Formica Question

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » 25 Sep 2003 5:50 am

I recently bought a Dekley D-10 with a formica finish. The previous owner glued a emblem (a small laser cut mermaid) to the front. I am considering removing this piece. I would like information on solvents I can use to disolve the glue without damaging the finish. I am unsure of the glue type. Also, information on any that will damage the finish will help.
Also, does the formica change color over time from UV exposure?
If so I will choose to leave it on.
Thanks,
Lefty,
Dekley D-10
Sho-Bud LDG
Gibson Lap

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 25 Sep 2003 6:37 am

Sometimes, it's best just to use a little rubbing alcohol.
Erv

DON ENGLE · Post by **DON ENGLE** » 25 Sep 2003 5:00 pm

Lefty go to wall mart and get a bottle of GOO GONE about 3.00 put it on with a q tip 3-4 times a day until wou can start pulling up on the emblem add some more till it comes off I did this with a fellow's name plate and worked perfectely Don

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Graham · Post by **Graham** » 25 Sep 2003 5:49 pm

Lefty:
You may laugh at this, but if you get the emblem off, peanut butter will remove the glue so easily you won't believe it and it won't hurt the formica. I use it to take glue off all kinds of things.

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Rebel™
ICQ 614585

Joe Delaronde · Post by **Joe Delaronde** » 25 Sep 2003 6:53 pm

Graham
Would peanut butter remove old dried masking tape??? My son put up posters on his bedroom wall a few years back and used masking tape. I haven't been able to remove it......
Thanks
Joe

George Kimery · Post by **George Kimery** » 25 Sep 2003 7:02 pm

I don't know if it will work in this application, but I have always relied on soaking anything that has been glued down with mineral spirits to get the adhesive to disolve and loosen. The mineral spirits will not damage the formica. Not knowing what kind of glue was used is a major problem. If they used epoxy, then you have a big problem and will probably not be able to get it off without leaving telltale damage to the formica. If the above mentioned suggestions or the mineral spirits don't work, you might try a heat gun to see if heat will soften the adhesive. Not so much as to damage the formica though. If nothing works, you will have to leave well enough alone or remove the formica completely and contact cement down new formica.

David Cobb · Post by **David Cobb** » 25 Sep 2003 7:27 pm

Creamy or extra chunky?

Graham · Post by **Graham** » 26 Sep 2003 12:59 pm

David:
I ALWAYS use creamy. The chunky has the possibility of scratching the material the glue is adhered to.

Joe:
Can't hurt to try. I know it works wonders on old dried out scotch tape!

Just apply with your fingertip, rub around until glue softens and wipe of with a clean rag or Kleenex.

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Rebel™
ICQ 614585

Larry Bell · Post by **Larry Bell** » 26 Sep 2003 4:05 pm

Rebel,
It's probably just the peanut oil saturating the decal (if paper) and/or softening the adhesive.

Might be interesting to see if just vegetable oil works as well.

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<small>Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » 27 Sep 2003 2:52 am

Thanks for all the advice. I will probably try the alcohol, then mineral spirits as they can penetrate underneath the mermaid (no pun intended). My guess on the glue is probably epoxy though, so she may just stay on.
I have heard peanut butter is good for removing chewing gum from the hair of kids (hence gum based adhesives), and it also adds a peanutty flavor if they choose to reuse the gum.
Thanks,
Lefty
Dekley D-10 (with mermaid)
Sho-Bud LDG
Dobro Resophonic

David Cobb · Post by **David Cobb** » 27 Sep 2003 2:25 pm

As a last resort, remove the sticker and if you're left with a mark, cover it with a larger decal/pic/medallion, etc. of something more pleasing to your eye.
Might be a way to personalize your axe.

Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 28 Sep 2003 3:06 pm

next time you should buy a Carter,their logos get of by itself...

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Paul Norris · Post by **Paul Norris** » 30 Sep 2003 6:54 am

A large rubber eraser (pencil ect.) will sometimes remove some types of glue or stickers.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 30 Sep 2003 8:55 am

Please don't try the eraser bit. This will actually scratch the formica!
Erv

Eddie Malray · Post by **Eddie Malray** » 1 Oct 2003 2:45 pm

A hair dryer wave back and forth over the decal will soften the glue. Also, Windex with amaonia D will desolve and clean up glue. I've taken guitars apart with it.

David Cobb · Post by **David Cobb** » 1 Oct 2003 4:42 pm

Tell your attorney there's a nickel under the mermaid, he'll take it from there.....