At some point, you may find yourself wanting to remove a car emblem. Maybe you’re looking to sell your car and want to remove traces of the previous owner, or you’re just trying out a new look. Whatever the reason, here are essential tips on how to remove car emblems.
With a new car, there’s always excitement and anticipation. You can’t wait to show it off, even while driving at night. But what happens when that new car smell fades and you realize the novelty has worn off? One way to recapture that excitement is by removing the emblems. That’s easy, but it takes time and patience.
Types of Car Emblems
There are three main types of car emblems: decals, badges, and logos. Decals are the simplest to remove since they’re not attached to the car. They can usually be peeled off without causing any damage. Badges are slightly more difficult to remove because they’re usually glued or taped onto the car.
Logos are the most difficult to remove because they’re often welded or bolted onto the vehicle. In the case of logos, you may need to look into how to blackout car emblems rather than remove them.
Tips and Tools for Replacing a Car Emblem
Car emblems can be a pain to remove, but with the right tools and a little bit of know-how, it can be a relatively easy process (the same goes for changing a flat tire). Some steps are essential for successful removal, but you also need the right tools to get the job done.
While the process is easy, it’s nothing like cleaning seat belts or polishing a dirty steering wheel. There’s a bit more effort involved, as you also need to be careful not to chip the paint or cause further damage to the car’s exterior.
Things You’ll Need
Of course, to learn how to take off car emblems safely and efficiently, you need the right tools. These are essential for a successful car emblem removal; they can also help spare the paint job any damage and save you money.
In most cases, they include the following:
- A hairdryer,
- A flathead screwdriver or another sharp tool,
- A putty knife or razor blade,
- A can of WD-40,
- Soap and water,
- A microfiber cloth,
- Wax and polish (optional).
You’ll notice that most of the stuff on the tool list is household items. Nearly everyone has hairdryers and razor blades. If you don’t, ask a neighbor to borrow these things (and reconsider your life, I guess).
There may be some alternative methods to the essentials – maybe you don’t have a flathead screwdriver or a putty knife. Alternative options may also include:
- Dental floss,
- Fishing line,
- Goo Gone,
- Toothpicks.
When is The Best Time to Do This?
Ideally, you should remove your car emblem when it’s warm out. The heat will help loosen the adhesive holding the emblem in place, making removal much easier. So, take a day off from work or take time from your weekend to do this; in the meantime, try adding brake fluid and checking your spark plugs.
If it’s not possible to remove your emblem when it’s warm out, use a hairdryer or heat gun to heat the area around the emblem before removing it. Heat is essential for the process anyway, so you should count on it being much more helpful (when it usually isn’t).
Who Can Help You in The Process?
If you’re not confident in your ability to remove the emblem yourself, there’s no shame in enlisting the help of a professional. A qualified technician will be able to safely and efficiently remove your car emblem.
Besides professional mechanics, you can always call friends, family members, and neighbors. It should be anyone that might be skilled with a heat gun and screwdriver. It’s essential to get help from someone who’s held such tools before if you’ve never done it.
How to Remove Adhesive Residue From the Emblem
Adhesive residue from a car emblem can be difficult to remove. If you don’t do it correctly, you run the risk of damaging the paint on your car. Luckily, there are quick and efficient step-by-step instructions on how to remove car emblem adhesive safely and efficiently.
Step One – Heat the Emblem
The first step is to heat the emblem. This will help loosen the adhesive and make removal easier. You can use a heat gun or hair dryer for this step. Hold the heat source about six inches away from the emblem and move it around until you see the adhesive softening. Be careful not to hold the heat in one spot for too long, as this can damage the paint on your car.
Step Two – Use a Prying Tool to Gently Remove the Emblem
Once the adhesive has softened, you can begin to pry off the emblem with a sharp tool – perhaps a razor, putty knife, or screwdriver. Start at one corner of the emblem and work your way around until it is completely removed.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could damage your car’s paint. If you find that the emblem is still difficult to remove, try heating it again for a few more seconds before trying to pry it off again.
Step Three – Use WD-40 or Another Lubricant
If you’re still having trouble removing the emblem, you can try using WD-40 or another lubricant. Spray a generous amount of it onto a cloth and then rub the adhesive area. Let it sit for a few minutes before trying to remove the emblem again. Adhesive remover can also be used in place of WD-40 if necessary.
