Cleaning off adhesive gunk = WD-40

[DjangoKid]

This may have been mentioned in another thread, but I didn't find it in a search.

I purchased a used pedal with a ton of thick adhesive residue on the back and sides (I actually wonder where this person got their velcro...). No big deal because WD-40 and a rag takes that stuff right off. Anyone else have an easier method?

 

[HolmeBass]

WD-40 is probably the best, or at least in the top 3.

 

[mmbongo]

Goo Gone

 

[Bugeyed Earl]

I usually try to remove as much of the old adhesive as I can with my bare fingers, I don't mind a little manual labor.

I'm not a fan of using anything with lots of petrochemicals when a less toxic solution can be found, so I usually start with isopropyl alcohol. If that doesn't cut the goo, mineral spirits or goo gone are next in line.

 

[skulletwhip]

Lighter fluid works too.

 

[DjangoKid]

Iso Alcohol wasn't cutting it, even after scraping by hand. Acetone can do the trick if you want paint to come off too, but it still doesn't work as well as DW-40...

 

[Bugeyed Earl]

True, alcohol doesn't work very well with adhesive residue most of the time.

 

[mmbongo]

True, alcohol doesn't work very well with adhesive residue most of the time.

But if you drink enough of it, it won't matter anyway.

 

[skulletwhip]

Ya know what else WD40 is awesome for? Making your damn car door lock not freeze.

 

[stelles75]

Goo Gone works great. I used it to remove stickers I had put all over my first bass as a teen. It didn't mess up the paint any, even though I've seen warnings about it. Smells like gasoline. Don't get it in your eyes.

 

[static0verdrive]

Ya know what else WD40 is awesome for? Making your damn car door lock not freeze.

Interesting. Before or after it freezes?

 

[CGramazio]

Believe it or not, the best way to remove the stickiness from tape . . . is with tape. Works every time, completely gone and perfect. Learned that trick in television production. Works especially great with Gaffer's tape.

 

[Bassamatic]

The Goo Gone works really well on organic substances, and leaves a bit less oily residue than WD-40, but you may still want to clean with Windex, etc. afterwards.

Alcohol and Acetone work best on inorganic adhesives.

Just don't use WD-39!

 

[Lowbrow]

In the vintage guitar shop I worked in We used straight kerosene right on those delicate finishes to take off the worst kiddie sticker jobs. Worked great, didn't hurt a thing. Proceed at your own risk.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Now which of these are safe for nitro? (Aside from kerosene apparently...)

 

[Mikhail1]

Goo Gone is basically just lighter fluid. But it does work as does WD 40. And I try to finish up WD 40 with Windex to remove the residue. Kerosene does wonders on degreasing metal but I never heard it being used on guitars but hey! Learn something new everyday!

 

[skulletwhip]

Interesting. Before or after it freezes?

Either. It drives out the moisture. Spray the key and give it the lock the ol' in out.

 

[wisconsindead]

Interesting. Before or after it freezes?

EDIT. Responded just before I did. Thanks for the tip skulletwhip

 

[Turock]

Goo Gone

 

[Neveragain55]

Goo Gone

I use this stuff an everything, and you'd have to be nutty not to use it on an instrument because it won't harm anything.

WD-40 would be the last thing I'd use.......as a mater of fact not even the last, I just wouldn't use it on anything other than a car or motorcycle.