Most car badges consist of the make, model, trim level, and possibly the dealer logo. Emblems on older cars are placed in holes in sheet metal, but emblems on modern cars are attached with a strong adhesive that is safe for paint. In order to safely remove the badge from your car, you'll need to loosen and slice off some of the adhesive. If the badge has been removed, wash and coat the car paint with wax to protect the exposed paint so it is safe from various elements.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Loosening the Adhesive
Step 1. Find out how to attach the badge to the car
Emblems or emblems are attached to cars in various ways. Most badges are attached with strong adhesive, but some are secured from the inside through holes in the body of the car. If there are holes, you'll need to take the car to a professional mechanic to patch the holes, then repaint the car.
- Try checking the manual to find out the year, make, and model of the car, and see how the badge is attached and fastened there.
- You can also do an internet search about your car, followed by the phrase “shave emblems” or “remove badges” to see photos of how to remove it so you can see how the badge is attached to the car.
- If the badge sticks without adhesive, you will have to leave this task to a professional to remove it.
Step 2. Soften the adhesive with hot water
To soften the glue that is sticking the emblem on the car, pour hot water directly on the body of the car just above the emblem. You don't need to use boiling water, but the water should be hot enough without risking scalding your skin.
- Microwave a bowl of water for 1 minute, then pour the water along and inside the emblem.
- Pour the water over the emblem so that it runs along the side of the emblem and soaks into the glue behind it.
Step 3. Spray glue remover
In addition to hot water, you can also use a glue remover. Spray the glue remover on the car body just above the badge, then spray again around the edges of the badge to soften the adhesive on all sides.
- Glue remover can damage the protective clear coat of paint. So, don't spray it carelessly around the car.
- Keep the glue remover on when you remove the badge to help loosen the adhesive.
Step 4. Warm the glue using a hairdryer
You can also loosen the glue by heating it with a hairdryer. Turn on the hairdryer and set it to the hottest setting. Point the hair dryer directly at the badge and move it back and forth along the badge if it's longer than the tip of the dryer.
- Continue to point the hairdryer at the emblem for a few minutes, or until the adhesive begins to melt.
- Check the strength of the glue by sliding your fingernail along the edge of the emblem. If your nails can get into the glue, the adhesive is warm enough.
Part 2 of 3: Removing the Emblem
Step 1. Use a plastic wedge to remove the emblem
Place a thin plastic wedge on the car body just above, below, or on the side of the badge. Slide the wedge under the emblem until it gets into the glue. You may have to do it from multiple angles to get the badge loose. You can then either pry up the emblem, or use another method to slice the glue through the underside of the emblem.
- If you leverage it, the emblem may be damaged. However, if you want to get rid of it after this process, that's fine you do.
- If you want to keep the emblem, use another method by slicing the adhesive through the bottom of the emblem.
Step 2. Use dental floss or fishing line to slice off the adhesive
Cut dental floss or fishing line about 20 cm long. Wrap the two ends of the thread on the index finger of each hand, then attach the thread to the car body. Tuck the thread under the badge and pull the thread left and right in a sawing motion to separate the adhesive from the badge.
- This is the best method to remove the emblem and keep it intact.
- If the floss breaks, take a new floss and repeat the process until it's finished.
Step 3. Use a credit card to remove the badge
Credit cards can also be used to replace plastic wedges and thread. Slide the credit card under the badge and keep moving the card to slice through the softened adhesive until you can easily remove the badge.
- Don't forget to face the credit card outward (to your body) so the letters don't scratch the paint.
- If you want to keep the emblem, remove as much of the adhesive as possible before you pull out the emblem.
Step 4. Spray glue remover on the remaining adhesive
Once the badge is removed from the car, spray some glue remover on the remaining adhesive on the car body. Let the product soak for a few minutes before you wipe it clean with a rag.
You may have to spray some glue remover to remove all the adhesive
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning and Waxing on Paint
Step 1. Wash the area where the emblem is used using soap and water
After all the glue is removed, put the water and car shampoo into the bucket. Spray the area where the emblem is used with water running through the hose, then wash with a sponge and soapy water until clean. After that, rinse the area again.
- Be sure to clean any glue remover that was sprayed on the car.
- Do this as soon as the glue is removed so the glue remover doesn't damage the car paint.
Step 2. Wait until the area is completely dry
Let the area dry after you wash it thoroughly. You can wipe it with a towel to speed up the drying process. Make sure there are no water droplets or moisture adhering to it, as this can prolong the waxing time.
Drying time can take several hours if you leave it unwiped
Step 3. Keep the car out of direct sunlight
Never apply a wax coating to a car in direct sunlight. So you have to move it to an area where there is shade. Wax stuck to the paint will dry too quickly in the sun.
- The best place to do this is in the garage. However, you can do this where you removed the emblem as long as it's in the shade.
- Since the area under the badge does not contain wax and is also clear, you will need to apply wax to protect the car paint.
Step 4. Apply the wax in a circular motion
Use the included wax sponge to apply wax to the area where the badge is. Apply the wax in a circular motion, making sure that the wax covers the entire area where the spray or drip remover product was.
- You can apply wax all over the body of the car if you want an even coat of wax.
- Don't overdo the wax, you just need to apply it lightly.
Step 5. Let the wax dry completely
This takes about half to a few hours. Check the wax's dryness periodically by touching the area with your finger. If the wax feels smooth and non-sticky, it means it's dry.
Many waxes turn white when dry, so you can easily tell if the wax is dry and ready to be scrubbed
Step 6. Use a chamois cloth to rub off the wax
Once the wax has dried, use a chamois cloth to rub the paint off the car. Make sure to scrub all the wax off. The paint under the wax will be shiny and protected from the elements.
- Make sure you use chamois. Another abrasive cloth will scratch the layer of wax you just applied.
- You can reapply a layer of wax if the area isn't as shiny as the rest of the car body.
