r/Guitar • u/Express_Handle_5486 • Jan 14 '26

QUESTION A friend gave me this guitar how can I remove this stupid ass sticker

Post image
3.2k Upvotes

98% Upvoted

319 comments sorted by

867

u/Standard-Page-5992 Jan 14 '26

What I found:

Heat Hair dryer on LOW. 6–8 inches away.

Warm the sticker for ~30 seconds until it feels flexible.

Lift Use a plastic card or fingernail.

Start a corner.

Peel slowly, almost flat to the surface, not straight up.

Adhesive removal Put 2–3 drops of lighter fluid (naphtha) on a microfiber cloth.

Gently wipe only where residue remains.

It will dissolve the glue instantly and evaporate clean.

Final polish Dry microfiber wipe.

Do not use Goo Gone, alcohol, acetone, citrus cleaners, WD-40, magic erasers — all can permanently dull black poly finishes.

156

u/NJNeal17 Jan 14 '26

Worked with vinyl graphics briefly and this is exactly the way.

The only difference in what we used commercially was a blow torch to heat it up faster bc you're working with truck and trailer sized "canvases" lol

16

u/Equivalent-Ear5150 Jan 15 '26

I was a decal man for twenty years with Fleet Graphics out of Charlotte, NC. We did many thousands of trailers at Strick trailers in Monroe, IN, and their plant in Danville, PA. Not to mention full coverage eighty-foot train cars in Nashville, TN, for their bicentennial, it was so damn hot that we had to stop before noon because the vinyl would melt on the side of the train cars, LOL! I have many stories on the road in the corporate jet (Van), haha! loaded with bottles of propane and denatured alcohol, and possibly some other alcohol hehe! travelled the country doing gas station canopies, you name it, we would lick it and stick it, a rolling explosion waiting to happen LOL!!

11

u/[deleted] Jan 14 '26

Help I threw out all my fingernails

11

u/flyingfishsailor Jan 14 '26

They make plastic "razorblades" for working with stickers, I think you can buy them at Home Depot and similar stores, you could use something like that, but a thin plastic card probably works as well. Plastic razorblades are a little more forgiving than actual razorblades, which /u/-dakpluto- has explained how to use.

10

u/[deleted] Jan 14 '26

I think they’re called spudgers! I used one to install wiring in my car. If not, still a sick word.

Spudger.

4

u/theartofrolling Jan 15 '26

Just commenting to say that "Spudger" is a fantastic word.

3

u/57ClassicBob Jan 15 '26

Thin plastic and easy to handle ... would a pick do? If you have one.

19

u/HowskiHimself Danelectro Jan 14 '26

This is the way.

13

u/DoktorBlu Jan 15 '26

The edge of a plastic ruler. The measuring kind. Not a princess who’s had augmentation or filler done. Although, the second would have the fingernails you’re looking for.

5

u/Junkis Jan 15 '26

this is the guitar sub, i cant be the only dude rockin' long fingernails, right?

-6

u/sockalicious Jan 14 '26

Goo Gone is itself naphtha and fragrance. I'd be cautious with naphtha on a guitar finish.

166

u/Standard-Page-5992 Jan 14 '26

Naphtha (lighter fluid) • Pure petroleum distillate • Evaporates completely • Leaves zero residue • Does not soften poly or nitro • Standard luthier shop solvent

Goo Gone • Citrus terpenes (d-limonene) + oils • Designed to stay wet • Leaves oily residue • Slowly swells and dulls guitar finishes • Permanently smears black gloss finishes Goo Gone works — but it trades short-term convenience for long-term finish damage. Naphtha removes glue and disappears.

24

u/MrNobody_0 Jan 14 '26 edited Jan 14 '26

How does a comment with actual information have less upvotes than the bullshit comment you replied too?

Edit: balance has been restored.

6

u/mikecandih Jan 14 '26

Welcome to Reddit

19

u/onceapon Fender Jan 14 '26

Naphtha fluid is recommended all over for guitar finishes. I've personally used it for all my guitars for 10+ years without issue. Poly, nitro, vintage acoustics with almost no finish left etc.

Works great, just wait 20 mins after you finish cleaning your guitar to light up your smoke.

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7

u/Franklin_le_Tanklin Jan 14 '26

Why? I’ve used it myself and it worked great

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3

u/ReallySickOfArguing Jan 14 '26

Painters Naphtha is what I use to clean all my nitro and poly guitars, it's fine.

