[net.cooks] Removing sticky labels

res (03/25/83)

I have had very good luck in removing the stick-on labels and price
tags with waterless hand cleaner.  There are many brands on the market,
such as Goop, SBS-40, etc.  It has the advantage that it does not seem
to attack such materials as plastic, which some of the solvents such as
nail polish remover will badly attack.  It is somewhat slow acting, but
seems to completely dissolve the adhesive.  Cleanup afterward is easy,
requiring only a normal washing.

					Rich Strebendt
					Bell Laboratories
					...!ihuxn!res

edelson (04/04/83)

Successful removal of labels using pressure sensitive adhesives
(Scotch-tape like) depends on understanding the rheological properties
of these materials.
Under the rapid application of force, e.g. impact, these behave
like rigid solids and break;
with the steady application of a force over a long period of time
they behave like liquids and flow.
So what you have to do is lift up a corner of the label enough so 
you can grab it, and pull slowly and steadily with a force that
is sufficient to cause the adhesive to part with the item, 
but not so much as to break it (leaving it behind) or to
tear the label.
Remaining adhesive may be removed with a hydrocarbon solvent-
a little dry cleaning fluid (like Afta) just moistening a cloth works fine.