I recently bought an empty box for ten bucks. Yep. It’s what I do. This is a huge box that once held the GI Joe Killer WHALE Hovercraft, and it has some awesome graphics. Unfortunately, the box had been taped on all sides with ugly brown packing tape and many of the graphics were completely covered. Luckily, I know a trick on how to remove that nasty tape, and it’s name is Naphtha (you might know it as Ronsonol lighter fluid). Check out this before and after comparison:
I use a small paint brush dipped in the lighter fluid and brush it along the edge of the tape. The fluid literally melts away the adhesive residue, and the tape lifts off effortlessly. Continue applying the fluid while gently pulling the tape. Let the fluid do the work, and you won’t tear the paper. The lighter fluid will not harm the paper and it evaporates quickly.
This technique works great with coated (glossy) paper, but uncoated papers can be a bit trickier. I had a bit of the ink colors start to run on the back of the box, but slowed down the pace a bit and everything turned out okay–at least it’s better than that nasty tape. I can live with it:
The fumes from the lighter fluid can get overwhelming, so be sure to do this in a well-ventilated area, and of course, don’t smoke!
I’ve used this technique to remove stickers from paperback books and tape from vintage movie posters with great results. I wouldn’t recommend doing any restoration on a valuable item, but there’s no reason not to give this technique a try on a less expensive item in your collection.
That’s a great technique!
I also have a similar blog post on my site except it’s a tutorial on how to use peroxide to whiten any yellowed plastic bits from toys produced during the 70’s and 80’s.
Thanks, Russell! I’m amazed by your Jetfire restoration. Some great info there, I might need to try that peroxide tip: http://classicjoes.com/uncategorized/g1-transformers-jetfire-restoration
Great stuff from both of you! I’ll be linking to these later today n my restoration section
Thanks, Barb!
Great tips guys! Thanks for sharing!
Yes, the Lighter Fluid Trick always works great!
It works best on Price stickers on plastic bubbles, but it can be used on most surfaces, the smoother or slicker, the better.
The key is to go *slooowly* so as not to tear bits of the paper off along with the sticker. Don’t be afraid to let it soak for a while, and don’t be afraid to reapply if the tape starts to give resistance. You’ll likely end up with residue at the end, but you can just wipe it down with some more lighter fluid nad it looks good as new!
Great trick, must try it out some day!
Another way to get packing tape off is a hair dryer. Just point it at the spot where the tape meets the box and slowly pull the tape up. The hair dryer softens the glue and makes it very easy to remove the tape with no chance of bleeding ink and very little chance of tears if you take your time.
I haven’t tried the hair dryer trick, so I’ll have to give it a shot. Thanks!