The best thing about accessorizing your motorcycle with stickers is that they can be replaced at any time with very little effort, and don’t cost a bomb. Here are 5 steps to safely remove your old sticker before installing your new ones.
Tools/Items you will need:
- Multi-purpose lubricant such as WD-40
- Heat gun or hair dryer
- Plastic scraper or an old credit card/ID card
- A dry rag or cloth
- A little bit of patience
- Wax (optional)
Step 1: Loosening the Sticker with a Suitable Lubricant
After months or years, your stickers are going to be tough to remove, especially if they have strong adhesive. So what you want to do is generously spray and outline the sticker with a multi-purpose lubricant such as the WD-40 solution. Let it soak for a few minutes. Try removing the soaked sticker, it might come right off. If it doesn’t, try step 2.
Step 2: Heating up the Sticker
Heat up the sticker using a heat gun or hair dryer, but do it carefully, Both heat guns and hair dryers can become extremely hot when they are too close to contact, so if necessary, do it for a few seconds at a time. Heating up the sticker allows the adhesive to melt and become removable. Again, be extra careful when working on parts that can be damaged by heat. Do not use any kind of fire, or direct contact with a hot object. You may risk getting injured, or damaging your bike.
Step 3: Start Peeling
Once the adhesive has melted, you will find that the corners are easier to peel. Use either your nails or a blunt, flat object that will not damage your motorcycle like an old credit card to carefully lift any edge of the sticker, and slowly peel it from the edge. If it feels like it’s getting stickier halfway through, repeat the heating process. Remember, DO NOT use a sharp or hard object that may damage your bike when peeling the sticker.
Step 4: Another Round of Lubricant
There is bound to be residue of adhesive after you are done peeling a sticker. So, use the same lubricant you used to soak the sticker and apply on the residue, and gently scrub it off with a cloth. This is where the patience comes into play. All your hard work will pay off. If the residue still won’t come off, you can try using any nail polish remover - it should work like a charm.
Step 5: A Little Wax to Finish (Optional)
Not necessary if you are applying a new sticker, but if you are not, you might want to wax the surface of which the sticker has just been removed. It will help blend that surface with the rest of the motorcycle, and give it a nice shine. While you’re at it, wax your entire motorcycle because why not?