn’t go away easily, you may need to engage in more intensive methods for removing the decal or sticker.
Use White Vinegar
For stickers that are somewhat harder to remove, you may want to use white vinegar in lieu of water. Soak up white vinegar with a sponge and apply it liberally to the surface of the sticker. Allow it with ample time to soak in before attempting to wipe the sticker away with the putty knife. If the sticker isn’t removed easily, simply repeat the process. Allow longer time for the vinegar to absorb before attempting to wipe the sticker or decal away.
WD-40
WD-40 is another approach that you can take to effectively remove decals or stickers from a glass surface. In order to use WD-40, you will want to spray it evenly across the sticker. As WD-40 contains much harsher chemicals than the prior solutions, you will need to take extra care to avoid spraying it on your curtains or other fixtures. After the WD-40 has sat for a few minutes, you should wipe it off with the use of a clean cloth. At this point, the sticker should peel off easily. You can implement the putty knife if necessary in order to ensure that the sticker is removed completely and thoroughly.
Commercial Adhesive Remover
A commercial adhesive remover can be purchased to substantially simplify the removal of a decal or sticker. These adhesive removers tend to be more expensive than other options, but they are also generally far more effective, because commercial adhesive removers are designed specifically to remove these sticky materials from glass surfaces. If other solutions don’t work effectively, you should try commercial adhesive remover to remove the sticker or decal.
Razor Blade
A razor blade is a tool that is often implemented in order to thoroughly remove stickers or decals from glass surfaces. It is important to keep in mind that these are not the same razor blades that are used for shaving. A razor blade for shaving is more likely to damage the surface of the glass than remove the sticker. Purchase a razor blade that is intended specifically for glass, as these can be particularly useful tools that will remove all traces of the sticker or decal from your glass. These tools are especially useful for removing sticky residue from the surface after the sticker has been removed. They can also help remove paint.
Implement Heat
Using heat can help to loosen a sticker and make it easier to remove. In general, the easiest method for adding heat to the surface is with the use of a hair dryer. When you blow the hair dryer on the surface of the sticker, it will heat the area and loosen the adhesive holding the sticker to the surface. After this, the sticker will be far easier to remove. If you don’t have a hair dryer available, hot water may be used to provide the same impact. This can provide dual benefits, as it will loosen the adhesive, while the water will help to loosen the sticker.
Stickers can be placed on your windows in a variety of ways. You may place them there for decoration or to provide information, such as a business logo. A child may place them on the window or they may have been placed there by a previous owner. Ultimately, understanding how to remove stickers or decals from your glass surface can go a long way toward protecting your glass and ensuring that they maintain the superior appearance. To learn more about how to safely remove stickers from the surface of your windows without causing damage, contact our experts at Moyes Glass today!