How to Attach Car Emblems and Trim: 3M Emblem Adhesive Guide

A loose or missing emblem is one of the easiest body repairs to do yourself, as long as you use the right adhesive and prep the surface properly. This guide covers which 3M emblem adhesive to use, how to remove an old emblem without damaging the paint, and how to attach a new emblem or piece of trim so it stays put.

Which Emblem Adhesive Should You Use?

What You'll Need

• Your adhesive or attachment tape (see the table above)
• 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner 08987 or wax and grease remover
• 3M Automotive Adhesion Promoter 06396, for plastic or textured surfaces
• A 3M Side Molding and Emblem Removal Tool 08978 and a heat gun or hair dryer, if you're removing an old emblem
• A Scotch-Brite Molding Adhesive and Stripe Removal Disc 07501 for heavy tape residue
• Masking tape, a clean microfiber cloth and gloves

How to Remove an Old Emblem

1. Mark the position. Before removing anything, outline the emblem with masking tape so the new one goes back in exactly the same place.
2. Warm it up. Heat the emblem with a heat gun or hair dryer for a minute or two to soften the adhesive. Keep the heat moving so you don't burn the paint.
3. Lift it off. Slide the emblem removal tool, fishing line or dental floss behind the emblem and saw through the foam tape. Don't pry with a screwdriver, which scratches the paint.
4. Remove the residue. Spray adhesive cleaner on the leftover foam and wipe it away. For thick residue, use a stripe removal disc in a drill at low speed and light pressure.

How to Attach a New Emblem or Trim

1. Clean the surface

Wipe the panel and the back of the emblem with adhesive cleaner or wax and grease remover, then let it dry. Tape won't hold on wax, polish or old adhesive.

2. Prime plastic if needed

Many bumpers and trim parts are made of plastics that tape doesn't grip well. Wipe a thin coat of adhesion promoter where the tape will go and let it flash dry for a few minutes.

3. Apply the adhesive

Press-in-place adhesive: press the back of the emblem firmly onto the adhesive strip, then lift it off. The adhesive stays on the emblem only.

Attachment tape: apply the tape to the emblem first, press it down, and trim it flush with a sharp blade. Don't stretch the tape while you apply it.

4. Position and press

Peel the liner, line the emblem up with your masking tape marks, and press it into place. Apply firm, even pressure across the whole emblem for about 30 seconds. Pressure is what makes the bond, so don't just set it on.

5. Let it cure

Work in a warm area, ideally above 60°F (16°C). The bond keeps building over the next day or so, so avoid car washes and pressure washers for 72 hours.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the cleaner. Wax and polish are the most common reason emblems fall off.
• Working in the cold. Tape applied to a cold panel never fully bonds.
• Using household double-sided tape. It isn't made for heat, UV and car washes. Use an automotive attachment tape.
• Not pressing hard enough. Pressure-sensitive adhesives need firm pressure to bond.

FAQ

What is the best adhesive for car emblems?

For emblems with detailed lettering, a transfer adhesive like 3M Press-In-Place Emblem Adhesive 08069 is easiest because there's nothing to trim. For flat-backed emblems and moldings, 3M Automotive Acrylic Plus Attachment Tape is the standard choice in body shops.

Can I reuse the old emblem?

Yes. Remove all the old foam and adhesive from the back, clean it, and apply new tape or press-in-place adhesive.

Does super glue work on car emblems?

It's not a good choice. It's brittle, can damage paint, and makes the emblem hard to remove later. Use an automotive emblem adhesive instead.

How long before I can wash the car?

Wait 72 hours before washing, so the adhesive reaches full strength.

Shop tapes and 3M emblem adhesives at Strobels Supply, or contact our team if you need help choosing.