Ex-fleet or wrap-removed owners - removing adhesive residue tip

[CJW]

The problem - a year after getting my ex British Gas van, dark patches became noticeable on the paintwork, mainly on the leading faces of the vehicle. On examination, there was still some residue from the vinyl wrap that was collecting (I assume) vehicle particulates. Only became noticeable after a year or so. The usual cleaning techniques didn’t remove it without insane elbow grease.

Inspired by this approach…

…but wanted a bit more control, I tried a soft rubber (eraser) and rubbing alcohol. The results are fab.

Wash it very very well first and go extra time with the jet wash rinse, you don’t want any grit on the paintwork that could scratch the top coat. Let it dry.

Rub the darkened areas with the eraser - they’re easy to spot because the adhesive has a particular fine dotty pattern to it. The adhesive turns to a stodgy paste. One or two wipes with alcohol on a very clean microfibre cloth, and it’s gone. Only have to do this once, ever, and this approach gives you very fine control. It’s also a cheap way to do it. Win win.

 

[Stuart Padbury]

Halford or such like company's sell tar and glue remover which is what my valeted. mate uses . Works a treat

 

[Crazymind]

Agar agar powder. Super cheap.

 

[CJW]

Halford or such like company's sell tar and glue remover which is what my valeted. mate uses . Works a treat

I was making a start on cleaning the engine bay and noticed two small areas I’d missed, so I tried the adhesive / tar remover again vs the eraser and alcohol route. Clear winner - adhesive remover didn’t work, eraser and alcohol gone in 20 seconds.

Maybe your friend has access to better stuff? This is the first one I tried. Also tried Muc-off sticky remover - no difference, so I wasn’t going to try a third one.