How and how can you remove a print, sticker or inscription from clothes
T-shirts and sweatshirts with unique logos and designs are considered eye-catching gifts. However, unfortunately, the sticker “lives” much less than its wearer. Therefore, if you want to continue to "exploit" your favorite cozy thing, you will have to find a way to get rid of the ugly remnants of the pattern on your clothes.
What are the stickers
Today, the most common are:
- Vinyl-based applications;
- Thermal stickers;
- Thermal printing;
- Stencil stickers.
Vinyl-based applications
This is a ready-made image that you can independently apply to any thing. It consists of three layers: vinyl film, adhesive layer, images on vinyl. If you follow the recommendations exactly, then such stickers are easy to apply and remove.
Thermal sticker
Compared to other types of stickers, this one has a number of characteristic features:
- The image has a sufficiently dense structure, so much so that the tissue is not visible through it;
- The drawings are very effective, as a rich color scheme is used;
- It is possible to make a smooth transition from color to color, which means that the images are very natural.
If you are in doubt as to which category a particular sticker belongs to, carefully read the information on the label - usually manufacturers indicate the type of print applied in order to facilitate the "care" of such clothes. And remember, things with iron-on stickers cannot stand high temperatures, and you should be extremely careful when ironing.
Thermal printing
The thermal printing process includes the following steps:
- The image is transferred to special paper;
- The paper is glued to the fabric using a heat press;
- As a result of exposure to high temperatures and pressure, the pattern is reliably adhered to clothing.
The main advantage of these stickers is their durability. This image is very difficult to remove from clothing. The canvas "looks through" the picture, which means that it will not be difficult for you to determine the structure of the fabric. In some cases, it is this nuance that is considered decisive.
Stencil stickers
Application features:
- The paint is transferred to the fabric through a special stencil, which is made individually for each pattern;
- The print is applied in several stages - layer by layer;
- As a result, the paint adheres tightly to the canvas and can withstand many washes.
This method of drawing patterns is used for the production of large batches of clothing.
Ways to remove stickers
The most reliable way to get rid of a boring or half-peeling image is to dry-clean the item. However, not everyone has the time and opportunity to do this. Then folk methods come to the rescue. The most popular are:
- Removing the sticker with an iron or hair dryer;
- Using stationery tape;
- Drying machine;
- Product surface treatment with a chemical-based solvent;
- "Cold therapy";
- Detergent application;
- Exposure to linen with laundry soap.
Immediately, we note that each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, having weighed all the pros and cons, you will have to make a decision.
With an iron
This is a great way to get rid of annoying thermal stickers on your workwear. A little earlier it was already mentioned that this type of application does not tolerate high temperatures. What do we have to do?
- To begin with, carefully study the label and make sure that the canvas on which the image is applied can withstand high temperatures. For example, a fabric containing only polyester will melt faster than a sticker on the iron.
- We put the iron to heat up and prepare a damp towel.
- We put a towel on the sticker and start heating with a hot iron.
If the thermal sticker has a vinyl backing, it is better to put paper between it and the towel, then the sticker removed from the fabric will remain on the paper and not on the towel.
Hair dryer
The procedure is the same as for using an iron, only without a damp towel. We bring the included hairdryer as close to the image as possible, and begin to systematically warm up the entire area of the picture. The only drawback of this method is the low heating rate and the duration of the process - you will have to spend a lot of time to achieve the result.
Stationery tape
Perhaps the easiest and most effective way to remove the sticker, provided that simple guidelines are followed:
- adhesive tape is neatly glued over the entire surface of the sticker;
- it is important to make sure that there are no air bubbles between the tape and the emblem;
- with a sharp movement, the scotch tape "breaks off" from the surface.
The main advantages of this method are that it takes a minimum of time, practically no marks remain on the fabric, ideal for small stickers.
Drying machine
The principle of operation resembles the process of processing with an iron or hairdryer. The only drawback of using this unit is the time.
- In the tumble dryer, the temperature controller is set to maximum;
- Clothes fit inside;
- We are waiting for the glue to soften and allow you to remove the sticker.
In this case, a lot depends on the power of the dryer.
