AirMechanic Posted January 5, 2016 Share #1 Posted January 5, 2016 Has anyone had any success in removing old residual adhesive from the lid of a WWII leatherette medal box? The box is an early war wooden leatherette box that once had a paper label stuck to the lid. If possible, I would like to remove the residual adhesive that is left, but I am afraid that using certain solvents or cleaning methods may cause more damage. Does anyone know of any tricks or mild solvents that may remove this adhesive? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USMCR79 Posted January 5, 2016 Share #2 Posted January 5, 2016 I've sprayed WD40 on a rag and wiped it off quickly - the finish was OK Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Daddy Posted January 6, 2016 Share #3 Posted January 6, 2016 I have success with "Goo Gone". It is made to remove adhesive. Probably will work on leathrettee. I had magic marker writing on a medals case, which is vinyl cover, and it took the marks right off without staining. I have purchase at Walmart, and have found it at Dollar Tree. Light coating on the gum, let it sit for a few seconds, and wipe off with paper towel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Longbranch Posted January 6, 2016 Share #4 Posted January 6, 2016 "Goo Gone" can work well if it is able to penetrate the dried adhesive, however it does leave an oily film. My preferred solvent for removing old adhesive is Ronsonol lighter fluid (the label on the bottle used to recommend it as a label remover, but that has been removed likely due to liability issues). Obviously, you'd want to use Ronsonol with caution and away from any source of ignition, but it quickly and effectively removes gummy/dried adhesive without harming the substrate, and leaving the surface residue-free. Light fluid is primarily naptha, which dries without oily films. In my experience it doesn't harm plastics (including vinyl), but it's always important to test any solvent in small quantities before going all-out with the cleaning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted March 22, 2019 Share #5 Posted March 22, 2019 I recently got a DFC Medal coffin case semi-encrusted with old, hard Christmas labels. BEFORE: AFTER: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Hudson Posted March 22, 2019 Share #6 Posted March 22, 2019 Here's what I did to make a junk case usable: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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