Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ron "Oily" Sprague on March 21, 2016 at 8:27am

Goo Gone and elbow grease.

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Permalink Reply by John Sawyer on March 22, 2016 at 4:19pm

Yep, Heat...  Don't use Goof-Off!  It's not the same as goo gone...  eats most finishes...  Ask me how I know!

After heating, I normally slide a single edged razor under and gently push.  If you get the angle right, it peels right off...

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Permalink Reply by Frank Carr on March 23, 2016 at 12:37am

I use Goo Gone or 91% isopropyl alcohol to remove stickers and sticky residue on most wood and glass items. This can affect some finishes and materials though.

Another trick I've seen some antique people use is a heat gun and thread. They heat up the sticker then use the thread to work underneath it and pull it up. This seems to work more smoothly as a 2 person operation. This is less likely to scrape up the surface than a razor blade or plastic dish scraper.

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Permalink Reply by BP - RabidSalad - on March 26, 2016 at 9:49am

I actually use lacquer thinner even on paper covered boxes and it works.  Just a dab of thinner on a rag, wipe gently and the glue either adheres to the rag or rolls into a ball and you pick it off.

Once the glue is cleaned off I will spray a light coat of lacquer over the entire box.  Just helps keeping it looking clean during the build.  Anything get accidentally spilled or dust settles onto it, its easily wiped off.

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Permalink Reply by Titch the Clown on March 27, 2016 at 1:38pm

In Australia our caution smoking stickers feature graphic images of the mutilation and decay caused by smoking. This makes them ideal for decorating hard core cigar box guitars. If you google images "smoking warning labels australia" you will get heaps of great pictures to print off and stick over your woosy American ones. 

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