It is a common habit for car owners to attach emblems and stickers on the surface of the car. These are, after all, symbols of prestige and societal status, something to be proud of. At some point in your life you may have done this and perhaps it was once beautiful.
But it is inevitable for the gloss and glory of those badges to wither over time, and when you’ve reached this point, knowing how to debadge your car will prove itself very beneficial.
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Though badges can be a source of pride, there are a variety of reasons for people to remove it. For one, an unintended consequence may arise from it and transform those badges from being a symbol to an eyesore.
Absence of it may appear visually pleasing to the owners. On your end, should you decide to debadge your car, it is noteworthy to remember that the things you need are always within your reach.
Materials You Need for Debadging a Car
It is, without doubt, convenient to take away badges using a heat gun. However, doing so exposes the paint of your car to burning. Remember that precision is the key to complete the job efficiently. With these materials on hand, you can accomplish your debadging goal.
- Thermos or any container for hot water
- Adhesive remover
- Flat head screw driver
- Plastic wedge
- Plastic card
- Dental floss or nylon fishing wire
- Terry towel
- Rag
Debadge Your Car in 6 Easy Steps
Debadging the emblems of your car may appear to be a complicated process, and the steps below are designed to help you understand how to do it. After reading this section, I am sure you will realize that removing your car badges is easier than you think. Trust me.
Find out How the Badges are Attached to Your Car
First thing first – you need to find out how emblem is attached to your vehicle. In most cases, badges are attached using only a simple adhesive and this is the ideal scenario.
Some cars, on the other hand, use clips and rivets which go through the surface of your vehicle and leave holes behind. The way your emblems are fastened to your car determines the methods you will be using to remove them.
The removal of badges that used clips and rivets leaves holes on your vehicle, and to fix you will need the assistance of a professional body shop to fill it up. Doing it in using DIY method is not recommended as it may cause damage.
Soften the Adhesive
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Since it became apparent that removing emblems attached to a clip or rivet without the help of a professional body shop is not advisable, we will be focusing on the badges fastened using adhesive.
Removing adhesive, actually, is an easy endeavor – and becomes easier after it has been warmed up. Simply fill your thermos with hot water – not boiling as it may damage your car paint and scald your skin – and dispense it over your car badges.
Just a little distance above the badge, empty the thermos onto the body of your vehicle. Doing so will let the hot water to touch some adhesive and, through the badges, warm the rest of it.
Soften the Glue Using Adhesive Remover
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After warming the adhesive using hot water, coat it with an adhesive remover. You can get this at any office supply stores and retailers.
To make it easier, you may also spray some of it on the edges of your car badges and let it seep in the space between the badge and your car. This will soften the badges and the glue as well as help remove the remaining residue of the adhesive after you have disengaged the badges from the body of your car.
Maximize Your Hair Dryer
After applying the adhesive remover, heat your badge using the hair dryer. Simply plug it, turn on its highest setting and apply it steadily to the badges that you want to remove from your vehicle.
Do it until the adhesive began to move and twist and finally, soften. You may need to move the hair dryer back and forth to increase and decrease the heat pressure.
Remove the Badge Using Plastic Wedge, Dental Floss, and Plastic Card
With softened glue, you can now begin prying your badges using a plastic wedge. Place the wedge in between the body of your car and the emblems that you want to take away.
With little force and scraping the badge from various angles, it will pry up from the surface of your car. After this, take about 12 inches of dental floss or fishing line, wrap the ends around your fingers and pull its length through the loose adhesive.
Move your hands back and forth until the badge is attached to almost nothing but an adhesive residue.
With these conditions on hand, the badge is now ready for the final removal. You can use your plastic wedge or card to do so. Simply slide the card from under the badge and take it out. With the adhesive warm and soft, this will be really easy.
With job done, all you need to do now is a bit of a cleaning. You can do it by using warm, soapy water and the towel. To protect your paint, ensure that the soap you are using designed for automobile use. Simply scrub a towel on the remaining adhesive and rinse it thoroughly.
Cleanning and Waxing
Use a towel, dip it in warm water, and wipe off stains left on your car.Wait for your car to dry, apply a little car wax on the badge.
Make sure your car is in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. The sun could fade your car paint.
Rub the compound into the paint in a circle.Wait for the wax to dry completely, take a towel and wipe in a circular motion.
Conclusion
Debadging your car can be a complicated process – if not done properly. The steps provided in this article are designed to help you understand the process of doing so.
I hope you enjoy this tutorial and find it useful for your undertaking. For your thoughts and suggestions, feel free to leave your notes in the comment on the section below. Also, don’t forget to share this to your friends.
