marken owens's blog : Can motorcycle stickers be easily removed without residue?
Whether your motorcycle was pre-decorated by its manufacturer or you added custom stickers after the fact, there will come a time when those adhesive strips need to be removed. Stickers may seem delicate, but they are often backed with very strong glue that can be challenging to get off a surface without leaving smears and residue in its wake. To make matters worse, trying to remove those stubborn remnants with a sharp object like a blade can actually ruin the paint of your bike’s frame.
The good news is that there are several ways to safely and effectively remove any manufacturer or custom Motorcycle Stickers from your bike. The key to success is to use heat and solvents that won’t damage the surface you are working on. In most cases, using a hair dryer will work well as it doesn’t generally get hot enough to melt plastics, but there are also fluids such as Goo Gone that can be used as well, though it is recommended that you read the label before use.
Start by cleaning the surface you are working on and using a sharp tool to scrape away any remaining bits of the sticker. Next, begin heating the area with a hair dryer or another source of heat until it becomes very warm. After this, begin to slowly peel up the sticker, being careful not to tear it. Continue to apply the heat and peel until all of it is completely removed. This method works very well for most people and can be done at home, requiring only three out of the four tools listed above that are probably already in your household.
The application should be done in dry conditions. While the stickers are waterproof, applying them on a wet or damp surface can prevent the adhesive from forming a proper bond with the motorcycle’s surface. Once applied, it’s important to smooth out any air bubbles that may have formed beneath the sticker to ensure a flat, even surface that won't collect moisture underneath.
Alternatively, you can use a solvent such as WD-40 or Goo Gone to soften the glue so it can be peeled away. You can either use a cloth soaked in the cleaner or simply pour the liquid onto the sticker, allowing it to soak in for a minute or two before beginning to pull. When you have a good grip on the sticker, simply pull upwards to remove it. This method will require some patience, but is relatively safe as it is unlikely that any residue will be left behind on the bike’s frame.
For more stubborn residue, you can also try scrubbing the surface of the bike with a wire brush, a sponge or even a razor blade. However, it is important to remember that any harsh abrasions to the surface of your bike can damage it, so use caution while scrubbing the adhesive from the frame. Once you have the remaining residue removed, you can wipe down the surface of your motorcycle to remove any lingering grime and get it looking like new.
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