Use Heat to Soften the Adhesive
One of the best ways to remove stickers from metal is to soften the adhesive with heat. This can be done in a few different ways:
- Hairdryer – Use a hairdryer on its highest setting and aim it directly at the sticker for 30-60 seconds. This heats up the adhesive and makes the sticker easier to peel off. Be careful not to burn yourself on the metal surface.
- Heat gun – A heat gun applied at a close distance for just a few seconds will also soften the adhesive. Heat guns get much hotter than hairdryers, so use caution.
- Hot water – For small stickers, dipping a cloth in very hot water and holding it on the sticker for 30-60 seconds can heat and loosen the adhesive. The water should be hot, but not boiling to avoid burning yourself.
- Iron – An old household iron can also be used to apply heat to stickers. Set it to a medium/high setting, place a cloth over the sticker, and iron over it for 15-30 seconds. Check often so as not to scorch.
Heating the sticker adhesive is usually the most effective way to remove stickers cleanly from metal surfaces like filing cabinets.
Use Adhesive Remover or Goo Gone
Specialty adhesive remover products like Goo Gone also work well for removing sticker residue from metal. Here’s how to use them effectively:
- Apply a generous amount directly onto the sticker and let it soak in for a minute or two.
- Use a plastic scraper, old credit card, or your fingernail to slowly peel up the edges of the sticker. The remover will seep underneath and loosen the adhesive.
- Continue peeling slowly until all of the sticker is removed. Use more remover as needed if the adhesive is still sticky.
- Wipe away any leftover sticker adhesive with a paper towel or soft cloth.
- Use a bit of remover or vegetable oil on a cloth to remove any final sticky residue.
Adhesive removers with citrus oils or petroleum distillates work best for dissolving sticker adhesive without damaging the metal underneath.
Use WD-40 or Another Lubricant Spray
WD-40 and other light lubricant sprays can also help dissolve sticker adhesive on metal surfaces:
- Spray liberally over the entire sticker and let it soak in for 60-90 seconds.
- Use a plastic scraper or old credit card to slowly peel up the edges of the sticker.
- Continue peeling slowly while spraying additional lubricant as needed under peeled areas.
- Scrape away any remaining sticky residue with the plastic scraper or a cloth.
The lubricants will seep under the sticker and react with the adhesive, making it easier to remove. Wipe away any oily residue left behind.
Use a Plastic Scraper or Old Credit Card
Once you’ve applied heat, adhesive remover, or lubricant spray, you need a tool to lift and scrape off stickers from the metal cabinet. Here are some options:
- Plastic scraper – Scrapers made of plastic are perfect for scraping off stickers, as they won’t scratch the metal surface underneath. Hold at a 45° angle and scrape carefully.
- Old credit card – An expired credit card works just as well as a scraper. The edge can be used to peel up stickers and scrape off adhesive.
- Razor blade – Use caution with razor blades, as they can scratch metal if not used properly. Hold the blade nearly flat and gently scrape rather than cut.
- Fingernails – For small stickers, fingernails often work to peel up an edge. Be very careful not to scratch the cabinet surface.
Take your time and scrape slowly to avoid damaging the filing cabinet’s finish while removing stickers. Reapply heat or solvent as needed.
Use Baking Soda or Vinegar for Final Adhesive Removal
For any adhesive residue left after scraping off stickers, try using baking soda or vinegar:
- Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to sticky areas. Let sit for 5 minutes before wiping clean with a damp cloth. The abrasive paste helps scrub off adhesive.
- Dip a cloth in undiluted white vinegar and wipe sticky areas. Vinegar helps dissolve remaining adhesive.
- For tougher residue, make a paste of baking soda and vinegar. Apply and let bubble for a few minutes before wiping clean.
Baking soda, vinegar, or a mix of both can remove final traces of sticker adhesive without harsher chemicals. Rinse the area afterwards.
