We use stickers more than we realize. Many of us imagine stickers to be something fun and colorful that children like to use, but have you ever noticed how many stickers are used by adults?
These stickers are not for fun, but they are used for various practical reasons. We often don’t pay attention to them until it is time to remove them. If you have ever tried to remove stickers from wood, you would know what we are talking about!
Removing these stickers from wood can become a task that an adult can do if they know how to handle the glue.
We will discuss various ways of removing stickers from wood surfaces. Whether it’s a price tag on a new table, a kid’s sticker on your wooden dresser, or a label stuck on a wooden shelf, trying to remove it often leaves behind a sticky mess or damaged wood.
Why Removing Stickers from Wood Is Tricky?
Wood is a delicate surface. If it’s unfinished, it can soak up liquids. If it’s painted or polished, it can get scratched or lose its shine easily. Therefore, it is essential to understand how you can remove stickers without costing you a finished piece of furniture!
That’s why you need to be careful and gentle when trying to get stickers off. You must ensure that you remove the sticker without scratching the wood.
Moreover, it is vital to get rid of any glue or sticker residue so that the wood looks good afterwards as well. To follow through, you will need the following items:
- Hairdryer
- Plastic scraper or old credit card
- Cooking oil
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Dish soap and warm water
- Rubbing alcohol (optional for painted or sealed wood)
- Paper towel or clean cloth
You may not need all of them, but it is always a good idea to keep these items at hand in case you need them.
- The first step is to heat the sticker to loosen the glue as it becomes softer.
- Use the hairdryer at medium or high heat hold it a few inches above the sticker and blow hot air for 30–60 seconds. Then, try peeling the sticker from the corner. If it lifts, keep going slowly. Once the glue is soft from the heat, try peeling it off with your fingers or a soft tool.
- You can use a scraper or your nails to gently lift the sticker. If this is uncomfortable, an old credit card works well too. Remember never to use knives or metal tools because they might scratch the wood.
- If the sticker comes off in one piece, it is good but you can try to take off pieces and then scrape the glue. Even after removing the paper sticker, sticky glue often stays behind.
- You can remove this sticky patch from wood by using oil or alcohol. When selecting the liquid for removing glue, keep the polish of the wood in mind. If you have lacquer on the surface, it is better to use oil than alcohol.
- For polished wood or sealed wood, dab a small amount of cooking oil onto a paper towel or cloth. Rub it gently over the sticky area for a few minutes. Rub again with a clean cloth to remove the glue and then wipe the surface with warm, soapy water and dry it completely.
- For raw wood, you can use vinegar and baking soda, as it is more sensitive. It can absorb oil and water, so use baking soda and vinegar paste to cover the sticker. Rub gently using a cloth or sponge and then wipe clean with a slightly damp cloth and let the wood air dry.
Quite interestingly, people say that using peanut butter can remove sticker glue from unpolished wood. This food item contains natural oils that break down sticker glue.
You can try this hack by applying a little bit of peanut butter to the sticky area and then wiping it with a cloth and cleaning it with warm, soapy water.
While cleaning the sticker glue be sure to avoid all sharp objects. They can scratch or damage your wooden surface and can pose a danger to you as well. Moreover, never soak the wood in water because it can stain wood, especially if it’s not sealed.
Using paint thinner, acetone, or strong cleaners can strip paint and ruin polish so avoid them at all costs.
Final Thoughts
Removing stickers from wood can be challenging if you do not know how to do it. Moreover, wooden furniture or doors are expensive so you wouldn’t want to face any damage. We have discussed various ways of getting stickers off wooden surfaces and it will help you greatly. With the right method, some patience, and a gentle hand, you can get the job done without damaging your furniture or surfaces.
