The 2026 Model Y Juniper refresh is one of the least badged Tesla vehicles. Unlike previous models, this one doesn’t have a front Tesla logo. However, it does feature a Tesla wordmark underneath the rear diffuser light. Many Tesla owners have asked how to remove this, and today, we’ll walk you through the process step by step.
Understanding the Tesla Wordmark Badge
The Tesla wordmark on the rear is made of metal, not plastic, and is attached using a very thin adhesive tape. This makes removal straightforward with the right tools and technique.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Heat gun or hair dryer
- Wrap stick or thin plastic trim tool. Lil chizler squeegee works too.
- Microfiber cloth
- Waterless wash or quick detailer
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing the Tesla Wordmark
Step 1: Apply Heat to Loosen the Adhesive
Using a heat gun, apply high heat to the wordmark for about 15-20 seconds. Keep the heat gun moving to avoid overheating any single area, as this could damage the surrounding plastic.
Step 2: Pry Off the Letters
Using a wrap stick or plastic trim tool, gently slide underneath the edge of each letter. The heat will have softened the adhesive, making it easier to lift. Be careful not to leverage too much force, as this could damage the surface.
Step 3: Remove Residual Adhesive
After removing the letters, some adhesive residue will remain on the surface. You can remove this by:
- Rubbing it off with your fingers
- Using a microfiber cloth with quick detailer or waterless wash as a lubricant
- Applying a small amount of Goo Gone can be used instead of waterless wash, but be mindful that this product can leave its own residue
Step 4: Final Clean-Up
Once the adhesive is removed, use a fresh microfiber cloth to wipe down the area. The goal is to have a clean, residue-free surface.
Pro Tips:
- Work one letter at a time rather than heating all of them at once, as the adhesive will cool back to room temperature quickly.
- Avoid using metal tools like razor blades, as they can scratch the surface.
- Put tape around the letters before removal if you’re concerned about scratching the surrounding surface.
- Fishing line is not ideal for this removal because the letters are thin and difficult to get under.
Wrapping the Reflective Panel After Removing the Tesla Emblem
Now that the Tesla wordmark has been removed, you might want to customize the look further by wrapping the reflective panel. While shooting the video above, that was the first time someone has wrapped the rear diffused light, so we tested different wrap styles and methods to see how well it works.
Why Wrap the Rear Diffuser Light?
If you’re considering wrapping the area, note that PPF doesn’t adhere well to this surface, but vinyl does. The key is to use heat to ensure proper adhesion. We created custom wrap designs for testing, including:
- A camo-inspired print based on the Cybertruck
- A topography map design for an adventure vibe
- A doodle wrap that you can actually color in with markers
Wrapping Process
- Prepare the Vinyl: Our wraps are printed, laminated, and cut in-house. Our kits are precut and ready to install right away.
- Peel and Align: Instead of exposing the entire adhesive, we cut the backing paper to make alignment easier.
- Anchor and Adjust: Position the wrap, smooth it out, and make any necessary realignments before pressing it fully into place.
- Apply Heat and Tuck: Use a heat gun to activate the adhesive and tuck the vinyl securely under the edges.
- Test the Light Diffusion: One of the biggest questions is whether wrapping the diffuser affects the rear light. The answer is no—because the actual light source is a bar above the diffuser, wrapping the panel won’t impact visibility. We show this in the video below.
Final Thoughts on the Wrap Designs
We tested multiple designs, and while some were too bold, others blended well with the car. The topography wrap, in particular, offered a subtle, adventurous look that felt natural. If you want a more playful option, the doodle wrap lets you and your kids color in the design for a personalized touch.
What’s Next?
We’ve finalized the wrap kit and refined the designs for better alignment and ease of installation. If you have ideas for unique designs, let us know! We launched these wraps in 11 different designs and colors, but we’re always down to implement more choices.