How to Fit Your Number Plates

HOW TO FIT YOUR NUMBER PLATES

Professional Guide by MUZZPLATES

Whether you’re upgrading to fresh plates or swapping to a new style, fitting your number plates is quick and easy with the right method. Follow this guide for a clean, secure, and professional-looking finish every time.

1. Removing Your Existing Number Plates

Before you start, check how your current plates are attached — they’ll either be screwed on or fixed with adhesive pads.

If your plates are screwed on

This is the simplest method.

  1. Unscrew the fixing screws using the correct driver bit.
  2. Hold the plate steady as the last screw comes out to prevent it falling and scratching your paintwork.
  3. Some vehicles have plates that are both screwed AND stuck with pads — if so, gently pull the plate away once the screws are removed.

Top Tip:
If you’re planning to screw your new plates on, keep your old plates. They make perfect templates for accurate screw-hole alignment.

If your plates are stuck on with adhesive pads

This is also straightforward — the fishing-line method works best.

Fishing Line Method (Recommended)

  1. Wrap fishing line (or dental floss) around your fingers.
  2. Slide it behind the plate and gently saw back and forth.
  3. Work your way across the plate until it releases.

This technique slices through the adhesive pads cleanly without damaging the bodywork.

Alternative methods

  • Gently pull one corner of the plate toward you until the pads release.
  • Apply heat using a hair dryer or heat gun to soften the adhesive.
  • Spray WD-40 behind the plate to break down stubborn pads.

Take your time — slow and steady avoids damage.

2. Preparing the Area for Your New Plates

Proper preparation is essential, especially if you’re using sticky pads. A clean surface = maximum adhesion and a flawless finish.

Step 1: Clean the area

Wash behind where the old plates sat using:

  • General wash solution, or
  • WD-40 to remove grime and road film

This area is usually much dirtier than it looks — number plates trap years of dirt behind them.

Step 2: Remove old adhesive pads

If your old plates were stuck on:

  1. Soak the residue with WD-40 for 3–5 minutes.
  2. Use a plastic scraper (or a credit card/ruler) to lift away the remaining foam.
  3. Avoid metal tools — they can damage paint.

The more residue you remove, the flatter and cleaner the new plate will sit.

Step 3: Final alcohol clean

Wipe the area with an alcohol wipe or IPA solution.

This removes:

  • Oils
  • Grease
  • Cleaning residue
  • Invisible contaminants

This step is crucial for strong pad adhesion. Make sure the surface is fully dry before fitting.

3. Fitting Your Plates Using Screws

If you prefer screws, here’s the best and cleanest method.

Using your old plates as a template

Highly recommended.
Place the old plate on the back of your new one, line them up perfectly, and mark the hole locations with a fine black marker.

If your old plates weren’t screwed on

You’ll need to choose your own screw positions.
We suggest testing alignment on the old plate before drilling your new ones.

What you need

  • Electric drill
  • 4mm HSS drill bit
  • Free MuzzPlates screw kit
  • PZ2 screwdriver bit
  • Black marker
  • Soft surface (wood or polystyrene)

Drilling your new plates: follow these 5 rules

  1. Drill from the reflective side THROUGH the acrylic — prevents peeling.
  2. Go slow. Precision beats speed.
  3. Use light pressure. Let the drill do the work.
  4. Use a 4mm drill bit only.
  5. Drill on a soft base to avoid cracking.

Once drilled, fix the plates to the vehicle using the provided screws and finish with coloured caps for a clean, OEM-style look.

Important:
4D / 3D Gel characters cannot be drilled through.
If the characters block the hole position, either relocate the holes or use adhesive pads (see next section).

4. Fitting Your Plates Using Sticky Pads (Recommended)

Sticky pads give the cleanest, drill-free finish and are ideal for most vehicles.

Before you start

Make sure you’ve properly completed Step 2 – Preparing the Area.
Clean bodywork = maximum bond strength.

How to apply

  1. Apply 6 strong adhesive pads evenly on the back of the plate
    (use more for oversized, gel, or 4D plates).
  2. Position pads both horizontally and vertically to maximise grip.
  3. Only peel the backing off when you’re ready to fit.

Fitting the plate

  1. Hold the plate in position on the vehicle.
  2. Once you’re happy with alignment, press firmly across the whole plate.
    Apply even pressure for several seconds.

When NOT to use sticky pads

Avoid pads on:

  • Deeply curved bumpers
  • Uneven or textured surfaces

In those cases, screws (or screws + pads combined) give better security.

Done! Enjoy Your New Plates

Your MUZZPLATES are now securely fitted and ready to shine.
If you need help, advice, or professional fitting recommendations, just get in touch.