Best way to remove a decal from a window?

[Dinurth]

I have a decal on my back windshield(outside) and the weather in Vermont has taken its toll on it, I need to get it off. What's the best way to go about doing that?

 

[MissBlondie]

This is going to sound odd, but I always have used a razor blade and nail polish remover. Don't ever use that on the inside, but I have on the outside and it loosens the glue up and comes off. In fact, my roommate just had a big thing on her car and we got it off like that. Just a suggestion.

 

[Dinurth]

Would have never thought of using nail polish remover. Thanks for the suggestion. Guess I'll have to steal some from a friend. If not, where can I buy that stuff? Supermarket? Walmart? Where do the ladies get that stuff from?

 

[MissBlondie]

Yeah you can get it at Wal-Mart or most supermarkets. It's maybe $1 something.

 

[R3VO3VOM]

Actually I used to work with graphics and the proper way that we would take them off is with one of those bernz o matic propane torches.....that will heat up the sticky stuff along with the vinyl and as long as it was good vinyl it will come off easy if it was the cheap stuff be prepared to pick at it for a while....and use rubbing alcohol, but if it comes down to it go with the nail polish remover just be really careful with the paint....and don't fear the torch it will not ruin your paint or windshield.......however I am sure if you burned it long enough it would begin to blister the paint although it would take a good amount of time.....

 

[spectravp]

Film cleaner found at any local camera shop. Safe for your paint; even interior paint. It is not alcohol based, yet it evaporates more quickly than alcohol. Works great.

 

[exceldetail]

Warm the surface with a hair dryer, and scrape away with a razor blade.....I wouldnt reccommend any type of flame source.....my $.02.

 

[propellerhead]

Sticker remover stuff at your local auto parts store.

 

[00GTblkvert]

Sticker remover stuff at your local auto parts store.

Oh sure -- take all the fun out of it.

 

[UMDSmith]

I worked for a graphics company, and an autoglass company now.

Flame is fine, just don't heat any 1 area of the glass too long. Tempered parts (back and side glass) can take a fair ammount of heat. You dont want to burn the graphics, just heat them so they are pliable. If they are very old, even that wont work to make them easy to pull. Anyways, a box of razorblades is the answer, just scrape them off by sliding the razor under them. Rubbing alcohol or 3m adhesive remover works great on any leftover residue.

 

[Phoenix00GT]

 

[Dinurth]

I just ended up getting a glass scraper from the hardware store. (basically just a big handle for a razor blade). Took the whole thing off with a razor blade, came off real easy, didnt even have to use any rubbing alcohal.