Wondering how to get stickers off walls without removing paint?
The best way to remove stickers off walls without removing paint is to first peel the sticker off. Use your fingernail to start peeling the sticker back while applying heat from a hairdryer or heat gun. Remove stubborn adhesive with soap and hot water, baby oil, or commercial products like Goo Gone or WD-40.
Removing the sticker is typically the easy part. However, sticky residue can quickly turn sticker removal into an all day event.
In this article, you can find several methods used by crafters and interior decorators alike to remove stubborn stickers and residue from walls without damaging the paint underneath.
This article may contain affiliate links which pay a commission and support this blog. Thank you for your support!
How to get stickers off walls without damaging paint?
Try peeling the sticker off gently with a fingernail. Sometimes, a slow but steady pressure is all you need.
For stubborn stickers, experts say the best option is to apply a little heat with a heat gun or hair dryer.
Using Heat To Remove Stickers
First of all, you’ll need a heat gun. If you don’t have one, you can use a generic hairdryer.
If you’re using a hairdryer, you’ll want to set it to medium or high heat. Use it to slowly heat the sticker and soften the adhesive.
If you happen to have a heat gun, most experts recommend using the medium heat setting.
As the adhesive softens, gently peel the sticker away from the wall. You can use your fingers, or you can use a flat object, such as a credit card, for more even pressure.
How to remove sticker residue from walls?
Oils, alcohol, soapy water, and certain commercial products can all be used to safely remove stickers and their adhesive residue without damaging the paint below. Avoid scraping the wall with a putty knife, wall scraper, or knife as this may damage your wall.
Using Soap and Hot Water to remove sticker residue
Soap and water can be used to remove sticker residue, but it will require scrubbing. The following steps can be used to remove sticker residue with soap and hot water:
- The first step is to soak a cloth in warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Dish soap will help soften and dissolve the sticky residue.
- Apply the warm cloth to the residue and rub gently but firmly. The warmth and friction will help pull the residue away from the wall.
Using oils to remove sticker residue
Certain types of oils can be used to remove stickers and adhesive residue from the wall. The most highly recommended oil is baby oil, but you can use other oils (e.g. cooking oils like canola or olive oil). You can use other oils, but certain oils may cause stains or discoloration.
Baby oil can be used to remove sticker residue by using one of the two methods:
- The first is to apply a small amount of baby oil directly to the adhesive. Let it sit for about 20 minutes, then gently wipe it away.
- The second method is to apply baby oil to a cotton ball or a soft cloth. Then rub firmly over the surface to remove adhesive.
Using Natural or Homemade Types of Sticker adhesive Remover
Common sticker and adhesive remover ingredients include water, some form of oil, and baking soda.
The type of oil you use depends on personal preference. Lemon essential oil has a pleasant scent that many people like. Others prefer forms of cooking oil, such as canola or coconut oil.
All of these recipes are easy to make and easy to afford.
Using Acetone Or Nail Polish Remover to Remove Sticker adhesive
Acetone and nail polish remover will both work to remove stickers and adhesive. However, acetone and nail polish may damage paint on walls. Therefore, it is best to use acetone and nail polish when removing from non-porous surfaces, such as tile.
The Best Commercial Products For Removing Sticker adhesive?
Goo Gone Original Liquid Safe Surface Adhesive Remover is one commercial-grade solvent you can use for removing stickers. You can find this fairly cheap in most stores and it’s safe for just about any painted surface.
WD-40 is a common household lubricant spray that can be used for removing stickers and adhesive. Simply spray the adhesive, let sit for several minutes, and wipe away.
Elmer’s Glue also makes a solution to remove adhesive. Elmer’s Sticky Out Adhesive Remover is a favorite in classrooms for its non-toxic components.
Scrapbookers have also reported excellent results with Un-Du Original Formula Remover. When applied, it can be used to gently remove stickers from surfaces. If you’re looking for a way to preserve the stickers for some reason, many experts recommend the Un-Du formulation as the best option.
What Methods Can I Use If I Don’t Want To Mess With Liquid Adhesive Removers?
You can also use a rubber eraser to remove stickers and their adhesive. Rubbing a rubber eraser over the sticker – or leftover adhesive – provides heat and friction to soften the glue and peel it away from the wall.
Summary: How to get stickers off walls without removing paint
As you can see, The best way to remove stickers off walls without removing paint is to first peel the sticker off. Use your fingernail to start peeling the sticker back while applying heat from a hairdryer or heat gun. Remove stubborn adhesive with soap and hot water, baby oil, or commercial products like Goo Gone or WD-40.
Avoid using nail polish or acetone to remove sticker residue from walls. Both products are not always safe for use on paint, so you may damage your walls in the process.