removing sticker residue from trim

[duboy]

hey all, my roomate peeled off the airbag sticker that is smack in the middle of the passenger side airbage compartment. but it left a nasty sticker residue. how can i remove it without affecting the plastic compartment cover? i would use something like goo-gone or some other solvent, but i'm afraid the solvent will mar the plastic any suggestions?

[aus-tim powers]

As a signmaker i use brake cleaner from an aerosol to clean
adhesive residue from pvc or painted surfaces 99% successful.
It costs about £3 over here.
Simply soak a few seconds and wipe off gently.
(I suggest you try it first on a non visible area)

Tim

[cordial]

Use a paintwork tar remover. They leave most plastics intact and work wonders on sticker residue.

[rogerswt]

Quote:

Originally posted by duboy
hey all, my roomate peeled off the airbag sticker that is smack in the middle of the passenger side airbage compartment. but it left a nasty sticker residue. how can i remove it without affecting the plastic compartment cover? i would use something like goo-gone or some other solvent, but i'm afraid the solvent will mar the plastic any suggestions?

I had the same problem and concerns. WD40 worked perfectly. Took it off easily - no harm to the plastic.

[Pamlico]

This has been discussed a few times here. Before using any chemicals on the residue try using the back side of the sticker you removed. It's the same material as is already on the dash so ono concerns over damage. Worked very well for me.

That said, WD40 should also work fine.

[smiffy]

Furniture polish does the trick

[R1]

A lot of adhesives used on internal stickers are water based glues. A simple rub with hot plain or soapy water should remove it if this is the case.

[BruceK]

Avoid chemicals. You simply don't need them.

I wouldn't recommend using any sort of solvent on the plastic. Solvents could cause damage to the plastic that may not be immediately visble, but could show up later as discoloration or brittleness.

The best way to get rid of the sticker residue (using no chemicals or abrasion) is to use the back of the sticker itself and reapply it and then quickly lift it off in an attempt to pull the residue off (cohesion to the adhesive sticky stuff on the back of the sticker is stronger than the adhesion to the dashboard). Repeat until the residue is gone.

You can do the same thing with simple masking tape. Press it on over the residue and the lift it off quickly. Repeat as necessary using fresh pieces of tape and the sticky residue will soon be all on the tape with none on the dashboard.