How to remove glue

Submitted by John on Thu, 04/28/2016 - 07:52

Received the following request. Any suggestions? John

I don't know if you can help me. I own a CCM mountain bike that 20 some years old. I just peeled all the originbal stickers that were on it. The proble is the glue remaining on the frame that I cannot get off. I tried to wipe it with gasoline, lighter gas, rubbing alohol, carburator cleaner, diesel fuel, methyl hydrate, baby oil, varsol, paint thiner and acetone.  

Nothing has worked so far.

If anyone could tell me what to use I will gladly appreciate it.

Thanks!

10 Comments

Submitted by Brian R. on Thu, 04/28/2016 - 09:47.

Wow, that's quite a list. I would try Goo-gone, and/or a pressure washer. After that, I think you're into solutions of last resort like sandpaper and/or razor blades and/or oven cleaner, but those would require sacrificing the paint underneath..

Submitted by DUOMATIC on Thu, 04/28/2016 - 10:50.

If acetone didn't remove it, not much else will.

With that list, the paint is ruined anyway. Dulled for sure.

Sounds like you are at paint remover next.

Lastly, sand blasting.

 

Submitted by PaulMaul on Thu, 04/28/2016 - 13:55.

WD40, always works for me.

Submitted by PaulMaul on Thu, 04/28/2016 - 14:01.

Soak paper towel with WD40, rub hard, repeat with new paper towel (or new spot on same one).

May take multiple rubs, but has always worked. Use your thumbnail or a plastic scraper, will make the job go faster.

Submitted by PJB on Mon, 05/09/2016 - 23:17.

Sorry I am so late in posting this (computer problems).

I vote YAY! for the WD-40 that PaulMaul mentioned. To me, it does not seem like the best of lubricants, but it removes adhesive well. It also softens hardened grease and actually removes rust quite well when used with 0000 steel wool.

When all else fails, I use Universal Remover Wipes for medical bandages. Hollister is one manufacturer. The ones I have are called "Adapt 7760". I buy them on line because in the drug store they are much more expensive.

They don't bother paint or your hands. You do have to wash the residue off before painting. I use dish soap.

Have fun on your restoration!

Paul

PS: Watch out when using gasoline. When the rag is squeezed it can combust just from the pressure. This is not a wive's tale. I saw a coworker ring out a gasoline soaked cloth & have it burst into flames. Yikes!

Submitted by DUOMATIC on Tue, 05/10/2016 - 00:05.

WD-40 is also a fantastic wasp killer !

Spray a flying wasp and it falls to the ground dead instantly.

Soak a hunnycomb wasp nest and it is history.

 

Being alergic to them isn't fun at all.

WD-40 gives me a better chance of removing them before I get stung and spend the day in the hospital.

 

Luckily not the funeral home yet.

 

Submitted by Wayne.Gillies on Thu, 05/12/2016 - 11:25.

The absolute best product for removing glue residue is NEVER DULL (also kown as Duraglit) which is  wadded cotton impregnated with an unknown solution.  No fuss, little clean up after polishing out.  I have been using it for over 30 years as a glue remover and for cleaning lithographed antique toys, trains, etc.  The compound in the wadding will not fade fragile lithographs whereas simple soap and water cleaning will..  It is sold as a polishing agent at CT, & most major retailers.  It comes in a distinctive blue can. .  .  

 

Submitted by locomotion on Thu, 05/12/2016 - 19:18.

I also use Never Dull

Submitted by locomotion on Thu, 05/12/2016 - 19:27.

but only for 20 years

Submitted by DUOMATIC on Fri, 05/13/2016 - 22:51.

Never Dull works incredibly well on aluminum  rims too !

You can polish them to look like chrome with Never Dull.

 

Your hands turn black but well worth it.