Quick Guide to Debadging Your Car

Debadging your car is an easy and fun, quick DIY car job. It also removes badges that trap dirt, debris, and wax. How do you debadge your ride safely? Our Cedar Rapids, IA Cassill Motors team has your quick tutorial.

Debadging only requires a few auto detailing and DIY tools you may already have on hand: microfiber cloths, polish, drill buffer, and fishing wire. You also need an exterior detailer, 3,000- to 5,000-grit sandpaper, your preferred car wax/sealant, and soapy water (made with car shampoo).

Clean the badge and surrounding area with an exterior detailer or soapy water. Use microfiber cloths to prevent scratching. Using a heat gun (optional), loosen the badge's adhesive. "Floss" beneath the badge with about 12 inches of fishing wire, gently pulling the badge toward you.

Using a drill buffer, remove the remaining badge adhesive. The buffer should be perpendicular to the badge surface, the buffer's side flush with your car's surface. Spray soapy water onto the buffed surface, sand away the remaining spots, and finish with a wipe-down using your cloth. Apply the wax of your choice. Buff the debadged area to a shine with a cloth.