How To Remove EZ Snap Adhesive Studs
EZ Snap’s adhesive studs utilize the 3M VHB adhesive. This peel and stick adhesive is known as one of the highest bond strength adhesives ever made. As a matter of fact, V.H.B. stands for Very High Bond.
Check out this video on the power of the VHB adhesive from 3M.
Instructions on how to remove VHB adhesive studs.
The EZ Snap adhesive studs are designed to stand up to all types of extreme weather conditions. Canadian winters and Arizona heat, as well as, extreme wind forces. The ingredient that allows this extreme holding power is the magic of the VHB adhesive by 3M.
But what if you want to remove the studs one day, for example, to change them to a different color? Follow the steps below and you can make it like they were never there.
Removal procedure:
- Grip and peel off the plastic part of the stud using pliers (needle nose are ideal).
- At this point, you will most likely have quite a bit of the flexible foam left behind on the mounting surface. Using your thumb or a rag, roll-off this excessive foam as much as possible.
- When you have removed as much of the flexible foam as you can, the remainder can be removed using a citrus oil-based cleaner, such as “Goo Gone” or “Goof Off”. These cleaners are designed to break the bond of the VHB adhesive.
- Continue to apply the citrus oil cleaner until the adhesive is completely gone.
- Clean area to remove any citrus oil residue using a 50/50 mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol before installing another adhesive stud.
- Apply a light coat of 3M Primer onto the mounting surface where the 3M adhesive will contact it.
Common questions
How do you remove EZ Snap adhesive studs?
Start by gripping and peeling off the plastic part of the stud with pliers, needle nose being ideal. Roll off the leftover foam with your thumb or a rag, then dissolve the remaining adhesive with a citrus oil-based cleaner such as Goo Gone or Goof Off, applying it until the adhesive is completely gone.
What adhesive holds the studs on?
The studs use 3M VHB adhesive, where VHB stands for Very High Bond, one of the highest bond strength adhesives ever made. It is built to stand up to extreme weather including cold winters, desert heat, and strong wind forces, which is exactly why removal takes a specific process.
Will removing the studs damage my surface?
Done correctly, removal can make it look like the studs were never there. After peeling the stud and rolling off the foam, a citrus oil cleaner breaks the VHB bond, and finishing with a 50/50 mix of water and isopropyl alcohol clears any residue from the surface.
Can I reuse the same spot for a new stud, for example to change colors?
Yes, a common reason to remove studs is to switch them to a different color, and the surface can be prepped for a fresh one. Once the old adhesive is fully removed and the area is cleaned with the 50/50 water and isopropyl alcohol mix, apply a light coat of 3M Primer where the new adhesive will contact before installing the replacement stud.
What removes leftover VHB adhesive residue?
A citrus oil-based cleaner such as Goo Gone or Goof Off is designed to break the bond of VHB adhesive. Keep applying it until the adhesive is completely gone, then wipe away any citrus oil residue with a 50/50 mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol before mounting anything new.