How to Remove Car Emblems Without Damaging the Paint
I know that what you want to know is how to remove a car emblem without damaging your paint job. Two things are crucial – patience and the right tools. Remember, take your time and be careful not to scratch or damage your paint job while you’re working.
If you have any stubborn adhesive residue left behind after using the previous removal method, try using an adhesive remover. If all else fails, you can always take your car to a professional detailer or body shop and have them remove the emblem for you.
Supplies Needed
The supplies you need when learning how to remove car decals without damaging paint aren’t too different from what you’d regularly need. However, when taking care of the paint surrounding a decal or emblem, it’s necessary to use tools that aren’t too sharp or intense.
Most of the time, you’d need the following:
- Plastic putty knife,
- Hairdryer,
- Soapy water,
- Clean cloths,
- Adhesive remover (optional).
Again, the First Step Is to Heat Up the Emblem
The first step for any type of removal is to heat the emblem with a hairdryer. You don’t want to melt the emblem, just to loosen the adhesive. This will make step two much easier. Aim the hairdryer at the emblem for 30-60 seconds.
For Paint Safety, Use the Putty Knife
This time, ensure you use the putty knife. Gently slide the blade under the edge of the emblem. Once you’ve loosened one side, begin working your way around until the entire emblem is detached. If you find that the emblem is still attached in some areas, heat that area again and try detaching it once more.
A Clean up Is Essential After This Process
Now that the emblem is detached, you’ll need to clean up any leftover adhesive residue. You can do this by applying some soapy water to a clean cloth and wiping down the area where the emblem was attached.
If there is a stubborn residue that won’t come off with soap and water, try using an adhesive remover. Apply it to a clean cloth and wipe it over the residue until it dissolves. Once you’re finished cleaning, dry off the area with a clean towel.
Alternative Methods for Removing Car Emblems
As you can see, there are many ways to remove emblems from vehicles. Whether you decide to spare your paint job or do it quickly, tools are essential for the process. Despite the most common methods, some others may include less money spending and effort.
Whether you drive an off-road vehicle or have one of those great cars for women, you may not be spared from attempting this task. To save your car’s condition (and money,) try the following methods.
Boiling Water
This is probably the simplest method because you just need a pot of boiling water and something to catch the hot water. Boil a pot of water and then carefully pour it over the emblem. You may need to do this a few times to get all the adhesives softened. Then, use a putty knife or similar tool to pry the emblem off.
Dental Floss or Fishing Line
If you don’t have any putty knives lying around, you can try using dental floss or a fishing line. Just tie one end around the emblem and then pull tight. The floss will cut through the adhesive, and the emblem should come right off.
Soap and Water
This method is similar to the hairdryer method, but rather than using heat to soften the adhesive, you will use soap and water. Wet a cloth with soapy water and apply it to the emblem for about 30 seconds.
Then, use the putty knife or plastic pry tool to remove the emblem. Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the paint on your car. If the emblem is still partially attached, reapply the soapy cloth and try again.
Goo Gone
Goo Gone is an adhesive remover that can be purchased at most hardware stores. Apply Goo Gone directly to the emblem using a cloth or brush. Let it sit for several minutes before using the putty knife or plastic pry tool. Work slowly and carefully once again to avoid damaging your car’s paint job. If necessary, reapply and try again.
The Toothpick Method
This method should only be used as a last resort because it could potentially damage your paint if not done correctly. Apply WD-40 directly to the emblem using a toothpick.
Once it has had a chance to penetrate the adhesive, use the putty knife or plastic pry tool to remove the emblem from your car’s surface. Work slowly, so you don’t damage the paint on your car.
If You Want to Remove an Emblem From a Car, These Tips Will Surely Be Helpful
Figuring out how to remove emblems from a car may seem complex, but with these simple steps, you’ll have it off in no time. Now that you know how to remove car emblems from vehicles, put your new skills to the test and combine them with fixing your wipers and looking into summer and winter tires.
Work slowly and patiently, and be careful not to damage your paint job. With time and effort, you’ll have great results that’ll last for years without spending a lot of money. So go ahead and use my tips next time you want to remove an emblem from your car. You’re guaranteed to enjoy the results.
