How to Take Stickers Off a Bike

Last Updated: January 12, 2021 References Tested

Stickers and decals are pretty standard for a lot of bikes and motorcycles, but they can become an eyesore after a while. Some stickers may be a bit more stubborn than others, but you can get any adhesive off your bike with some common household supplies and a bit of elbow grease. Set aside a few minutes to clean off your bike so it’ll be completely clean before your next ride!

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Removing the Sticker

1
Spray over the sticker with adhesive remover or lubricant. Spritz the entire surface of the sticker or decal so it’s a little easier to peel up. If you don’t have any adhesive remover on hand, feel free to use something like WD-40, a common lubricant.^{[1]
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- You can find adhesive remover at most stores that sell cleaning supplies.
- If your adhesive remover doesn’t come in a spray bottle, feel free to pour it into a spray bottle so it’s easier to apply.
- Double-check the safety instructions on the spray before you spritz anything onto your bike.
2
Heat the surface of the sticker with a hairdryer for at least 5 seconds. Plug in a hairdryer near your bike and set the device to low or high heat. Hold the end of the hairdryer at least 1 in (2.5 cm) away from the surface of the bike, which will allow the glue from the sticker to start melting. Hover over the sticker for at least 5 seconds—if you’re dealing with a large sticker or decal, you may need to apply heat for a few more seconds. seconds.^{[2]
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- If you’re working in a garage or outdoor area, you may need to use an extension cord to heat up your bike.
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3
Peel away the sticker once it’s warm to the touch. Pinch the corner of the sticker with 2 fingers. Pull lightly on this corner, dragging it up and away from the surface of the bike. Keep in mind that some stickers may come off easily, while others may need a bit more elbow grease—it all depends on the size and manufacturer of the sticker.^{[3]
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- For instance, a large decal will likely be harder to remove than a regular, small sticker.
4
Reheat the sticker if you’re having trouble peeling it off. Turn on your hair dryer again and hover it at least 1 in (2.5 cm) above the sticker or decal in question. Heat up the sticker for at least 5 more seconds, then try peeling it again. Continue peeling away the sticker until it’s completely removed from the bike.^{[4]
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- You may need to reheat your sticker a couple of times, which is completely normal!

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Cleaning the Surface

1
Touch the surface of the bike to see if it’s still sticky. Tap your finger along the portion of the bike where the sticker used to be. After touching the surface, determine if the metal feels sticky or smooth. If the surface is still sticky, you’ll want to clean it off before you start biking again.^{[5]
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- Depending on the sticker, there may be a lot of leftover adhesive.
2
Soak the surface of a rag with lighter fluid or adhesive remover. Squirt a blueberry-sized amount of lighter fluid or adhesive remover onto the surface of an old rag. Keep in mind that lighter fluid is less harsh than some adhesive removers, so you don’t have to worry about the finish being damaged at all.^{[6]
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- Any old rag can work for this, or a paper towel.
- Always work with lighter fluid in a well-ventilated area, away from any sources of heat or fire.^{[7]
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3
Scrub away any leftover residue from the bike. Rub over the entire portion of the bike where the sticker used to be with the rag. Continue rubbing over the surface until it’s completely smooth to the touch. If needed, blot the metal dry with a clean rag or paper towel.^{[8]
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Warnings

Avoid scraping off the sticker with a sharp object, as this can really hurt the finish.^{[11]
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Don’t use an open flame to heat up your sticker, or you could risk burning yourself.^{[12]
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