How To Remove Auto Trim Glue

Auto trim glue is used to attach the trim to the vehicle. The trim covers unfinished edges, in order to give the car an attractive finished look. If you remove the trim, you will also have to remove the glue that held it onto your vehicle. To do this, you will need adhesive remover from an auto supply store that is safe for painted surfaces, soap, water, gloves, mask, clean cloths, a sponge and dish soap or an eraser wheel.

Using adhesive remover:

1. Move car to a well-ventilated area. If working in your garage, leave the door open. It is a better idea to move the car out of the garage and work outside in the fresh air. Put on gloves to keep the chemicals from hurting your hands and a mask to keep yourself from inhaling the fumes from the adhesive remover.


2. Read the label on the adhesive remover. Double check that it is safe for painted surfaces. Wet a cloth with the adhesive remover. Put the cloth on the car and allow all areas that have the glue on it to be blotted by the cloth with the remover on it. After applying the remover, wait 20 seconds.


3. Using a clean, dry cloth rub across glue areas. Some of the glue should start to come off. Once you have gotten off all the glue that dissolved, reapply the adhesive remover in the same manner as you did the first time. Again, wait for 20 seconds and rub with the clean, dry cloth. Continue working until you have removed all of the glue from the car's surface.


4. Fill a bucket with water and a small amount of dish soap. Use a sponge dipped in the bucket to clean off all adhesive remover that was used to take the glue off the car.


5. Dry the wet areas with a clean towel.

Using an eraser wheel:

1. Remove any loose adhesive that you can peel off by hand.


2. Attach the eraser wheel to your drill by opening the mount and inserting the shaft of the wheel, then tightening the chuck to hold it in place.


3. Turn the drill on, press the wheel against the glue that is on the car. Run the drill at a consistent speed and continue moving it up and down the area that holds the glue, until all glue is removed.


4. Using a wet cloth, clean and dry that area.