Ideas for removing adhesive without damaging finish

[alphaiii]

I had stuck rubber bumpers on the bottom of one of my subs, and when I removed them, they left a good bit of very sticky adhesive behind.

I tried scraping it off with a rubber putty knife, but that only got some of it, and left a thin tacky layer.

Any ideas on something I could use to get the adhesive off of the sub without it eating into the piano black laquer?

[Stereodude]

Did you try using a piece of tape? The tape should pull the sticky off by sticking to the adhesive on the tape.

[JazzySmooth]

I've used Goof Off (http://www.goof-off.com/) on many surfaces, including the bottom of my old Energy sub when I had the same issue you mention. No damage to the surface at all, and the residue came right up. You can buy this stuff at most home improvement stores, Wal-marts etc.

[BinaryLinguist]

I've used Goof Off (http://www.goof-off.com/) on many surfaces, including the bottom of my old Energy sub when I had the same issue you mention. No damage to the surface at all, and the residue came right up. You can buy this stuff at most home improvement stores, Wal-marts etc.

I'll 2nd this notion. I have used it many times on both veneers and piano finishes. Always works and has never damaged the surface. Don't use too much and simply buff the surface with a cloth when the junk is removed.

[alphaiii]

Thanks guys.

I was planning to try some dish soap to see if that was enough, but if not, I do have goof-off to try.

I'm really suprised goof off doesn't eat right into the laquer. That stuff is pretty potent.

[lngbruno]

Ronsonaol (or similar brand) Lighter Fuel (containing Naphtha) used for wick lighters and a paper towel works great. Goof-off is good too, but leaves a slimmy goo, which then requires lighter fluid.

Lysol disinfectant spray will work in most cases too. However, be careful because this stuff also removes magic marker off of walls and cdR's. It works best on glass and plastic surfaces.

OBTW, lighter fuel is a great product to have around the house because it's excellent for removing tar, grease, and oil stains. You should keep it right next to your roll of duct tape and Loctite Super Glue #01-21309. :biglaugh:

Lou

[Stereodude]

No, your super glue should be kept in the fridge so it doesn't harden. As a result you shouldn't keep the naptha and the duct tape with it in the fridge. :D

[tthurman]

Wow!

I would be scared to use Goof Off in fear it would do a lot of damage.

I have used WD-40 to get off tacky leftovers like you describe and it works great. It has never damaged anything that I am aware of, not even clear plastic of CD cases.

[nwboater]

On our boat I sometimes leave masking tape on for too long. It seems to be the only thing that can hold up to the damaging suns rays. Anyway over the years I have found that 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner #08984 is by far the best at removing tape and its residue. And I've never had any damage on a large variety of finishes, although I've never used it on furniture.

Haven't bought any in a long time, but think I last got it at a boat supply store. Just did a Google, and it's quite available online.

Good luck,
Rod

[Steve_vai_rules]

rubbing alcohol plus a lint free cloth work wonders too..

Matt

[lngbruno]

My official re-daux on this matter

This is now how I will officially respond to this question -

I see this kind of inquiry on different forums (audio, jazz, automotive, household maintenance, etc.), and I just can't believe the silly things I see folks recommend to remove adhesive residue!

I CRINGE whenever someone recommends WD-40 for cleaning purposes! I know, it's resides in most households, but it leaves a greasy mess, even when used for its intended purpose!

Anyway, Goo Gone is probably OK, but it also leaves a residue. In my consistent tried and true experience, the recommended solvent for removing adhesive residue (also dried/stubborn labels) is NAPHTHA.

Naphtha is very effective on "sticky stuff", and is harmless to almost all finishes, paints & plastics.

You can buy naphtha at paint stores, hardware stores and home centers, but I buy mine at the supermarket... It's Ronsonol lighter fuel!

Be sure to check the label of the lighter fluid you buy, because not all brands are pure naphtha anymore….I recently almost made that mistake.

As always, test the naphtha on an inconspicuous area before using, just in case, but the stuff is unbelievably effective at removing price tags, jar labels, and security tape residue from CD cases. It’s also excellent for getting tar off of cars and motorcycles.

Peace and later,
Lou

[EddyZ]

I'll agree with Lou here. WD40 will take off the adhesive, but it will leave it's own greasy residue as Lou stated. We have used it here in the store (Home Depot) to clean off, what we lovingly refer to as, "Beam cheese" from the racking to pretty-up the racks for new labels, and it leaves a film. Try the Naphtha as he stated since it is probably much cheaper than the Goof-off and Goo gone, etc.

Good luck!

[Steve_vai_rules]

solvents arent always the best solutions.. so in that case go with rubbing alcohol. although if u have a robust finish then something like naptha can work...


Matt

[alphaiii]

I forgot to report back...

Dish soap did nothing. I ended up using a small amount of goof off to get the sticky residue off. I then immediately wiped the area down with a bit of soapy water, and then a clean damp cloth.

No stickiness left, and no damage to the finish. Still, had it been on another visible area of the sub (instead of the bottom), I might have tried a few more milder solutions before resorting to goof off. In this case though, no problems...

[lostgen60]

Just as a suggestion, in cases like this try olive oil or a like substance. It's worked for me on a variety of glue type residues on finished wood and laminates.