Stickers are a great way to customise various items, but they can be a hassle to remove when you want to change things up. Fortunately, there are several ways to remove stickers easily, without damaging the surface they are attached to. Let us tell you about some of the most effective (and some surprising) methods for removing stickers.

Process to remove stickers

The first step in removing stickers requires you to carefully peel away the bulk of the sticker.  How easy this is, or how successful you’ll be with this first step depends on the condition of the sticker, and the condition of the surface it is attached to.  If the sticker has been in place a long time and has cracked, it’s going to be a harder job.  Likewise, if the surface your sticker is adhered to has weathered or started to deteriorate, it’s going to be harder to remove without causing damage.

Here’s our expert advice on how to remove stickers:

1. Start with the easy bits first! Look at the sticker and identify a good place to peel.  This will be a corner or edge that is small and comes to a point.  Pick a point that has a good surface area before any visible cracks.
2. Use your fingernail, a scraper, or craft knife (carefully) to lift the edge of your sticker.  Get enough up to be able to grab with your fingers or between your finger and the knife so that you can pull it back.
3. Pull back carefully and slowly to remove the sticker.

If you find it is breaking constantly, or you’re left with a sticky residue you want to remove, try these the tips below 👇

Tips for removing stubborn stickers

1. Adhesive Remover (obviously!) – Using a product specifically designed for removing adhesive is going to help the best. We use Avery Dennison Adhesive Remover, but another good option is De-Solv-it which you can get from Bunnings etc. Simply spray onto the sticker or sticky residue, leave for a minute or so and then rub it off with a clean cloth.
2. Rubbing Alcohol – If you don’t have an adhesive remover handy, use rubbing alcohol. This is a great solution for removing stickers because it dissolves the adhesive in the same way an adhesive remover does. To use this method, simply apply a small amount of rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball and gently rub it over the sticker. Be sure to avoid using too much alcohol, as it can damage certain surfaces. After a few minutes, the sticker should start to loosen and can be easily peeled off.
3. Heat – Heat can also help to soften the adhesive on stickers, making it easier to remove. You can use a hair dryer or a warm cloth to heat the sticker for a few minutes. After heating the sticker, gently scrape it off with a credit card or a plastic scraper.  Note that heat only really helps with the removal of vinyl stickers (not paper-based stickers).
4. Soap and Water – Soap and water can also be used to remove stickers. Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water, and then apply it to the sticker. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then gently scrape the sticker off with a credit card or a plastic scraper. This method works especially well for paper stickers.
5. Peanut Butter – Peanut butter is another effective solution for removing stickers (who knew?!) Simply spread a small amount of peanut butter over the sticker, and let it sit for a few minutes. The oils in the peanut butter will help to dissolve the adhesive, making it easier to remove. After a few minutes, gently scrape the sticker off with a credit card or a plastic scraper. This is NOT a good option on permeable surfaces as it will leave an oily stain behind, but can work well on glossy, waterproof surfaces.
6. Vinegar – Vinegar is another solution that can be used to remove stickers.  Is there anything vinegar can’t do?!  Simply apply a small amount of vinegar to a cotton ball, and gently rub it over the sticker. After a few minutes, the sticker should start to loosen and can be easily peeled off.
7. Cooking Oil – Cooking oil can also be used to remove stickers. Simply apply a small amount of oil to a cotton ball, and gently rub it over the sticker. After a few minutes, the sticker should start to loosen and can be easily peeled off. As with the peanut butter option, this is NOT recommended on permeable surfaces as it will leave an oily stain behind.

As you can see there are many things that can help you to remove stickers more easily. Whatever you do, the key is to be gentle to avoid damaging the surface the sticker is attached to. With a little patience and some good old elbow grease, you’ll be able to remove stickers easily with minimal damage. You’ll then be ready to apply your new stickers – and if you need help with this check out our handy post on how to apply a vinyl die cut sticker (decal).