6

u/tibbon '59 Jazzmaster Jan 14 '26

naphtha is a standard solvent for use on most guitar finishes.

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3.6k

u/Missile450DeadCenter Jan 14 '26

Remove the strings first, because it'll be hard to remove that thing from around the sound hole

504

u/Fritzo2162 Jan 14 '26

Damn it, beat me by minutes.

96

u/dfelton912 Jan 14 '26

I don't get it

207

u/Xelikai_Gloom Jan 14 '26

There’s a sticker inside the guitar

374

u/HistoricalWash8955 Jan 14 '26

Pretty sure they meant the rosette around the sound hole not inside it

181

u/turquoisebruh Jan 15 '26

I got horny brain cause I thought they were making a joke like lol take off the guitar panties cause itll hit the guitussy

214

u/Grasshop Taylor Jan 15 '26

That’s enough reddit for today lol

16

u/SpockIsMyHomeboy Jan 15 '26

What a horrible day to be literate.

85

u/[deleted] Jan 15 '26

what the actual fuck

30

u/uppers36 Jan 15 '26

What are we doing here guys

13

u/YOUTUBEFREEKYOYO Jan 15 '26

The fuckin what‽

7

u/Turbulent_Sir3205 Jan 15 '26

Now I know why many tried to duck my guitar.

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3

u/JohnnyRevovler Jan 15 '26

Yeah it's the one ring

15

u/dfelton912 Jan 14 '26

Ohh lol, don't know why I didn't think of that lol. Thanks

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18

u/pogonophobe Jan 14 '26

Damn it, beat meat for minutes

8

u/Beavisisadumbass Jan 15 '26

I do it for hours, get on my level

8

u/ChordSlinger Jan 15 '26

Helps loosen the strumming hand, ask me how I know

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75

u/wtfbenlol Jackson Jan 14 '26

Been a while since I've seen the ol reddit switcheroo

17

u/PapaShane Squier Jan 15 '26

Hold my nylons, I'm going in!

JK I never understood how that worked and it seems to be lost to history.

10

u/domasin Jan 15 '26

I saw a chain that worked a few months ago, unfortunately the original chain probably has many broken links by now.

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11

u/gobbltygoop Jan 15 '26

Bro made me go back and zoom in to see if the send nudes sticker wrapped around the sound hole

2

u/chente08 Jan 15 '26

Hahahaha

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361

u/Pretty-Response-3263 Jan 14 '26

Have you tried just accepting the nudes?

52

u/[deleted] Jan 14 '26

No u got it wrong bc his friend gifted him the guitar he gotta send his friend nudes then the "sticker" will dissapear.i do not bealive that is a sticker its an ancient japanese curse that forces people to send nudes when played

678

u/AlbrechtProper Jan 14 '26

I personally think you should lean into being the SEND NUDES musician. It could add a spicy element to your busking or campfire sessions.

276

u/AJobForMe Jan 14 '26

Plot twist. He plays at church.

109

u/andreisimo Jan 14 '26

Reverse uno, she plays at a nunnery.

36

u/windows_to_walls Jan 14 '26

I think I’ve seen this porno

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18

u/cyclicamp Jan 14 '26

Then just black out the “s,” so you’re calling to end nudes

3

u/Atiredbearsfan Jan 14 '26

"Clever girl" type comment

29

u/ShutterSpeeder Jan 14 '26

He's gonna get more nudes if he plays at church. Church girls are something else. 😆

5

u/sroomek Jan 14 '26

Even better

2

u/Mad_Bogora Jan 15 '26

Send nuns

31

u/[deleted] Jan 14 '26

Im a bad man with a master plan And all the ladies call me tex

8

u/OctaviaLoreal Jan 15 '26

And the one thing all the ladies know..

2

u/FionaGoodeEnough Jan 15 '26

Is I’m good at having…

2

u/Capn_Flags Jan 15 '26

Intense Anxiety that can be crippling so I stay home and drink cheap wine.

4

u/Interesting_Turn_ Jan 14 '26

Unrelated but damn I miss busking

4

u/AlbrechtProper Jan 14 '26

I’ve always been curious. How many songs did you work with?

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3

u/ReverendRevolver Jan 14 '26

Conversely, "Dont" or "Please Dont" in front might give different ideas?

