How to Remove and Reuse Stickers

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Stickers are fun, but what if you want to take them off and reuse them? You just need to know how to remove stickers without ruining them or the surface they’re stuck on.

Removing stickers without causing damage can be tricky, but it’s usually doable. It’s important to remove them carefully so you can keep them in good shape for future use.

Gather Your Tools

You’ll need a few things for this project: a hairdryer, a plastic card (like a credit card), rubbing alcohol or adhesive remover, and a clean cloth or paper towel.

A microfiber cloth is best because it won’t leave any lint.

Prepare the Sticker and Surface

Now turn your attention to the sticker and the surface it’s stuck on ready. If the sticker is on something delicate like paper or a painted wall, test a small area of that surface with rubbing alcohol or adhesive remover to be sure it won’t cause damage.

For tougher materials like glass or plastic, you can skip this test.

Heat the Sticker

Use a hairdryer on low heat to warm up the sticker for about 30 seconds. This will loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove the sticker without tearing or leaving sticky residue.

Peel Off the Sticker

Once the sticker is warm, use your fingernail or a plastic card to gently lift one corner. Peel it off slowly at a 45-degree angle, applying even pressure.

Don’t yank it off quickly, or it might tear or leave sticky stuff behind. Note that if the sticker has been there for years, it may not work as well. A lot of patience is required in that case!

If the plastic card isn’t working, you can also try using a dental pick.

Remove Residue (If Necessary)

If there’s sticky residue left on the surface after removing the sticker, dampen a microfiber cloth or paper towel with rubbing alcohol or adhesive remover.

Gently rub the residue in circles until it comes off. Be careful not to scrub too hard and damage the surface. Make sure the rubbing alcohol is safe for the surface you’re working on.

Store the Sticker Properly

To reuse the sticker later, store it correctly. Place it on a clean, smooth surface like wax paper or parchment paper. I had a book of stickers with room for it, so I put it there.

Smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles and protect the adhesive side. You can also keep the sticker in a plastic sleeve or sealable bag to keep it clean.

Reapply the Sticker

When you’re ready to use the sticker again, make sure the surface is clean and dry. The adhesive is almost certainly gone now, so it won’t stick as is.

Just apply some glue to the back of it. Plain old school glue will work here, better than the original adhesive but likely still removable at some point using the above methods. You can also use a homemade glue.

Before the glue dries, press the sticker down gently on the new surface, starting from the middle and moving outward, to make sure it sticks well.

Tips and Precautions

Avoid using sharp objects like knives or razor blades to remove stickers because they can damage surfaces.
If you don’t have a hairdryer, you can use the steam from a tea kettle or a heat gun to soften the adhesive.
For stubborn residue, try mixing baking soda and cooking oil or using a commercial adhesive remover.
Read and follow the instructions on adhesive removers or rubbing alcohol to avoid damage.
Take your time and be patient during sticker removal to prevent accidents.

Ways to Reuse Your Stickers

So what can you do with these stickers you’ve rescued?

1. Personalize Your Stationery

One simple and effective way to reuse stickers is by personalizing your stationery. Whether it’s your notebook, planner, or even your laptop, stickers can add flair.

2. Upcycle Containers and Jars

Instead of buying expensive storage containers or jars, why not repurpose what you already have? Stickers can be a great way to transform plain containers into stylish storage solutions.

Take thoroughly cleaned old glass condiment or food jars and use stickers to make them look more interesting.

3. Decorate Your Tech Gadgets

Give your tech gadgets some personality by decorating them with stickers. Whether it’s your laptop, phone case, or tablet, stickers can add a pop of color and style.

4. Create Unique Greeting Cards

Why settle for store-bought greeting cards when you can create your own personalized ones? Reusing stickers is a fantastic way to add a touch of creativity to your handmade cards.

5. DIY Wall Art

Turn your plain walls into a gallery of creativity with the help of stickers. Create your own DIY wall art by strategically placing stickers to form patterns, shapes, or even words.

6. Customized Gift Wrapping

Elevate your gift-giving game by using stickers to customize gift wrapping. Instead of just using traditional wrapping paper, add some pizzazz with well-placed stickers.

They can act as gift tags, decorative elements, or even as part of a theme.

7. Personalize Home Decor

From picture frames to flower pots, stickers can be used to personalize various home decor items. Apply stickers to plain frames, vases, or even furniture to add a touch of uniqueness to your space.

8. Crafty Scrapbooking

Stickers are essential tools in the world of scrapbooking as they add color, dimension, and personality to your pages. Use stickers to highlight important dates, create borders, or embellish your photos. Mix and match different sticker designs to create visually appealing layouts that tell the story behind your cherished memories.