If you're thinking about debadging your car, you're probably looking for that subtle but noticeable upgrade.
Maybe you want a smoother look, or perhaps you're just tired of the brand logos and want people to guess what model you have. Either way, it's a pretty simple process that can make a significant difference.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to do it, plus answer a few questions that tend to pop up along the way.
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People debadge their cars for various reasons, including:
No, debadging a car is entirely legal in the UK, as long as it doesn’t interfere with any mandatory elements such as licence plates or legally required signage.
Whether it looks better or not, It’s subjective.
However, debadging is a subtle way to make your car look cleaner and more refined. On models like BMWs and Mercedes, it highlights the sleek lines, letting the design shine.
A debadged BMW 3 Series, for example, can resemble a higher-end 5 Series, while a Mercedes C-Class without badges might pass for an AMG.
Image source: @carbon.accents. ©2022 All rights reserved
That said, if your car’s paint has faded unevenly or the badges have left behind ghosting (an outline of where the emblem was), you may need to polish the area for the best results.
On older cars, a bit of extra care might be required to blend the paint perfectly.
As a professional detailer, I’ve done a lot of debadging firsthand and will also recommend the best products to get the job done right.
“Debadged the car using dental floss" by Elliott Plack is licensed under CC BY 2.0. View on Flickr
Now let’s get into the step-by-step process. Here’s what I usually use:
Start by washing the area around the badge thoroughly. Dirt and grime can scratch your paint during the removal process. Use a high-quality rinse-free wash like Bilt Hamber Cleanser Fluid to ensure a spotless surface. Dry the area with a clean microfibre towel.
To loosen the adhesive, gently heat the badge with a hair dryer. Avoid using a heat gun unless you’re experienced, as it can get extremely hot and may damage your paint or nearby plastic components. Aim to heat the badge just enough to make the adhesive pliable.
If you’re working outdoors on a sunny day, you might not even need a heat source; parking the car in direct sunlight for 20-30 minutes can have the same effect.
Once the adhesive has softened, use the fishing line or dental floss to carefully cut through the adhesive layer behind the badge.
Hold the fishing line and work it back and forth like a saw. If you encounter resistance, reapply heat and try again. Be patient to avoid damaging your paint.
After the badge is removed, you’ll likely have adhesive residue left behind. Use an adhesive remover such as CarPro TarX or Koch-Chemie Eulex . Spray the remover onto the adhesive, let it sit for two to three minutes, and then wipe it away with a microfibre towel. These products are highly effective and won’t damage your paint when used as directed.
For stubborn residue, consider using a plastic razor blade or a toffee nut to remove the adhesive.
In some cases, you may notice ghosting or slight imperfections where the badge was. Use a machine polisher or a hand applicator with a mild polish such as Koch Chemie F6.02 or an all-in-one to refine the area.
If you need help or want us to take a look, please book an appointment with Carbon Accents.
Ghosting is common on older vehicles where badges have been in place for years. This occurs when the paint around the badge fades while the covered area remains protected.
It can be very subtle. For example, look at this 330I.
"Debadged BMW 3 Series" by cyclotourist is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0. View on Flickr
To minimise ghosting, polish the area with a compound like Cartec Diamond Cut Refinish 3000 and a foam pad. If the ghosting is severe, wet sanding may be required, but this is best left to a professional.
If the adhesive has dried out and become difficult to remove, letting the adhesive remover sit for a few extra minutes can break it down effectively.
In extreme cases, a pneumatic eraser wheel can help, but this tool requires care to avoid paint damage.
By using the right tools and products, you can achieve professional results without risking damage to your paint. Remember to work patiently and methodically, especially if this is your first time.
I hope this guide helped debadge your car correctly.
If you have any further questions or need additional advice, feel free to reach out to us.
Tahmid Rashid (the one in the middle) is one of the three owners of CA Detailing, alongside his trusted cousin-brothers. A long-time car enthusiast, Tahmid founded Carbon Accents, a car styling store, in 2019. His passion for cars and maintaining his own BMW 1 Series (F20 M135i) led him to dive into the world of detailing.
With over eight years of experience developing products in another industry, Tahmid noticed that customers across the UK were often purchasing low-quality car detailing products. Driven to make a difference, he co-founded CA Detailing in 2021. His goal is to provide high-quality products at reasonable prices and to share his knowledge so that customers can make the most informed decisions when buying detailing products.
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