Removing labels from new guitars

Subject: Removing labels from new guitars
From: Ed Pellow
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 03:33 PM

Apologies if this has been dealt with before...

I've just bought a Yamaha acoustic, it's great, but the scratch plate is covered with a thin (but very sticky) yamaha label.

I'd like to get rid of it (it won't just peel off) without scratching the instrument.

I'd appreciate any thoughts

Thanks

Ed

Subject: RE: Help: Removing labels from new guitars
From: Mooh
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 05:05 PM

This very problem is dealt with at frets.com . Great site. Mooh.

Subject: RE: Help: Removing labels from new guitars
From: Gypsy
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 11:04 PM

Lighter fluid can be used on almost any fine finish safely. For safety's sake, try in a very inconspicuous spot first. The drill is: Saturate your padding with the lighter fluid, hold to the sticky surface firmly, and count to 5. Then, pull off the goo with one stroke. If it is quite sticky, might need to be done a couple of times. I've done this on many types of finishes, with great success.

Subject: RE: Help: Removing labels from new guitars
From: bbelle
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 11:15 PM

I'd be skeptical of lighter fluid. I use either WD40 or Avon's Skin-So-Soft to take stickers off of everything ... china, glass, wood finishes. I've never had any damage from either. I either saturate the area or saturate a cotton ball. It works for me ...

moonchild

Subject: RE: Help: Removing labels from new guitars
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 11:42 PM

G'day Ed,

For most sticky labels and such (as long as they are not old and dried up) I start with a hair dryer ... a gentle warm at the edge lowers the stickivity of the mastic and often allows an edge to be gently prised up.

If this works that far, then I play the warm air under the edge of the label while gently lifting back. This can remove all label and goo. If any gunk is left on the scratch plate, it will often lift off with a fresh piece of sticky tape (start with masking tape).

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: Help: Removing labels from new guitars
From: GUEST,the repair guy
Date: 04 Jul 00 - 11:58 PM

uh, I have to disagree strongly about the WD40, the solvent in it attacks nitrocellulose lacquer. It may be ok for urethane finishes, I don't know, but it's not worth the risk.

Lighter fluid (naptha, Ronsonol) is safe for both lacquer and urethane finishes.

Subject: RE: Help: Removing labels from new guitars
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 01:37 AM

Yeah....You can buy straight naptha and it works like a champ.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: Removing labels from new guitars
From: Terry K
Date: 05 Jul 00 - 02:13 AM

.....do all that stuff, then write to Yamaha and tell them how stupid they are to use adhesives that need such treatment. Mine peeled off really easily so they can get it right sometimes.

Cheers, Terry

Subject: RE: Help: Removing labels from new guitars
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 02:21 AM

Leave it on and play it off. All the best, Seamus

Subject: RE: Help: Removing labels from new guitars
From: Gypsy
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 08:45 PM

Me hats off to ye, spalpeen. Only way to really remove a label without stress!

Subject: RE: Help: Removing labels from new guitars
From: Mudjack
Date: 06 Jul 00 - 11:16 PM

There is a product out there called "De-Solv-It" that will do the trick. Just be sure to wipe off all excess when you are done. I use it often to take off the tape stickie stuff from my old set list.
Mudjack

Subject: RE: Help: Removing labels from new guitars
From: SINSULL
Date: 07 Jul 00 - 09:04 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Help: Removing labels from new guitars
From: DonMeixner
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 12:55 AM

I'm with Seamus here. Why take it off at all. Just play the guitar and be proud of the instrument you bought.

Don

Subject: RE: Help: Removing labels from new guitars
From: Rob the Ranter
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 01:01 AM

Art consevators use benzine to disolve gum based glues. It works like magic. Just tru an inconspicuous spot first. You may be able to find it at a stamp shop or at conservation materials limited. I don't have the number at the moment. If you are worried about the finnish its worth having a luthier do it for you.

Subject: RE: Help: Removing labels from new guitars
From: Jim the Bart
Date: 08 Jul 00 - 01:13 AM

I say let's dispense with all the labels. Instead of "new guitar", let's just call it a "fine instrument of recent vintage and leave it at that". You can also try mineral spirits. Or bourbon. Try a shot at a time until you don't notice the label. . .