Getting rid of label sticky mess

[adverse camber]

I have just taken delivary of some LGB second hand rolling stock from GRS. It came unboxed and there is a price label on each wagon. Unfortunately these are not easy to remove and leave a nasty sticky residue behind however careful one is in gettting them off.

Some type of solvent is obviously needed to clean it all up but I am anxious not to damage the wagon itself.

Any one got any experience of this problem? Will white spirit do the job without damaging the plastic. At least they have not stuck it on any writing or painted area, but why do they have to use such awful labels? I doubt illicit swapping price tickets is a serious problem in Princess Risborough!

AC

 

[MRail]

There are definitely purpose made label removers available.
I have used them in the past, in a spray can from a stationery supplier.

The sad thing is, I can't remember the name or supplier.
Sorry!!

 

[bobg]

In my experience white spirit will do no harm to the plastic, not sure about any paint finish, or try a little methalated spirit......No don't drink it!

 

[pugwash]

Strange but true the best thing I have ever found for sticky labels (and tar spots on cars) is Zippo lighter fluid. I don't smoke but collect Zippos, and now have a can of fluid in each car and two for the café (one for stickiness, one for Zippo users out of fuel)!
Oops, should mention, put the fluid on with a rag and let it work for a few minutes, then wipe away, repeat if needed but do not use anything abrasive.

 

[dutchelm]

You can get label removers from most major companies such as Rapid, RS, etc. The one in the workshop at the moment is "Label Off".
They all seem to work but most of mine gets used removing labels from SWMBOs shoes.

 

[pugwash]

Well obviously there are priorities...

 

[dragon]

W.D.40 will remove it instantly.

 

[Spule 4]

WD 40 or citrus based cleaners such as Goof Off here in the US, not sure if it is the same in the UK?

EDIT, it is not, but this is:

http://forums.watchuseek.com/f17/calling-all-uk-stealthers-goof-off-equivalent-found-168220.html

 

[pugwash]

Sounds like a lemon to me

 

[stockers]

Meths used here. Very unlikely to effect the plastic or paint finish.
I agree that lighter fluid is pretty good but I wonder if the solvent is stronger. White spirit can leave a white residue.
I guess WD40 would leave an oily residue that you cound remove with detergent or --- meths---.

 

[adverse camber]

Thank you for all the sugestions

I will start with WD40 as I have it on the shelf and know it does no halm. If that doesn't work i will move on down the list

AC

 

[vasim]

.

 

[Bram]

I use Meths on a cotton bud, I would personally stay clear of lighter fuel as this can remove the paint finish if your not quick enough.

Don't ask how I know this

 

[C&S]

If you are planning a repaint after getting the lable off I'd go for meths. WD-40 may, I suspect, leave an oily residue (even if wiped over) that would need a detergent wash to rermove before painting.

 

[Doug]

Lakeland make 'Sticky Stuff Remover', does what it says on the bottle. Its citrus based.

 

[Gizzy]

I have just taken delivary of some LGB second hand rolling stock from GRS. It came unboxed and there is a price label on each wagon. Unfortunately these are not easy to remove and leave a nasty sticky residue behind however careful one is in gettting them off.

Some type of solvent is obviously needed to clean it all up but I am anxious not to damage the wagon itself.

Any one got any experience of this problem? Will white spirit do the job without damaging the plastic. At least they have not stuck it on any writing or painted area, but why do they have to use such awful labels? I doubt illicit swapping price tickets is a serious problem in Princess Risborough!

AC

I know from when I was working as an engineer in the medical industry, that the stuff the nurses used to clean off the adhesive residue from plasters and dressings, was called 'Zoff'.

Works on the skin, but I can't comment on plastics and paint....

 

[Round n Round]

HEAVY BREATHING

It is true, if you can lift a slight edge of the label, then breath on it, then lift a bit more, and breath again, continue until label lifts.

Just make sure you are among friends or alone because you can get some strange looks from all that heavy breathing.

 

[dunnyrail]

Strange but true the best thing I have ever found for sticky labels (and tar spots on cars) is Zippo lighter fluid. I don't smoke but collect Zippos, and now have a can of fluid in each car and two for the café (one for stickiness, one for Zippo users out of fuel)!
Oops, should mention, put the fluid on with a rag and let it work for a few minutes, then wipe away, repeat if needed but do not use anything abrasive.

Mr pugwash is spot on, I have been using Lighter Fuel to remove labels for years. Got the tip from a former lady friend. Well they do have their uses. I have a tin in nearly every room as it is also such a useful cleaner as well. Plus it just evaporates as it is I believe petrol based. Cheep at around £1.00 per tin.
JonD

 

[stevedenver]

lighter fluid yes

meths no no no-
im my experiece 
it will leave a white residue-it may not be a residue at all, but worse, a change in the plastic-


the zippo leaves no residue that i have experienced nor does it affect paint 

meths does (at least it has for me-and the residue is quite bothersome to remove-i have had to use plastic polish and its still very stubborn

the key is to let it stand and let it creep under adn penetrate the paper to the glue

 

[MRail]

W.D.40 will remove it instantly.

Just been using WD40 on some plastic waste piping (non-railway), to remove store barcode labels.
Needed a minute or two for penetration, but works very well & any residue wiped off easily.
Thanks for the tip.