Removing Sticker Glue

[Cracker]

My WBCCI stickers peeled up around the edges (---the uppermost round sticker) and WBCCI sent me new ones. What I'm trying to figure out is how to remove the old sticker glue without damaging the plastic coating on my 2000 Excella???? The stickers readily came off - but they left fifty percent of their "stickum!" I've considered mineral spirits but I'm not sure if that will affect the plastic coating - and I sure don't want to attack with a razor blade!

[Rhodie]

I would first try strong tape and lift as much as you can off, than maybe denatured alcohol? I use this to clean my knitting machine so I believe it's somewhat gentle, but this came to mind. I would test in inconspicuous area but may be worth trying. Let us know what works either way!

We just became members and will be getting those big red numbers shortly, and this will be a concern if we stick them up there!

Barb

[Tinsel Loaf]

Try adhesive tape remover. You should be able to get it at drug stores. The stuff has a solvent that only softens the sticky stuff. It is used to get tape off of skin.

[Janets Husband]

I don't know how this will react with the Clear Coat, but I have had great success with useing WD-40 to remove stickers and glue residue. Just soak the stickers or glue and let it stand for awhile, before you wipe it off.

[Janet H]

What NOT to use:

[Condoluminum]

There is also an adhesive remover called Goo Gone or Goo Be Gone that will remove adhesive residue from tapes and stickers.. Worked well on variety of sticker residues from flags to state inspection stickers on ours... Available in grocery stores (large centers) or hardware stores..

Heat gun also works if you can find or borrow one, though you might bake clearcoat if not careful...

John McG

[malconium]

I have had good results getting sticker glue off of a lot of things with "Goof Off" which is readily available at Home Depot and Lowes in the paint department. I am not sure what it would do to the clear coat though. The interesting thing is that it is also billed as a remover for dried latex paint which it does just fine. It does not seem to attack oil based or varnishes so maybe it would be OK for the clear coat too. It comes in all sizes of containers too so you could get a little and try it out.

Malcolm

[TomW]

Originally Posted by Cracker

...I've considered mineral spirits but I'm not sure if that will affect the plastic coating...

Mineral spirits did not hurt my plasticoat when used to remove duct tape glue.

Tom

[Tarheel]

Wally says to use wd-40. I have and it works, but only after you use a heat gun and a plastic putty knife to remove the tape itself.

[Cracker]

A lot of good suggestions - and I appreciate Janet's "words of wisdom" too! I'll start with the least volatile and/or aggressive technique and work my way up. If I find something that works real good I'll pass it on.

[Tarheel]

Even if you are tempted don't use scotchbrite even if it is worn out. Take it from one who knows. WD-40 or mineral spirts, not alcohol or lacquer thiner.

[delquattro]

I think Goof Off is lacquer thinner - it sure smells like it. I've never had any trouble removing adhesive with a citrus based remover that I got at Ace or WalMart - De-Solv-it. It works great, I use it all the time. It says not recommended for use on rubber and some plastics.

[loudruff]

We use a product that you can purchase at WalMart, called De-Solve-It. It is one of those orange based cleaners. It removes stickers, chewing gum and lots of icky stuff. I also use it to remove sticky things in the laundry. Have not used it on anything clear coated tho.

[Chaplain Kent]

Before you heat up the heat gun try the hair dryer on hot. The clear coat will come off with the heat gun on hot . Then Goo Be Gone is great to be gone with the goo.

[malconium]

I did forget to mention that I was talking about Goof Off 2. I have used the original formula on a lot of things - mostly for its intended purpose of taking off latex paint - and it is pretty strong smelling stuff. I went to Home Depot the other day to get some more and found they have a new version that is definitely not nearly as smelly. Its almost pleasent smelling actually. So far it seems to work just as well as the old stuff too.

Malcolm

[Charlie M]

Cracker; I was just reading your June '05 post regarding removing glue from the stickers on your AS. Did you find a way to remove the glue?

[Foiled Again]

will cut about any glue given enough time. Put some bubble gum in your mouth and chew it thoroughly. Now add 1/4 tsp of salad oil and chew a couple more times. The whole wad disintegrates.

Orange oil based cleaners will work, WD-40 definitely works and Wesson or any other cooking oil will work too. Just leave it ON for about 5 minutes. When wiping off the adhesive, wipe toward the center of the old decal. Use paper towels and change frequently so you don't smear the ick around.

After you think it's all off, make one more pass with a clean towel and more of the oil of your choice. Then wash with standard soap and water.

Paula

[Cracker]

Originally Posted by Charlie M

Cracker; I was just reading your June '05 post regarding removing glue from the stickers on your AS. Did you find a way to remove the glue?

You caught me by surprise Charlie! Actually I was about to reply to this thread. As I remember, I wound up using WD40 and I rinsed it off fairly quickly with soap and water to avoid possible damage to the plastic coating.

[Devoman]

Mineral spirit is really good.W-D40 is good also.I use mostly mineral spirits to take residue off though.works very well and has never failed yet.It just takes a bit of patience and elbow grease to get it off.

[thecatsandi]

I used de-natured alcohol to removed the glue left behind by my red numbers. I have heard others use WD-40.
Under no circumstances should you use Accetone or MEK. They will take the coating off.