Best way to remove number plate sticky pads?

BanziBarn · 07-22-2010, 02:11 PM

Do you have any suggestions on the best product to use for removing the pads from the paintwork?

My plates are coming off a bit so I want to remove them and re-stick.

Also, what's the best way to stick them on? I used the pads from Halfords last time - are there any better ones? (I don't want to drill the plates).

Thanks

davyk31 · 07-22-2010, 02:13 PM

A sore thumb is generally the best ............ bit of heat from a hair dryer can help and WD40 sometimes is good.

New pads should do your job, just make sure the plate and car are spotlessly clean before sticking.

themetz · 07-22-2010, 02:14 PM

Peel away as much of the pads as possible and then soak the remnants in wd40 for a couple of minutes and carefully manipulate off

willhollin · 07-22-2010, 02:16 PM

Blowtorch will fetch them off no problem.

rogerxp · 07-22-2010, 02:32 PM

White Spirit/Meths will do the job fine.

AlanQS · 07-22-2010, 02:33 PM

As themetz's post but substitute IPA for the WD40 for the small remnants.

T33KKS · 07-22-2010, 04:09 PM

use that 'sticky stuff remover' form halfords. u can probly ge it from some parts shops aswell. its good stuff, spray it on and it will dissolve the sticky stuff. i used it wen i de-badged the car

BanziBarn · 07-22-2010, 04:25 PM

Brilliant - thanks a lot guys

SteveF1 · 07-22-2010, 04:44 PM

Sorry to hijack the thread but does anyone know how I should attempt to remove my number plates...

You see around six months ago I put a private plate on the car with number plates made up by the company that I bought the reg from. Those plates must have been cheap shite as they are now misting up in places and look crap so they need to come off. However, when I put them on I used those red strips of no more nails and probably put around six strips on each plate making sure both surfaces were sqeaky clean thinking they would stay on for the next few years. I have attempted to pull at the plates but they seem bonded and won't budge.

I don't want to yank them so hard it pulls the paint from the boot or bumper but they need to come off regardless.

Any ideas?

rogerxp · 07-22-2010, 05:29 PM

I'd use my white spirit option and drip it in over the top edge of the reg plate to drip down the back and eat the sticky stuff. You'll soon get some give on it to may get something down the back to ease it away. Just wipe off any excess that drip below the reg plate but don't think it harms the paint.

parapaul · 07-23-2010, 02:07 AM

Or try the hairdryer method - if you heat it up, the glue may soften enough to get the plates off.

BanziBarn · 07-23-2010, 03:24 AM

So 'no more nails' do strips... I might look into those for when I re-fix...

ibanezking · 07-23-2010, 03:47 AM

yes the no more nails on a roll is shit hot!

I used other brands to stick my spoiler on and within a week they were lifting off.........

No more nails been on 6 weeks and not budged a micron!

Max

PS....... Maplins do "label remover" - about £4 a can and its BRILLIANT for disolving sticky goo........

BanziBarn · 07-23-2010, 03:57 AM

Cool, I've got a Maplins very near me - will pop in there!

SteveF1 · 07-23-2010, 05:06 AM

Got my no more nails from b&q when it was on offer for £3, it either comes on a roll or in strips. It's good stuff that's why I've used it but now I need to get it off I'm dreading it.

doughboy · 07-23-2010, 05:31 AM

Why don't you use screws and caps FFS like your supposed to?

NO problems then.

BTW - your missus's nail polish remover is the best sticky remover, its >90% pure alcohol, works on all sticky stuff and its cheap as chips.

Makes a good cocktail mixer too

davyk31 · 07-23-2010, 06:39 AM

[QUOTE=doughboy;7706748]Why don't you use screws and caps FFS like your supposed to?

Screws and caps

............ ohhhhhhh no, so wrong

doughboy · 07-23-2010, 06:56 AM

Stick on just looks shit and cheap IMO, they're (nearly) always crooked, or they and up crooked after a while, and curled up towards the ends. Or the sticky starts showing through the plate backing.

