Removing rim stickers

[KneesUp]

Afternoon. I was the Bay the other looking for a rear wheel, and you know how it is. I’ve bought another bike …

It’s super modern for me in that it has disc brakes. This, for me, is a new thing. (Actually they’re hydraulic too, so I’ll no doubt be asking more questions as time goes on)

Because the rim isn’t a braking surface, the wheels have stickers all over them, and worse they’re in a very turn-of-the-century ’dead cool, looks edgy’ font. And they say Alex Rims - which they aren’t, they’re mine ..

Anyway - they’re hideout - do any of you have any advice on what to do to get them off? Is there a go-to spray? Do I scrape them? The rims are black which I don’t mind, so I don’t want to scratch that up if possible.

The benefits of your experience will be much appreciated. Cheers.

 

[oxoman]

I've used a hairdryer to remove mine in the past. Just needed nail varnish Remover for any remaining glue residue.

 

[Mrs M]

Nail varnish remover 😀

 

[a.twiddler]

I came across this stuff in Halfords the other day. I wanted to remove some adhesive residue from old sticky tape and it worked for that. Tougher stuff, I don't know, yet.

Worth a try, perhaps?

 

[Brandane]

WD40 gets rid of the sticky residue.

 

[All uphill]

WD40 gets rid of the sticky residue.

But don't get it on the pads or discs.

 

[Brandane]

But don't get it on the pads or discs.

True. Spray it on a cloth first; away from the brakes!

 

[wafter]

My go-to would be heat from a gun / hair dryer, peel then remove the residue with a liquid solvent on a sturdy, likely disposible cloth (holed sock, boxers with knackered elastic etc) .

I've found paraffin to be good for this, but I guess it depends on the adhesive in question. Acetone is probably a good shout but is more aggressive so keep it away from any paint (rims should be OK as likely anodised). I think commercially available limonene-based stuff is also good.

Welcome to the hydro disc brake club

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

IPA is good for sticky stuff
(iso propyl alcohol - also known as rubbing alcohol)

 

[wafter]

IPA is good for sticky stuff
(iso propyl alcohol - also known as rubbing alcohol)

Great for many things but I've found it too mild for a lot of adhesives. It also tends to flash off quickly while something heavier / more oily tends to stick around and do a better job. Worth a try though

 

[Gunk]

Hair dryer and some of this stuff to remove the residue

 

[Molteni Man]

+ 1 for the hairdryer! And then the Sticky Stuff Remover with a bit of WD40 on a cloth. Can take several goes!

 

[KneesUp]

Thanks all. I need a hairdryer and nail polish remover it seems so I’ll give it ago next time I have the house to myself :-)