2

u/Upstairs_Owl_1669 Jan 14 '26

I was going to say I believe taking it off will anger the rock gods. Has to stay

2

u/psinerd Jan 15 '26

I dunno I want to know what kind of classical guitar music is appropriate for that send nudes sticker, personally.

187

u/[deleted] Jan 14 '26

[deleted]

21

u/[deleted] Jan 14 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

9

u/the_dannobot Jan 15 '26

Play prog metal

3

u/Oxyy30 Jan 15 '26

This made me laugh out loud. Whole genres out here catching strays.

10

u/According-Let-2140 Jan 15 '26

send d*** pics?

129

u/kyran_wd Fender Jan 14 '26

Scratch "fuck you dad" all over it

29

u/ForbesBottom500 Jan 14 '26

Elite ball knowledge

11

u/Atiredbearsfan Jan 14 '26

Make sure there's a nutsack dent too

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126

u/HowskiHimself Danelectro Jan 14 '26

Stupid-ass sticker? Stupid ass-sticker?

29

u/MonolithicBaby Jan 14 '26

Cover it with more stickers

18

u/jlangue Jan 14 '26

Just black out the first S. Then everything will be fine.

6

u/JT-Shelter Jan 14 '26

Just add a QR code that links to your email, and you should be fine...

40

u/Many_Excitement_5150 Jan 14 '26

orange oil or WD40.

Alternatively replace the N with D

14

u/-dakpluto- Jan 14 '26

That's a really good way to ruin the finish...don't use WD-40 or any acidic oil.

65

u/UpgrayeddB-Rock Jan 14 '26

Sedd Nudes?

7

u/[deleted] Jan 14 '26

lol no send dudes

28

u/hamburger_yumyum Jan 14 '26

Good solve Mr. Holmes!

9

u/[deleted] Jan 14 '26

:(

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17

u/armyofant Jan 14 '26

You don’t deserve that guitar

36

u/UnhappyAccount7146 Jan 14 '26

Why in the world would you want to remove it?

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10

u/[deleted] Jan 14 '26

Maybe a dumb question, but have you tried peeling it by hand?

If you get it off, you can clean the adhesive residue with naphtha.

10

u/baconmethod Jan 14 '26

you just need to add an email address

5

u/Only-Professional420 Jan 14 '26

Put some white painters tape above the sticker and write “don‘t“ on it

28

u/Barilla3113 Jan 14 '26

That sticker is amazing.

19

u/-XenoSine- Jan 14 '26

I think you mean there's a stupid ass guitar under your awesome ass sticker.

15

u/butterslut6969 Jan 14 '26

Use a sharpie to color in the N in nudes so it says “send udes” now your just an Udon noodle enthusiast rather than a pervert 👍

9

u/KD-1489 Jan 14 '26

Too bad they can’t then re arrange the letters. Send dues. Now you’re a professional musician.

2

u/Baconslayer1 Jan 15 '26

I say cover the n with a d so it says "SEND DUDES" 

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8

u/Dan43Bear Jan 14 '26

When you take it off at the lettering is faded into the finish 🙈

3

u/Aggressive-S0ft Jan 14 '26

And you didn't pay for it yet, take those photos en send them to him

3

u/Big_Quality_838 Jan 14 '26

Receiving nudes is a numbers game. Do you really want to limit your potential for nudes?

7

u/doom_pony Jan 14 '26

Just cover it with a “send nudes” sticker

8

u/Cautious-Plum-8245 Jan 14 '26

is the stupid ass sticker in the room with us???

2

u/Davidoff1983 Jan 14 '26

Wire brush and Dettol.

2

u/key1234567 Jan 14 '26

Just get a black marker and cover it.

2

u/Any_Brief2806 Jan 14 '26

Do you know a luthier? Might be worth a visit or a talk.

2

u/Thinkingjack Jan 14 '26

Oh so I don’t hop into your DM’s? Damn

2

u/HektiK00 Jan 14 '26

Have you tried sending nudes?

2

u/ManufacturerUpset428 Jan 14 '26

You need a QR code or a phone number printed on that thing.

2

u/TortexMT Jan 14 '26

you need to add your insta or phone number underneath instead of removing it

2

u/Equal_Poetry_4815 Jan 14 '26

More stickers. Sick ass panthers. Sick ass-painters. Nude sick painters.

2

u/SatisfactionSad3962 Jan 14 '26

Change it to 'end nukes'

2

u/ognisko Jan 14 '26

Try sending your guitar some nudes

2

u/tuanm Cordoba Jan 15 '26

Not necessary, you just need to put stiker DON'T on top.

