The Steel Guitar Forum

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

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

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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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

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

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.

Creamy or extra chunky?

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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