What are the best ways to remove stickers?
The point is to soften the self-stick adhesive!
What are the causes of residue...?
"It’s unpleasant if residue remains after removing a sticker. This is because self-stick adhesive remained on the surface when it was peeled off.
A potential reason is the breakage of self-stick adhesive, which has deteriorated and become rigid over time, during peeling."
Let’s make it soft
"Use a dryer or the like to make the self-stick adhesive soft. Self-stick adhesive is like a liquid with poor flowability. When heated by a dryer, it flows more easily and becomes softer."
"Examples are butter and chocolate, which get softer when slightly heated. Self-stick adhesives, in the same way, get softer when heated. This makes it easier for the self-stick adhesive to come off.
*Pay attention to deformation or discoloration of the adhesive surface by heat."
There are also various other possible reasons.
- Peeling too fast, causing self-stick adhesive to break and remain on the surface.
- The adhesive power of the self-stick adhesive is simply too strong, causing the substrate layer to break when peeling.
Above reasons are also possible, so it will be more effective to apply the following methods together after softening the self-stick adhesive.
"Method 1: Peel off the sticker slowly.
Pulling the tape before the self-stick adhesive completely comes off from the adhesive surface causes a large force on the peeling position, leading to breakage of the self-stick adhesive. Peel it slowly and wait for the self-stick adhesive to come off the adhesive surface."
"Method 2: Pay attention to the angle when peeling.
Make the angle toward the peeling direction an acute angle of about 30 degrees.Although it depends on the adjustment of force and speed, the probability of removing the sticker without leaving residue will increase."
If the sticker does not come off after trying these things, let’s look at some other methods.
"Method 3: Use another tape to peel off the remaining self-stick adhesive.
Use another sticker and paste it on the self-stick adhesive residue. Repeat this several times. The self-stick adhesive peels off little by little, and finally it is removed completely. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. And adhesive for adhesive!
*Pay attention to peeling of paint, etc."
"Method 4: Soak in water or warm water and peel it off.
Many self-stick adhesives are readily soluble in water and are softened by water. In other words, they get easier to peel off. Using warm water is recommended because self-stick adhesives dissolve more easily with heat.
*This method is not recommended for places that may be discolored by water or warm water."
"Method 5: Use nail polish remover or tape remover.
Peel off the sticker while dissolving the self-stick adhesive using the solvent contained in nail polish remover or tape remover.
Using a spatula or the like to scrape it off makes removal easier.
*Do not use this method for places that may be discolored by solvent, and also pay attention not to cause scratches, etc., with the spatula."
- ※Any of the methods described here must be implemented at your own responsibility.
Understanding the mechanisms may allow you to discover new methods.
"We can explore how to respond if we understand the mechanisms of sticking and the reasons for residue.
Experimenting with different methods on your own may allow you to discover new ones!"