Expert: Notto Jensen - 1/20/2007

Question
My daughter has purchased a Coroll in Grenada where she is attemding school. It apparently has some type of stickers pasted all over it and she wants to try to remove them. What type of solvent or chemical can she use to get them off the surface of the car. She has very limited acces to solvent down in Grenada.  Thanks

Answer
first I would get a hair dryer and try to remove them without solvent.  The sticker that come off may leave some adhesive and that can be removed with lacquer thinner.  The thinner won't hurt the paint unless it's very degraded and oxidized.  Basically if it's shiny, it will be fine.  Test an inconspicuous area first.  The thinner will dull the paint a bit, so some wax with a little polish in it will brighten it back up.  Stubborn stickers can be removed by dabbing the edges with a rag dipped in some thinner. Use in a well ventilated area and with some gloves on.
Good luck