Toolkit Needed
Removing a company logo from a car requires a range of tools including: a basic wax remover, adhesive remover, a medium-grit sandpaper, a razor blade scraper, a stiff brush, a soft cloth, rubbing alcohol, a putty knife, and a can of aerosol paint. Additionally, you will need a cardboard template of the logo which you can use to create a stencil for the new design.
Preparing the Vehicle for Painting
Once you have the tools sorted, you will need to start preparing the area for painting. Begin by thoroughly cleaning the target area with mild soap and water. Make sure to remove any dirt, oil, and grease from the area by using a damp rag. Then, use the wax remover and apply it in an even layer with a soft cloth. This will help to remove any remaining wax or dirt from the paint. Next, use the adhesive remover to remove any adhesive residue from the surface. Make sure to work in small sections until all the adhesive residue is removed.
Sanding
Once the residue is gone, use the medium-grit sandpaper to lightly sand the area. This will help to make the surface smooth and help the paint to adhere better. Use the razor blade scraper to remove any stubborn adhesive residue. Spend extra time in this step as any irregularities in the surface will show up once the painting is done.
Gathering the Stencil and Materials
Next, you will need to gather the materials for the stencil. Use last year’s model of the car or do a quick Google search to find the make and model. With that information, you can create a cardboard template of the logo which can be placed over the area you want to be painted. Then, find the paint which is suitable for the type of surface you’re painting. Most manufacturers will provide recommended paints.
Painting the Car
Remove the stencil and place it over the area you want to paint. Make sure the edges of the template are lined up with the edges of the car. Once in place, use the putty knife to press the edges of the stencil so that the paint does not seep through. Using the aerosol paint, fill in the interior of the company logo with a light mist of paint. Let the first layer to dry before applying additional layers.
Finishing Up
Once the desired level of coverage is achieved, you’re ready to remove the stencil and unveil your work. Make sure to use the rubbing alcohol and stiff brush to clean up the area before you do. This will help to reduce any risk of the paint running or smearing. To finish, take a look and make sure the paint is applied evenly and the edges are all straight.
Protecting the Paint
The lifespan of the paint will depend on how well you protect it. To ensure maximum protection, you should apply a coat of wax or sealant to the car. This will help to protect the paint from scratches and other damage caused by extreme weather conditions or debris. Additionally, you should keep the car clean and wash it several times a year.
Natural Alternatives
If you don’t want to use aerosol paint, there are natural alternatives. You can make use of items from your pantry like baking soda and vinegar to create your own paint remover. Simply mix equal parts of baking soda and vinegar to create a paste which can be spread over the logo with a soft cloth. Let the paste sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth. This will remove the logo without the need for harsh chemicals.
Protecting the Surface
Once the logo has been removed, it is important to remember to protect the surface from further damage in the future. Sand the area with a fine-grit sandpaper to help level any bumps or ridges that may have formed. Then, apply a few layers of sealant or wax. This will help to keep the surface clean, as well as offering additional protection in harsh weather conditions and against minor scratches.
Troubleshooting Issues
Sometimes, there may be issues with the paint or adhesion. If the paint is not sticking to the surface, you will want to check the surface’s condition before making additional attempts. Additionally, make sure the surface is clean, free of dust and dirt, to help the paint stick better. If the paint is chipping or coming off, re-sand the area and apply a few more layers of sealant or wax to keep it in place.
Concealing Existing Company Logos
If you don’t want to totally remove the logo from the car, there are ways to make it less visible. You can use Vinyl Wraps which can be purchased from most hardware stores. These wraps are designed to adhere to the surface of the car and can help to conceal logos or other designs that you don’t want to be on display. It’s an inexpensive and easy way to modify the look of your car without having to completely remove or replace the logo.
DIY Paint Removal Kits
In addition to the traditional methods of logo removal, there are now DIY paint removal kits available. These kits come with everything you need to remove the logo from your car including a wax remover, adhesive remover, sandpaper, razor blade scraper, and other materials. They are an inexpensive and easy way to remove the logo without any prior knowledge or experience.
