How to Remove a Sticker From a Metal Surface

We'll show you a quick and easy way to remove stickers and adhesive residue from hard-to-clean metal surfaces.

By: Emily Fazio

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Did your kid plaster his metal bed frame with stickers? Trying to remove a decal from a metal car bumper? Hoping to help the neighborhood by removing assorted sticker swag from the corner telephone pole? (You are a good person — may we all have as much neighborhood pride as you!) With a little bit of elbow grease and careful use of tools, you won’t have any problem getting the sticker and its remaining adhesive residue off the metal surface. Keep reading to see how it's done.

How to Remove Stickers and Adhesive from Metal Surfaces

Use coconut oil and baking soda to remove tough stickers from metal.

From: Emily Fazio

Photo by: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Basic razor blades are great for getting stickers off of a surface, but opt for a plastic razor blade if you have any fear of leaving damage to the underlying surface or paint.

How to Remove Stickers and Adhesive from Metal Surfaces

Use coconut oil and baking soda to remove tough stickers from metal.

From: Emily Fazio

Photo by: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Use a damp cloth to pre-treat the sticker, allowing the moisture to soak in around the edges. Rub the sticker while wet to help remove the top layers, depending on the quality of the sticker itself. If it’s still stuck on there, take the plastic razor blade and gently peel up the sticker around the edges to remove as much as you can.

How to Remove Stickers and Adhesive from Metal Surfaces

Use coconut oil and baking soda to remove tough stickers from metal.

From: Emily Fazio

Photo by: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

You can remove any remaining paper and adhesive next. Store-bought adhesive removers are harsh (both on your fingers and the surface your sticker is on), so a homemade solution is best. To make, combine one tablespoon coconut oil and one tablespoon baking soda. Mix it together in a small container, and use a piece of cloth to apply it to the surface. Massage it in.

How to Remove Stickers and Adhesive from Metal Surfaces

Use coconut oil and baking soda to remove tough stickers from metal.

From: Emily Fazio

Photo by: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Next, rub-rub-rub.

How to Remove Stickers and Adhesive from Metal Surfaces

Use coconut oil and baking soda to remove tough stickers from metal.

From: Emily Fazio

Photo by: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Then use the wet cloth again — this time to wipe the surface clean. Go ahead — touch it to make sure it’s not tacky. If it is, massage a little more oil and baking powder against the surface. Bonus: It smells great!