I'm looking to replace the faded vinyl self-adhesive numbers on my mailbox, but I want to make sure I do it without damaging the paint underneath. What's the best method for safely removing these numbers? Also, after I take them off, should I use rubbing alcohol to clean any adhesive residue left behind?
4 Answers
You might want to use a heat gun for this job, as it can really help loosen the stickers. Just be careful not to overheat and damage the mailbox!
I went ahead and stuck my new numbers right over the old faded ones after cleaning the surface with rubbing alcohol. It worked fine for me without needing to remove the old ones!
To remove those vinyl numbers, try using a hairdryer to heat them up first. This softens the adhesive, making it easier to peel off. Once they're heated, use a plastic scraper to gently get underneath them. If there's any sticky residue left, Goo Gone or WD-40 works well for cleanup!
If you're worried about the end result, consider that you might end up needing to repaint the mailbox after removing the numbers. It's a good idea to paint it before putting up new decals!
That’s a good idea! I was actually thinking about doing the same.