Glue removal

Indy96

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I've had this cabinet for a while now. It's obviously dig dug that was converted to Arkanoid. I peeled the black laminate off to reveal the art work in very good condition. My problem is the left over glue. I've used citristrip before but it's a little to aggressive. Any suggestions on how to get the glue off without destroying the art work?
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Several things you can try.

1: WD-40 Sounds strange but it does get glue off without messing with the artwork.

2: 91% Isopropyl Alcohol. Removes glue and won't hurt the paint.

3: Goo-Gone It removes glue and shouldn't hurt the artwork

4: Goof-Off. Be careful with this one. It is more agressive and will hurt the paint. Put it on a rag and don't rub to hard. If you notice paint on the rag then stop.
 
My experience on probably 20 Atari cabinets with similar screened art is that Goof Off won't dissolve the inks, unless you're aggressive. Test at bottom first.
 
I've got the same issue with my newly acquired Moon Patrol project. The adhesive on mine comes off with a some force with bare skin, but i'd be here all week doing one side and have no skin left on my fingertips.

I was thinking Goo-Gone and a little heat. Let me know what works for you, I'm a few weeks away from having time to get to mine.


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Go to Amazon and type in Rapid Remover Adhesive Remover. It is pricey but works very well.

Yes. This stuff is freaking awesome. I had some nasty glue left over on a pin from mylar. NOTHING would make a dent in this glue. Rapid Remover sprayed on, soak 5 minutes, then the glue peeled off with a nylon razor blade. And didn't damage the paint beneath it. Give it a shot. I can tell you that Citristrip will definitely eat the white on your artwork.
 
As someone else already mentioned....WD-40 works great on Atari vinyl side art. Put the cab on its side first, because you'll want the WD-40 to pool, and wear some surgical gloves so you can agitate it before wiping off. If you use a scraping tool use plastic being careful not to gouge, I use a Mr. Clean magic eraser in combo with the WD-40.
 
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As someone else already mentioned....WD-40 works great on Atari vinyl side art. Put the cab on its side first, because you'll want the WD-40 to pool, and wear some surgical gloves so you can agitate it before wiping off. If you use a scraping tool use plastic being careful not to gouge, I use a Mr. Clean magic eraser in combo with the WD-40.

So the WD-40 doesn't affect the art at all?
 
Update on mine:

WD-40 does nothing but smell up the place.

Didn't track down that rapidtac product because...

GooGone works wonders. I was bored the other day and tested a spot on the side and after a couple minutes it came right off. It's amazing how well it's working and leaving the paint (and the registered trademark decal) alone.

I've soaked a few pieces of paper towel in gooGone, then dragged it over the surface to spread it out. On the edges where the glue "cured" more I've let sit the soaking paper towel for a good 15-20 minutes. After that, a rough hand towel works better then a scraper. Scrapers, plastic and metal, seem to damage and expand on any scratches or nicks under the glue. A towel seems to be the best method aside from the bare skin on my fingers.
 
Good to know what worked for ya. Trial and error is the way most of this gets done. Good job. Pics when you're done :)
 
I've made some progress but not much. Wd-40 hasn't done much for me. I agree that a hard towel and elbow grease works better than wd-40. I'm gone try the goo next.
 

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Indy, get a quart of Naphtha from the paint aisle of the hardware store. It softens the glue right up without damaging the sticker underneath.
 
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