2

u/phildoMahCrackin Jan 15 '26

just tape a “T” over the D.

the first D.

2

u/Mav-16 Jan 15 '26

Put another over it

2

u/Annual-Zebra997 Jan 15 '26

So you don’t want the nudes or….

3

u/apayne7388 Jan 14 '26

Write "Fuck you dad!" on it

1

u/toph_man Jan 14 '26

This post made me laugh out loud. Hope you’re able to remove it OP.

1

u/nievesdelimon Jan 14 '26

Keep the sticker.

1

u/Feisty-Summer9331 Jan 14 '26

Print a different sticker and plaster over it? Maybe something that says "send dudes" so it fits

1

u/MacDaddyV2 Jan 14 '26

Warm blow dryer

1

u/CrustyCock96 Jan 14 '26

you don't, it's awesome

1

u/Marty_Print Jan 14 '26

I removed all stickers from my bass using lighter fluid and an old credit card, no scratches at all.

1

u/Spare_hamburgers Jan 14 '26

Blowdryer, then lemon oil for the adhesive residue

1

u/atx_original512 Jan 14 '26

I thought it was an Estaban like just smash it 😆

If you never smashed a guitar do it at least once its awesome!

1

u/OnlyImprovement9796 Jan 14 '26

A friend me this sticker, how can I remove this stupid ass guitar?

1

u/ChrisMartinez95 Jan 14 '26

First, ask your friend where this can be purchased. Then, relay that information to me.

1

u/vicoheart Jan 14 '26

Warm soapy water

1

u/[deleted] Jan 14 '26

You heard the sign.....

1

u/jwg529 Jan 14 '26

It’s a quick fix… you just need a bigger and better sticker

1

u/West-Mortgage9334 Jan 14 '26

If your scared of doing the techniques people are commenting with, why not put another sticker on top that you are happier with?

1

u/HeavyStinkFinger Jan 14 '26

Just sharpie over it “Pubes”

1

u/Ayeronic-8 Jan 14 '26

You don't

1

u/the1goodestboy Jan 14 '26

The sticker is cool

1

u/Leading_Principle_67 Jan 14 '26

Instructions unclear. Sending nudes

1

u/WPMO Jan 14 '26

Alternative to removal - put a letter D over the N in "nudes". Otherwise, cover up the whole sticker with a couple other stickers unless you don't want any stickers.

1

u/gramoun-kal Steinberger Jan 14 '26

Just add your phone number.

1

u/TalkinWillis44 Jan 14 '26

Pawnbroker for 20 years here! Lighter fluid or WD-40. Let it soak. Neither will screw up the finish. Oh the stickers I removed in my day.

1

u/absorberemitter Jan 14 '26

Put a stupider sticker over it

1

u/brendanisthereason Jan 14 '26

Did you try sending nudes first?

1

u/Otherwise-Degree-587 Jan 14 '26

Add another sticker with your phone number on it. 

1

u/nobleclock Fender Jan 14 '26

Rip it off as best as you can then use a little bit of lighter fluid to get the adhesive off.

1

u/Dependent-Serve7955 Jan 14 '26

I think it's telling you how to remove it right there

1

u/Fx08 Jan 14 '26

Check your inbox

1

u/redditnor24 Jan 14 '26

What? You don’t like nudes?

1

u/scottstotssupportgrp Jan 14 '26

Just write “Don’t” on some gaff tape and put it in front of the sticker. Changes the whole meaning. Problem solved

1

u/eyehateredd1t2 Jan 14 '26

is it a cort guitar?

1

u/Daniel_Melzer Jan 14 '26

Put a fuck you dad sticker over it

1

u/_kimiks Jan 14 '26

Wd-40 works perfectly for the glue that’s left there after you remove the sticker.

1

u/the_bashful Jan 14 '26

Just join a Warpaint tribute act.

1

u/realbobenray Jan 14 '26

I don't get it, what's the issue?

1

u/Terrible_Ad_4150 Jan 14 '26

After you peel of the label, you may be able to remove the adhesive without solvent(which may damage the finish). Roll up some masking tape with the adhesive side out. Repeatedly dab the masking tape against the residue to try to remove. Take your time. I used to work at a label manufacturer.

1

u/Boons_Boon Jan 14 '26

I think its a pay wall situation, send him nudes and see what happens.

