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 :-)

 

[Manglier]

Methyl Ethyl Ketone, also known as Butanone. Stinks to high heaven but is a godsend for removing adhesive, when used in conjunction with copious quantities of blue roll. The residue of the adhesive sticks to (contaminates) the blue roll so you need to keep using fresh areas (of blue roll). It's also great for cleaning disc brake rotors, much better than IPA.