Screws rule - as long as the screw caps don't clash with your numbers of course....

Ant Man · 07-23-2010, 05:38 PM

Another tip in addition to the above posts, is to use string to behind the plate if you cannot get your fingers underneath to start with.

I used cellulose thinners btw as had some leftover. Always wash the paintwork after though.

charliesum · 07-24-2010, 02:59 AM

dental floss!!!

BanziBarn · 07-24-2010, 03:19 AM

Really don't want to drill the plates, think it looks cheap. I want it to look smooth and flawless.

I did have some plates nicked once it's true, but it was over 10 years ago so it's not like it happens all the time!

So, I'll do the dental floss to remove, the stuff from maplin to dissolve the sticky stuff, and then a bit of white spirit to get a really clean finish. Then wack the 'no more nail' on... sounds like a plan!

SteveF1 · 07-24-2010, 06:07 AM

Using screws is old hat do you know how many number plates get nicked these days? The number is rising year on year an the professionals advise adhesive strips as thieves hate it an snap the plate trying to get em off. With screws you have very little protection from theft an you have dirty great big caps messing up the symmetry of the plate.

07-22-2010, 02:11 PM	#1
BanziBarn Lieutenant Colonel 106 Rep 1,800 Posts Drives: BMW 330D E90 LCI Msport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Best way to remove number plate sticky pads? Do you have any suggestions on the best product to use for removing the pads from the paintwork? My plates are coming off a bit so I want to remove them and re-stick. Also, what's the best way to stick them on? I used the pads from Halfords last time - are there any better ones? (I don't want to drill the plates). Thanks __________________ Black 330d E90 LCI M Sport Saloon Auto. Privacy Glass, Cream Leather, 6FL, I-Drive/Nav/Bluetooth, Alpine hifi upgrade.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