Avoid Damaging the Metal When Scraping and Scrubbing
When using scrapers, abrasive pastes, and scrubbing to remove stickers from metal filing cabinets, take care not to damage the finish:
- Work slowly and gently, applying only light pressure when scraping.
- Avoid scraping back and forth vigorously in the same spot.
- Be aware of any vulnerable or peeled areas in the metal finish and avoid scrubbing those spots.
- Test cleaning solutions in inconspicuous areas first to check for any reaction with the metal.
- Dry the metal surface immediately after cleaning to prevent water spots.
Go slowly and cautiously when scraping to prevent scratches, peeling paint, or corrosion on the filing cabinet’s metal exterior.
Repaint Metal if Needed for Damaged Areas
If the metal finish does get scratched or damaged while removing stickers, it is possible to repaint:
- Lightly sand any damaged areas with fine grit sandpaper to smooth and prepare the surface.
- Clean and dry the sanded spots thoroughly.
- Apply a thin coat of metal primer and let dry completely.
- Paint over primed areas with thin layers of spray paint in a matching color, allowing drying time between coats.
- Consider using a clear matte sealer as a final coat for added protection.
With proper prep and painting supplies from a hardware store, you can repaint any filing cabinet areas that got dinged up during sticker removal. Just take care to apply thin, even coats.
Removing stickers from metal filing cabinets can be tedious, but with the right heat tools, solvents, scrapers, and cleaning solutions, you can remove stickers successfully without damaging the finish underneath. Just be sure to work slowly and gently. Your filing cabinet will be free of stickers and ready to be restored to a smooth finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removing Stickers from Metal Filing Cabinets
Can I just peel off stickers from metal filing cabinets?
It’s generally not recommended to peel off stickers from metal surfaces. Peeling forcefully can damage the metal finish. It’s better to apply heat or chemicals to soften the adhesive before slowly peeling.
What kind of heat tool works best?
A hairdryer or heat gun applied directly to the sticker for 30-60 seconds softens the adhesive quickly. Holding hot water on stickers can also work for smaller stickers. Avoid open flames.
What precautions should I take when using heat?
Use caution when heat tools like hairdryers and heat guns to avoid burns. Never leave heat applied unattended. Keep flammable products away and have a fire extinguisher on hand just in case.
Can WD-40 remove stickers from any surface?
WD-40 works well on metal, but some finishes like plastics and paint can be damaged by the petroleum distillates, so test in an inconspicuous spot first. Wipe away oily residue afterwards.
How do I avoid scratching the metal when scraping off stickers?
Always use a plastic scraper or old credit card, not a metal razor blade. Scrape gently rather than forcefully scrubbing. Take care around any exposed metal that’s damaged. Reapply solvents as needed.
What about stickers that leave a ton of paper behind?
Heating is very effective for softening the adhesive under paper sticker fragments. Chemical removers also help saturate and dissolve the adhesive for easier paper removal. Slowly scrape with plastic.
Can I use baking soda and vinegar safely on all metal finishes?
Baking soda and vinegar are gentle enough for most metal finishes. But test first, especially on coated or antique finishes, to check for any reaction. Immediately dry surfaces after cleaning.
How can I repaint damaged areas on the filing cabinet?
Lightly sanding smoothes scratches and exposed metal. After cleaning, apply metal primer to any bare metal before painting with thin coats of spray paint in the original color. A clear matte coat on top protects the fresh paint.
Conclusion
Removing stickers from metal filing cabinets can be accomplished by using heat from a hairdryer or heat gun to soften the adhesives before slowly peeling. Adhesive remover sprays like Goo Gone or light lubricants like WD-40 also work to dissolve sticker adhesive for removal. Use plastic scrapers and work gently to avoid scratching the finish. For leftover sticky residue, baking soda or vinegar pastes help scrub the metal clean. With some careful effort, you can eliminate stickers from filing cabinets without ruining the finish. Be sure to repaint any damaged areas for a smooth and renewed appearance.