Chemical solvents
This is perhaps one of the most effective ways to remove a sticker from clothing quickly and without consequences. Moreover, such compositions are sold in any household chemicals store.
The algorithm of actions is as follows:
- We warm up the sticker well. To do this, use a dryer, hair dryer or iron;
- We turn the T-shirt (sweatshirt) inside out so that the pattern with the wrong side is on top;
- Liberally moisten the cloth with solvent. We make sure that both the drawing and the canvas are well saturated;
- We remove the sticker and the remnants of glue from the fabric;
- We erase the thing as usual.
The most important thing is that the solvent does not have a negative effect on the fabric, therefore, before starting work, check the effect of the drug on an inconspicuous area - apply it for a few minutes, and then carefully inspect so that there is no change in the color or structure of the canvas.
Cold exposure
This is perhaps the easiest way to remove a cracked sticker from clothing. Cold changes the structure of the glue, worsens its adhesive properties, so after such "processing" the item can be easily removed from the image.
Procedure:
- We set the temperature regulator in the freezer to a minimum;
- We place the item in the freezer for 30 minutes;
- After half an hour, we take the item out of the freezer and carefully remove the sticker.
Dishwashing liquid
If the above products do not suit you for some reason, use a dishwashing detergent. It acts on the fabric more gently than a chemical solvent and does not destroy the structure of the canvas.
The product is applied to the print, allowed to absorb well and left for several hours. After that, the item is placed in the washing machine and washed thoroughly.
Laundry soap
It is difficult to imagine a product with a wider range of applications than laundry soap. And to get rid of the annoying print, it is also used.
The process is simple: we heat the water, soak the thing with the pattern well, thoroughly soap the print, leave it for a while, and then rinse it. If it was not possible to remove the image the first time (and this usually happens), you should repeat the procedure several more times.
The main advantage of using laundry soap is the absolute safety and environmental friendliness of the process.
Removing thermal printing
To remove the thermal printed image, use ethyl alcohol or an alcohol-based antiseptic liquid.
If you decide to use ethyl alcohol, then you need to moisten a cotton swab and wipe the image until it disappears completely. Movements should be light and superficial, you should not rub the liquid with force.
An alcohol-based antiseptic is used in the same way. And again, the key to success is light, sliding movements. Only in this case the result will not be long in coming.
Practical tips for removing iron-on transfers
The fact is that this method of applying a print is different from the others, which means that there are no unpleasant surprises in the process of removing the image, use simple tips. So, what you need to do to remove the iron-on sticker:
- First of all, check the “reaction” of the fabric to your cleaning method. Otherwise, after removing the print, you will have to throw the thing away.
- Use paper towels to remove any glue residue. Just press them against the inside of the image while treating the surface with the special agent.This will soak the remaining glue into the paper towel instead of sticking to your T-shirt on the other side.
To get rid of glue residues, use different means, for example:
- Special chemical compositions designed to remove glue from various surfaces.
- If the traces of glue are fresh and have not yet dried, you can try rubbing by hand.
- Various alcohol-containing compositions are effective in the fight against glue.
- If there is no special remedy, use table vinegar, first checking how it will affect the fabric.
How to remove a paint pattern
First of all, get ready for a lengthy process. Painted images are rarely removed the first time. Most often, acetone is used to get rid of such drawings. Apply the composition to a cotton swab and gently scrub the image.
If stains remain on your clothes after removing the paint, dishwashing detergent will help remove them.
You can also use a paint remover to remove paint from clothing.
The most effective means are White spirit, Composite, gasoline.
How to remove rhinestones from clothes
Very often, drawings and prints on clothes are complemented by rhinestones. How to get rid of excess shine?
- Use a mild knife or metal nail file to remove accessories from clothing.
- Carefully remove rhinestones and sequins from the surface, do not deform the fabric, as this way you can hopelessly ruin the thing.
- If glue remains on the fabric after removing the rhinestones, remove it using one of the methods described above.
Today, clothing with prints and images is produced by many manufacturers. Unfortunately, not every thing has a high quality of drawing. However, even a cracked applique is not a reason to give up your favorite sweatshirt. There are many ways to remove a print from a T-shirt, without harming the thing.
Video: how to quickly and easily remove a sticker from a T-shirt