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Removing Very Old Sticker Residue


dali3464

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Hi all,

 

I've recently taken possession of a mint/near-mint black visulated Parker Vacumatic, dated 3rd quarter of 1946.

 

While it doesn't any longer have the two stickers on the cap, it still has the remaining circular residue. I attempted to use cold water and a bit of microfibre cloth to get it off, but it's pretty damn stubborn.

 

I've done a search of the forums and have tried heating it (very gently!) with a hairdryer, but I didn't dare push any further lest the whole cap light up in my face. Rather stupidly, I tried a very light localised application of WD-40, before realising that it was most likely definitely a bad idea, then proceeded to soak the cap briefly and wash off any residue.

 

At this stage, am I correct in thinking that the best way to proceed is with some lighter fluid? I noticed a lot of support for naptha, but I think naptha is a North American term, and insofar as I know, we in Australia don't have any sort of direct equivalent. I think Shellite would be the closest.

 

I'm guessing if all else fails, I'll need to proceed with micromesh + microgloss!

Edited by dali3464
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Naphtha will do nicely.

San Francisco International Pen Show - The next “Funnest Pen Show” is on schedule for August 23-24-25, 2024.  Watch the show website for registration details. 
 

My PM box is usually full. Just email me: my last name at the google mail address.

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Hello dali346

 

Hi all,

 

I've recently taken possession of a mint/near-mint black visulated Parker Vacumatic, dated 3rd quarter of 1946.

 

While it doesn't any longer have the two stickers on the cap, it still has the remaining circular residue. I attempted to use cold water and a bit of microfibre cloth to get it off, but it's pretty damn stubborn.

 

I've done a search of the forums and have tried heating it (very gently!) with a hairdryer, but I didn't dare push any further lest the whole cap light up in my face. Rather stupidly, I tried a very light localised application of WD-40, before realising that it was most likely definitely a bad idea, then proceeded to soak the cap briefly and wash off any residue.

 

At this stage, am I correct in thinking that the best way to proceed is with some lighter fluid? I noticed a lot of support for naptha, but I think naptha is a North American term, and insofar as I know, we in Australia don't have any sort of direct equivalent. I think Shellite would be the closest.

 

I'm guessing if all else fails, I'll need to proceed with micromesh + microgloss!

 

 

Tea tree oil works a treat, won't do any harm, you only need a very small amount, I have used it many times on anything with a adhesive residue, with first rate success.

You can buy it almost any where. Woolworths, Coles, IGA, Chemists

Edited by slippery when wet
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Being in Australia, eucalyptus oil...? Certainly it will shift sticky residue - only query is whether it'll do any harm or not. Can't believe it's worse than naphtha, though.

 

Cheers, Al

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I thought it a good idea to report back! I bought some Zippo lighter fluid. The ingredients were 'Light Petroleum Distillate' but as far as I know, it's more-or-less naphtha. Better yet, it works! The residue was really stubborn, and I think that it had hardened over the past 60 years into a solid and even attempting to try and lift it with a fingernail did nothing but aggravate me and my nails.

 

The trick with the lighter fluid was to soak a small piece of tissue paper thoroughly and proceed to rub it in a very tight back-and-forth fashion. I managed to get rid of every trace after a good 10 minutes.

 

Thanks all for the help!

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Goo gone .. That's what I'd try.

You need to be careful with some of the adhesive/gunk removers, even "orange" cleaners - they can eat plastic and damage pens. Plain old ordinary naphtha might take a little more effort, but it works and will not damage most pens. I haven't had anything damaged by it, but always leaving a little room for the odd ball material....

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I have a very old can of googone, it is mostly xylenes. The newer can is mostly light hydrocarbons with some tripropyleneglycol methyl ether and limonene. (Having a room full of GCMSs is an advantage.)

 

Farmboy

San Francisco International Pen Show - The next “Funnest Pen Show” is on schedule for August 23-24-25, 2024.  Watch the show website for registration details. 
 

My PM box is usually full. Just email me: my last name at the google mail address.

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