Plastic protective film on truck

Hi, anyone know a good way to get this off? Mine looks really bad. I want to get it off but also don't want to rub the paint off

 

Heat gun, then grab the corner and peel. Be careful not to overheat and soften the paint. You are trying to breakdown the adhesive.

 

Steamer

 

Ok, I have tried a heat gun before. the plastic film would come off. But the adhesive would not. Believe it or not but the plastic film is off in this picture. The adhesive is left behind.

 

A steamer.
A hard plastic scraper, like a Lil Chizler.
Then Rapid Remover for whatever is left.

 

there are several adhesive removers like "goo gone" etc. i have had very good luck with that stuff over the years. i even find a small bottle of it in the dollar stores. you don't need much.
just be sure to do a test in an inconspicuous place (like under the hood) to make sure there is no problem with the paint.
disclaimer: i have tried this on painted surfaces before without problem but not on vehicles...test first!

edit: i think physically scraping or any abrasive action is a real mistake on painted surfaces. if you use an adhesive remover, gently rub with a soft cloth...the chemical will do the work and leave the paint undamaged (assuming you tested and know it won't hurt the paint).

 

I'd start with a bug and tar remover that is designed for automotive paint. I have no experience with it, but it is designed to be used on paint, so little chance of damaging the finish. If that won't work, move to the goo gone and KrudKutter products (after testing under the hood!)

 

Citrus based non abrasive cleaner will break down the adhesive and not harm the paint. That's what we used in my past life when we wrapped/unwarpped the vehicles.
90% rubbing alcohol with a soft cotton washcloth will take off the citrus cleaner and and residue that might be left.
Key with both cleaners is for the towels to be wet, and change sided to the clean side often.

Goof-off will work, but may damage the paint. Tar and bug cleaner s work too.

 

goo gone is citrus based. test first!!!! there is always acetone too...so many options, some probably dangerous. test first!!!!

edit: goo gone smells good too

 

Acetone will melt the clear coat. My body shops got rid of the deep scratches on wife's car by quickly wiping the bumper with acetone. It softened the clear coat and filled in the scratches.

 

IIRC this is what we used. But we bought it in gallon jugs from the sign supplier. Safe for automotive use.

$16 STAR BRITE Super Orange All Purpose Citrus Cleaner Degreaser - 22 OZ (094222)

https://www.amazon.com/Star-Brite-Purpose-Cleaner-Degreaser/dp/B0009PXCDS

 

All of the solutions listed above will work. I've tried them all. The best, safest and most complete solution I have found is 3M Adhesive Remover. Available at most auto parts stores. Spray on, let sit for a moment and wipe it off.

 

a minor note on spray bottles that some of these citrus solutions come in: they suck. the cheapest possible construction. they do seem to last long enough to empty the bottle but that is about it. i like to save the spray bottles to reuse for other nasty purposes and these things almost always fail me. do not be swayed by the free spray bottle. go citrus, go cheap.

edit: then again, it might be i spent $5 on a spray bottle, rather than $15, that might have some bearing on the sturdiness of the bottle.
i seem to be removing adhesive frequently and found pouring some on a soft rag and applying worked best for me. i'm going too far astray...best takeaway - test first.

 

I have Super White and afraid to do anything as owners with that paint code already have other issues to worry about.

 

Agree, bottles suck. Single use only. Dollar tree has decent spray bottles for cheap.

 

Wow, thanks for all the replies. Will definitely tryout alot of recommendations. Taking my truck( 2016) in to toyota dealership Friday for the recall on the 3rd brake light leaking. Mine has already been leaking. Everytime it rains and I get in the truck it has a weird smell. Or if I go through a car wash. I see it trickling in from the back right corner.

 

Goo Gone Gel Spray and a plastic razor blade scraper did a great job for me .