How to clean license plates and remove adhesive from paint

DETAILROOKIE

DETAILROOKIE

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 19, 2016
Messages
1,207
Reaction score
124
Hello All,

I have searched all over for tricks to cleaning license plates and nothing. Some answers were absolutely ridiculous. Are there any tricks to cleaning a filthy license plate?

I am also looking for an easier way to remove adhesive from paint. I typically take a blow dryer to it and rub carefully, but it takes too long. My neighbor asked me to detail her car and wants the dealers name taken off of it. Any tips would be great!

Thank you all for any help you can provide.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Autogeekonline mobile app
 
3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner, bug and tar remover, adhesive remover, decal remover, tree sap remover

I'm not sure what kind of "tricks" are required for license plate cleaning. You can do the same kind of wash you would do on the rest of the car. If they are painted you can polish them. Some newer plates have a film on them rather than paint, you need to be careful not to overheat the film if you polish.

What is the specific problem you think you will have with the plates? If you have stuck on bugs you can take the plate off and soak it in the sink to loosen stuff up.
 
Setec Astronomy said:
3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner, bug and tar remover, adhesive remover, decal remover, tree sap remover

I'm not sure what kind of "tricks" are required for license plate cleaning. You can do the same kind of wash you would do on the rest of the car. If they are painted you can polish them. Some newer plates have a film on them rather than paint, you need to be careful not to overheat the film if you polish.

What is the specific problem you think you will have with the plates? If you have stuck on bugs you can take the plate off and soak it in the sink to loosen stuff up.
Click to expand...
Thank you!! I have seen some older plates that are filthy and I want to be prepared just incase I receive a car with this kind of a plate and it does not clean with regular soap and water.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Autogeekonline mobile app
 
I agree there's no real tricks to cleaning license plates. The typical problem with them is they get bent or nicked up by rocks and the paint gets chipped etc. Once they're in that bad shape you're better off getting a brand new 1.
 
Definitely the 3M adhesive remover. I have used this for many applications to include the removal of tail light lens VHT Nightshades spray tint.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
The 3M is an outstanding product. It also works well for road tar removal, and it's clear coat safe. :xyxthumbs:
 
In Ontario (Canada) if the plate is trashed in under 3 years they replace it free.

If it is over three then 20.00 - 25.00 (about the same as 3M adhesive remover-which works great by the way for lots of other stuff).
 
I have been using a tree sap remover liquid spray, I can't remember the name but works great with tree sap and the glue on the lettering for each vehicle. Also for removing letters and numbers from cars I use floss it cuts in the glue behind letters and is safe for the paint. I will have to try the 3m general purpose adhesive cleaner, thx for the tips guys!
 
DETAILROOKIE said:
Hello All,

I have searched all over for tricks to cleaning license plates and nothing. Some answers were absolutely ridiculous. Are there any tricks to cleaning a filthy license plate?

I am also looking for an easier way to remove adhesive from paint. I typically take a blow dryer to it and rub carefully, but it takes too long. My neighbor asked me to detail her car and wants the dealers name taken off of it. Any tips would be great!

Thank you all for any help you can provide.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Autogeekonline mobile app
Click to expand...

Deer urine is the best cleaner for plates.There are number of ways.Take a micro saturate with naphtha or goo gone.The trick is to firmly cover the adhesive with the saturated towel and keep it in place for 3 to 5 min let it dissolve under the towel then it should be gummy enough to remove.
 
GSKR said:
Deer urine is the best cleaner for plates.There are number of ways.Take a micro saturate with naphtha or goo gone.The trick is to firmly cover the adhesive with the saturated towel and keep it in place for 3 to 5 min let it dissolve under the towel then it should be gummy enough to remove.
Click to expand...
Thank you for the great tip!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Autogeekonline mobile app
 
WD-40 is a good adhesive remover. Spray & let sit for 5-10 min. May take several tries but it works & wont hurt the paint. It not as caustic as the 3M adhesive remover or citrus based cleaners.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top