07-22-2010, 02:13 PM	#2
davyk31 Major General 1049 Rep 6,949 Posts Drives: Macan GTS :-) & F40 M135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	A sore thumb is generally the best ............ bit of heat from a hair dryer can help and WD40 sometimes is good. New pads should do your job, just make sure the plate and car are spotlessly clean before sticking.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-22-2010, 02:14 PM	#3
themetz smokin' kipper 39 Rep 1,467 Posts Drives: Audi RS5 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	Peel away as much of the pads as possible and then soak the remnants in wd40 for a couple of minutes and carefully manipulate off __________________ Current Audi RS5. Previously enjoyed E92 335i M Sport; E92 M3; E92 335i M Sport; E46 330ci M Sport
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-22-2010, 02:16 PM	#4
willhollin Major General 268 Rep 9,915 Posts Drives: VW T5 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Worcestershire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 BMW E92 330d SE [10.00] 2010 Transporter T5 ... [0.00]	Blowtorch will fetch them off no problem. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-22-2010, 02:32 PM	#5
rogerxp Major General 165 Rep 5,950 Posts Drives: M3 Comp Pack / QQ+2 Tekna Join Date: May 2008 Location: Stockport, Cheshire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 350Z GT Roadster [2.00] 2004 Honda S2000 [0.00] 2005 Nissan 350Z GT ... [0.00] 2006 E92 BMW 335i SE [9.00] 2003 Maserati 4200 [6.00] 2006 E90 330d M Sport [0.00]	White Spirit/Meths will do the job fine. __________________ Current -: MW E92 M3 Competition Pack / Qashqai+2 Tekna 1.6dci Gone -: 370Z GT Roadster; BMW X3 3.0d xdrive M Sport; E46 330i M Sport Coupe; Mazda RX8 231; Nissan 350Z GT Roadster; BMW E90 330d M Sport; BMW E92 335i SE; Maserati 4200; Nissan 350Z; Honda S2000; Astra Coupe Turbo; Ford Probe
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-22-2010, 02:33 PM	#6
AlanQS Colonel 244 Rep 2,811 Posts Drives: Jaguar XE P250 HSE Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 430i m-sport G ... [0.00]	As themetz's post but substitute IPA for the WD40 for the small remnants.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-22-2010, 04:09 PM	#7
T33KKS Private 1 Rep 77 Posts Drives: 320d SE Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Teeside, UK iTrader: (0)	use that 'sticky stuff remover' form halfords. u can probly ge it from some parts shops aswell. its good stuff, spray it on and it will dissolve the sticky stuff. i used it wen i de-badged the car
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-22-2010, 04:25 PM	#8
BanziBarn Lieutenant Colonel 106 Rep 1,800 Posts Drives: BMW 330D E90 LCI Msport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Brilliant - thanks a lot guys __________________ Black 330d E90 LCI M Sport Saloon Auto. Privacy Glass, Cream Leather, 6FL, I-Drive/Nav/Bluetooth, Alpine hifi upgrade.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-22-2010, 04:44 PM	#9
SteveF1 Captain 27 Rep 626 Posts Drives: BMW 320D M Sport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Manchester iTrader: (0)	Sorry to hijack the thread but does anyone know how I should attempt to remove my number plates... You see around six months ago I put a private plate on the car with number plates made up by the company that I bought the reg from. Those plates must have been cheap shite as they are now misting up in places and look crap so they need to come off. However, when I put them on I used those red strips of no more nails and probably put around six strips on each plate making sure both surfaces were sqeaky clean thinking they would stay on for the next few years. I have attempted to pull at the plates but they seem bonded and won't budge. I don't want to yank them so hard it pulls the paint from the boot or bumper but they need to come off regardless. Any ideas?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-22-2010, 05:29 PM	#10
rogerxp Major General 165 Rep 5,950 Posts Drives: M3 Comp Pack / QQ+2 Tekna Join Date: May 2008 Location: Stockport, Cheshire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 350Z GT Roadster [2.00] 2004 Honda S2000 [0.00] 2005 Nissan 350Z GT ... [0.00] 2006 E92 BMW 335i SE [9.00] 2003 Maserati 4200 [6.00] 2006 E90 330d M Sport [0.00]	I'd use my white spirit option and drip it in over the top edge of the reg plate to drip down the back and eat the sticky stuff. You'll soon get some give on it to may get something down the back to ease it away. Just wipe off any excess that drip below the reg plate but don't think it harms the paint. __________________ Current -: MW E92 M3 Competition Pack / Qashqai+2 Tekna 1.6dci Gone -: 370Z GT Roadster; BMW X3 3.0d xdrive M Sport; E46 330i M Sport Coupe; Mazda RX8 231; Nissan 350Z GT Roadster; BMW E90 330d M Sport; BMW E92 335i SE; Maserati 4200; Nissan 350Z; Honda S2000; Astra Coupe Turbo; Ford Probe
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-23-2010, 02:07 AM	#11
parapaul Colonel 118 Rep 2,216 Posts Drives: E91 330d M Sport Join Date: May 2010 Location: Stoke on Trent iTrader: (1) Garage List 2007 E91 330D MSport [0.00]	Or try the hairdryer method - if you heat it up, the glue may soften enough to get the plates off.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-23-2010, 03:24 AM	#12
