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GeneralCleaning adhesive residue from silver

18th Sep 2018 05:08 UTCBill Morgenstern Expert

I have a nice silver specimen that has old adhesive probably from adhesive tape.

I have tried goo gone and rubbing alcohol. Neither work. I am hesitant to use acid and ruin

the patina on the silver.


Any suggestions are appreciated.


Bill Morgenstern

18th Sep 2018 08:46 UTCKevin Hean

I have a friend who repairs porcelain ornaments etc, to remove old glue she soaks them in very hot water for a long time, worth a try anyway :-)

18th Sep 2018 12:51 UTCJohn Collins

If you use Kevin's suggestion, use distilled or rain water as tap water has chlorine in it which will turn the silver black. If use opt for bottled water, read the contents label carefully.


Failing all of the above, you could try acetone which should dissolve the residue. Do this outside as you don't want to breathe the fumes .

18th Sep 2018 13:38 UTCTimothy Greenland

I have found that NATURAL turpentine (NOT white spirit) is effective at removing old self-adhesive label residues. It can then be rinsed off with acetone or alcohol then rinsed with distilled water if you want to avoid any remaining smell or contamination... It does not seem to hurt non-organic materials and requires few precautions for use other than avoiding naked flames. If you have sensitive skin, it might be wise to wear gloves...


Cheers


Tim

18th Sep 2018 13:45 UTCBill Morgenstern Expert

Kevin, John, Tim, thanks for your suggestions.

With these I'm sure I will find a solution to the adhesive problem.


Bill

18th Sep 2018 15:51 UTCSteve Hardinger 🌟 Expert

Distilled water does not contain chlorine, if indeed it is really distilled water. Tap water most likely contains chlorine, whereas the chlorine level in rainwater is usually (but not always) so low as to be negligible.

18th Sep 2018 16:32 UTCTony Albini

In addition to gloves, I recommend a mask and safety glasses.

19th Sep 2018 23:10 UTCKeith Compton 🌟 Manager

If it was me I'd try eucalyptus oil. I find it effective against many glue remnants .. shouldn't affect the patina.

At worst it would make it smell nice, but soapy water would remove that.

20th Sep 2018 03:23 UTCBill Morgenstern Expert

Thanks Keith, worth a try.
 
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