Learn how to remove glue from car paint like a pro. Leftover glue or residue from stickers, decals, pinstriping, and other things is an eyesore. Don’t put up with it, learn how to easily remove it today.
You may have wondered how to remove glue from car paint. You worry about scratching the finish or damaging the paint. Follow these directions to get decal glue off your car and get rid of that nasty residue without harming your vehicle.
Clean the area first: Soap and water will help lift away dirt and debris that might act as an abrasive and scratch the underlying paint.
Reactivate the glue. Use your hair dryer to soften up the glue but be careful not to overheat and damage the paint.
Use a plastic scraper. Remove any loosened glue with a plastic scraper being careful not to scratch the surface. An old credit card works well! Repeat the process as necessary.
Rewash and wax. Once the glue residue is gone, wash again with soapy water, dry off with a clean rag, then apply car wax.
Use this technique for removing glue from car windows.
Try soapy water. Some adhesives are water-soluble, so try this first. Dip a rag in the solution and soak the area for several minutes until the glue softens up.
Scrape. Use a scraper meant for glass or a razor blade. Hold it at an angle to the glass and scrape off the glue residue. Don’t press down too hard.
Acetone or nail polish remover will work on more stubborn types of glue. Apply with a rag, let it soak in, and then wipe away.
Finally, use a glass cleaner to remove any remaining glue residue.
When you do minor repairs to the interior of your car, there’s always the possibility of getting some glue where it shouldn’t be. Don’t stress if you didn’t catch it in time and the glue dried. It’ll be okay. Here’s how to remove it!
Peel away any loose glue with your fingernail.
Apply acetone. Dampen a cotton ball or rag in acetone or nail polish remover. Dab it on the glue until it starts to soften. (White vinegar may also work.)
Wipe away or scrape away the softened glue with rags and a plastic scraper.
Apply cleaner/soap. Once the bulk of the glue is gone, clean the area with a commercial surface cleaner or soap and water to remove any remaining residue.
Congratulations, you have successfully removed old glue from your car. But, if you're a DIYer, you may be wondering what type of glue you should use to make minor repairs to your car.
For small cracks in the dashboard, armrests, or other plastic and vinyl surfaces, try LePage Ultra Gel Control Super Glue. This is a specially formulated, rubber toughened instant adhesive that is vibration-resistant and can stand up to temperature extremes, making it perfect for the conditions in a car. It dries clear, sets without clamping, and comes in a dispenser designed for precision work.
For larger areas where a gap-filling adhesive is needed, your best bet is LePage 100% Glue Repair Gel. This versatile adhesive bonds, seals, and repairs almost all materials. Our 100% Glue Repair Gel dries clear and creates a flexible but durable bond with excellent resistance to vibration, moisture, UV, and extreme temperatures.