BanziBarn Lieutenant Colonel 106 Rep 1,800 Posts Drives: BMW 330D E90 LCI Msport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: London iTrader: (0)	So 'no more nails' do strips... I might look into those for when I re-fix... __________________ Black 330d E90 LCI M Sport Saloon Auto. Privacy Glass, Cream Leather, 6FL, I-Drive/Nav/Bluetooth, Alpine hifi upgrade.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-23-2010, 03:47 AM	#13
ibanezking Weekend Rockstar 39 Rep 728 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Leigh, Lancs iTrader: (1)	yes the no more nails on a roll is shit hot! I used other brands to stick my spoiler on and within a week they were lifting off......... No more nails been on 6 weeks and not budged a micron! Max PS....... Maplins do "label remover" - about £4 a can and its BRILLIANT for disolving sticky goo........ __________________ E92 M3 - Interlagos Blue and Black everything else!!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-23-2010, 03:57 AM	#14
BanziBarn Lieutenant Colonel 106 Rep 1,800 Posts Drives: BMW 330D E90 LCI Msport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Cool, I've got a Maplins very near me - will pop in there! __________________ Black 330d E90 LCI M Sport Saloon Auto. Privacy Glass, Cream Leather, 6FL, I-Drive/Nav/Bluetooth, Alpine hifi upgrade.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-23-2010, 05:06 AM	#15
SteveF1 Captain 27 Rep 626 Posts Drives: BMW 320D M Sport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Manchester iTrader: (0)	Got my no more nails from b&q when it was on offer for £3, it either comes on a roll or in strips. It's good stuff that's why I've used it but now I need to get it off I'm dreading it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-23-2010, 05:31 AM	#16
doughboy Major General 1546 Rep 8,972 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Comp 6MT Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	Why don't you use screws and caps FFS like your supposed to? NO problems then. BTW - your missus's nail polish remover is the best sticky remover, its >90% pure alcohol, works on all sticky stuff and its cheap as chips. Makes a good cocktail mixer too
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-23-2010, 06:39 AM	#17
davyk31 Major General 1049 Rep 6,949 Posts Drives: Macan GTS :-) & F40 M135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	[QUOTE=doughboy;7706748]Why don't you use screws and caps FFS like your supposed to? Screws and caps ............ ohhhhhhh no, so wrong
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-23-2010, 06:56 AM	#18
doughboy Major General 1546 Rep 8,972 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 Comp 6MT Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: UK iTrader: (2)	Stick on just looks shit and cheap IMO, they're (nearly) always crooked, or they and up crooked after a while, and curled up towards the ends. Or the sticky starts showing through the plate backing. Screws rule - as long as the screw caps don't clash with your numbers of course....
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-23-2010, 05:38 PM	#19
Ant Man Major 76 Rep 1,179 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Individual Edition Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: East Anglia iTrader: (1)	Another tip in addition to the above posts, is to use string to behind the plate if you cannot get your fingers underneath to start with. I used cellulose thinners btw as had some leftover. Always wash the paintwork after though.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-24-2010, 02:59 AM	#20
charliesum First Lieutenant 8 Rep 353 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: pompey iTrader: (1)	dental floss!!! __________________ vxr8 only car ive ever had and asked to make the exhaust quieter
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-24-2010, 03:19 AM	#21
BanziBarn Lieutenant Colonel 106 Rep 1,800 Posts Drives: BMW 330D E90 LCI Msport Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Really don't want to drill the plates, think it looks cheap. I want it to look smooth and flawless. I did have some plates nicked once it's true, but it was over 10 years ago so it's not like it happens all the time! So, I'll do the dental floss to remove, the stuff from maplin to dissolve the sticky stuff, and then a bit of white spirit to get a really clean finish. Then wack the 'no more nail' on... sounds like a plan! __________________ Black 330d E90 LCI M Sport Saloon Auto. Privacy Glass, Cream Leather, 6FL, I-Drive/Nav/Bluetooth, Alpine hifi upgrade.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-24-2010, 06:07 AM	#22
SteveF1 Captain 27 Rep 626 Posts Drives: BMW 320D M Sport Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Manchester iTrader: (0)	Using screws is old hat do you know how many number plates get nicked these days? The number is rising year on year an the professionals advise adhesive strips as thieves hate it an snap the plate trying to get em off. With screws you have very little protection from theft an you have dirty great big caps messing up the symmetry of the plate.
	Appreciate 0 Quote