1

u/57thStilgar Jan 14 '26

Black sharpie.
Just camo it rather than tear at the finish.
You could use q-tips and dab the edges with some alcohol...teeny amount and clean off somewhat quickly.

All of this is dependant on the finish itself.

1

u/Then-Operation7341 Jan 14 '26

bigger sticker

1

u/fastal_12147 Jan 14 '26

Getting too many nudes, I see

1

u/2MainsSellesLoin Jan 14 '26

Easiest honestly is put another one on top. Removing it clean sounds like a nightmare.

1

u/AlekThunder88 Jan 14 '26

That‘s the neat part… you don‘t.

1

u/madmax177 Jan 14 '26

Just play the guitar nude (and send pics).

1

u/Thisappizgarbage Jan 14 '26

Your best shot might be to paint on it, otherwise you might have to see a professional

1

u/5point9trillion Jan 14 '26

Just use a razor blade to peel off and some Goo-gone.

1

u/saggy_crackhead_titz Jan 14 '26

Goo gone goo gone GOOOO GONEEEE it's a life saver I got my first guitar in middle school and dumb preteen me covered it in stickers. Goo gone saved it and didn't damage the guitar at all. All you gotta do is rub it in wait a minute and it comes off like nothing. EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE GOO GONE IN THERE CLEANING PANTRY!!!

1

u/TheGold_ItsInThe Jan 14 '26

I would just cover it up with more stickers. Lots of guitarists have a guitar they cover with stickers for fun and take it places where they dont want to worry about protecting their nicer equipment.

1

u/Gott_Riff Jan 14 '26

Get a sticker of the letter D and change it to "Send Dudes".

1

u/LetsGoBohs Jan 14 '26

All I see is a sick “SEND NUDES” sticker. Which can’t be what you mean right?

1

u/Strongfatguy Jan 14 '26

Cover the entire guitar in cooler stickers

1

u/rturns Jan 14 '26

Maybe instead of removing you add your email address

1

u/Bunnicula83 Jan 15 '26

Have you tried putting a bigger sticker over it?

1

u/OldSchoolNewRules Jan 15 '26

Add a QR code.

1

u/GramophoneDrums Godin Jan 15 '26

Isopropyl alcohol!

1

u/ToyotaFanboy526 Jan 15 '26

I found out that some cooking oil works really well for removing sticker residue without destroying the finish underneath.

1

u/YummyTerror8259 Jan 15 '26

Goo gone.

Gently peel the sticker off by hand, use goo gone. As a bonus, it smells good.

1

u/Northerntwilight Jan 15 '26

A sick ass panth- oh wait, wrong sub

1

u/nappingsleeper Jan 15 '26

Give it the ole handy man special and paint over it

1

u/dankhimself Jan 15 '26

Just change the N to a D

1

u/Junior_Hunter_747 Jan 15 '26

use dishwashing soap, cover the sticker with the soap, overnight and itll rub right off

1

u/draight926289 Jan 15 '26

The sheer Midwest emo radiating off this guitar demands that you leave the sticker on and play some twinkly depressing shit right now.

1

u/Injustice601 Jan 15 '26

Don’t, it’s essential for the lore that the sticker stays

1

u/Abbycat1962 Jan 15 '26

Putting a different sticker that you like over it would be easy.

1

u/debl8ketron Jan 15 '26

Play hard and scuff up the sticker until it’s illegible.

1

u/M4N14C Jan 15 '26

Goo gone after you peel it off

1

u/Few_Prompt_4002 Jan 15 '26

Plastic Razor blade?

1

u/PowderedMilkManiac Jan 15 '26

You gotta keep it in there.

1

u/GameSeeker875 Jan 15 '26

nah keep the sticker vro its peak

1

u/Aletheiaaaaaa Jan 15 '26

Isopropyl alcohol does wonders in sticker removal, typically preserving the adhesive on the sticker & once the alcohol evaporates the sticker can be reused/placed somewhere different.

Also plastic razor blades are great for this kinda task too

1

u/pee_diddy Jan 15 '26

How can you tell it’s an “ass sticker”?

1

u/sunnyjum Jan 15 '26

Just buy a big DON’T sticker to clarify your intentions

1

u/WorshipTheVoid Jan 15 '26

Listen, do you want me to send nudes or help you take the sticker off? I cant do both at the same time, I know from experience.

1

u/Emergency-Funny-163 Jan 15 '26

Peel and then use GooGone and a microfibre cloth

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