How To Remove Decals From Glass

Do you love decorating a range of different types of decals? If this is a regular hobby for you during different seasons, you may want to switch up the designs. After putting up so many decals, you want to be careful with the removal process because if you do it improperly, it can damage your surface.

When you’re dealing with glass, it can be tricky to find the right angles to remove your decals. However, our team wants to ensure a smooth and easy process. If you’re wondering how to remove window decals, continue reading!

How to Remove Decals From Glass

Custom Decals can be great to look at, but it can be a tough removal process if you don’t know the proper steps. For decals to maintain their hold, the adhesive needs to be durable for long periods. You want to begin by seeing the amount of space your decal is taking up.

This space estimate will help you take off the decal. You want to apply adhesive removers that can be homemade or store-bought before you consider removing the decal.

Things You Will Need

Do you find that your custom decals may be offseason? You can remove the decals by first gathering the proper materials. You can find the materials at any appliance store or right in your home.

Look for an adhesive remover, card squeegee, dish soap, and a spray bottle. Depending on your preference, you can get more of any item if you feel that your decal is taking up a larger amount of space. Each item will heavily assist you in having a clean removal process.

Scraping the Decal Off

Make sure to be patient with this process because, with too much pressure, it can cause the surface to scratch and become damaged. You want to use a card squeegee for this step.

At an angle, take the card squeegee and scrap the decal off. Scraping at an angle is to ensure that the blade is sharp and ready to go once you find an angle that will have consistent removal continue to scrap in one direction slowly.

Removing Adhesive Residue

Isn’t it annoying to see all the excess residue from window decals? The residue can be bothersome because your windows may be directly outside your home or even for your car window. Removing the adhesive residue can be more effective with a razor blade.

Take further precautions because the edge will be sharp. After you use the spray cleaner, a razor will help you chip away at the little residue on the glass. Apply a small amount of pressure to prevent any scratches.

Using a pressure washer to get a decal off of a car window

If you find it hard for you to keep the decal in place, ask a friend to help you get a hand-hold of the decal before you start your process.

Once you have a firm grip on the decal, you can begin by placing the pressure washer directly on the decal.

At an arm’s length distance, release the trigger of the pressure washer. Do this until the decal turns slightly loose. If it begins to break, use the pressure washer to loosen it once again.

Store-bought Solutions

Purchasing store-bought solutions can save you time from making it at your home. A popular brand is Goo Gone, which can instantly lift a decal in no time. Similar to most store-bought solutions, you want to read the directions and follow them carefully.

Applying the solution for the estimated amount of time will allow the decal to absorb it fully. You want the decal to be fully soaked in the solution. Once it becomes loose, you can then begin the full removal process.

Freshly Adhered

Luckily, if your decal hasn’t been on for long, water and a putty knife will do the fix. This process is best when you wet the decal with a sponge or spray bottle. Once you give it some time to soak you, try to first detect it by seeing if the edges loosen.

Once it looks like it can easily come off, gently scrap at it using the putty knife. Applying moderate pressure will help you fasten your process. If there are still chunks of residue, you can move on with better methods such as with a razor blade to get it fully off.

Stuck For Life?

Do you find yourself scraping away and see no progress? Decals that have been stuck for a long time can have stubborn longevity. This is why it’s best to take it off with white vinegar fully.

All you need to do is to drench the entire decal with white vinegar with a cloth. Once it is fully soaked, you can continue your process with a putty knife. If you still don’t see improvement, soak it with vinegar once again before another scraping attempt.

Heat It with a Hairdryer

Little did you know your hair dryer can be an effective way to remove your decal! You want to begin by turning hairdryer to high heat and place it over the decal. Hold it over the decal for around 45 seconds.

After the direct heat, you want to test the edge of your decal by slowly lifting it upwards. Lifting upwards will give you the confirmation to see if it can be peeled away. If it is still stiff, use the hairdryer for another 45 seconds until you see the sticker fully peeling off.

Commercial Solutions

Commercial solutions can be a bit more costly, but it can speed up the process. If you want to ensure your car has no damage, be sure to buy a commercial solution because it’ll prevent scratches. These solutions can be bought from an auto store.

The first step you want to do when you buy a commercial solution is to read the instructions so you can take precautions of the soaking process. Usually, commercial solutions advise users to let it soak into the decal and remove the final step with a white cloth.

More Decal Removing Tips

Decal Removing tips are based on the soaking process of lifting the decal off. An effective decal remover can be used in multiple ways.

More tips for removing a decal can be found in products such as washing soda, WD-40, and even essential oil. The best removal process can be generated through the soaking period.

To make sure your decal is fully ready to go, always test the edges. Make sure you are extra gentle when you remove the adhesive to prevent any damage to your car window.

Warnings About Using a Razor Blade

Do not apply a lot of pressure when you use a razor blade. Constantly make sure that you’re using the edge of the blade to make sure that the blade won’t leave any marks. These marks can be costly to remove.

Using the razor blade at an angle will prevent you from getting hurt and the surface of the car. Also, be careful about using the razor on other parts of your car. It can further ruin the paint and leave you with repair costs.