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Techniques for CollectorsHow to dissolve glue from a glue gun.

17th Aug 2014 16:35 UTCJay I. G. Roland

Hello folks, I have several MM specimens mounted in acrylic boxes where the original mounter has used glue from an electric glue gun to set the specimen. I need to extract some of these specimens to take pictures of them (the lid of the box is interfering with the view I wish to take).

I have thought of using petrol or nail varnish remover but wish to consult the experts in case I unwittingly cause damage to the specimen.

After taking the pictures they will of course be remounted with mineral tack!

Thank you,

Regards,

Jay.

17th Aug 2014 17:10 UTCDonald Peck

Jay, hot glue from glue guns is peelable. You can usually peel it off the specimen or off the plastic box. I don't know of any solvents that will work.

17th Aug 2014 17:58 UTCAmir C. Akhavan Expert

A few drops of ethanole will help peeling it off.

It takes a while until it creeps in the gap between and specimen, but it does work pretty well.

17th Aug 2014 21:03 UTCLuca Baralis Expert

Amir C. Akhavan Scritto:

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> A few drops of ethanole will help peeling it off.

Yes, I can confirm; Alcool.

But if you use the common alcohol for cleaning or disinfecting be aware that it can stain some specimen.

However, imho, hot glue is way better than tack. ;-)

21st Aug 2014 16:19 UTCJay I. G. Roland

Thanks folks for your responses. As I have several that I wish to remove I suppose it makes sense to experiment with your suggestions and a couple of ideas of my own.

Donald, your method I did initially try but the piece stubbonly refused to budge! It is sat on a huge dollop mind!

If it means sacrificing the lid to make the extraction possible it matters not as I have a good supply.

Thanks again,

Regards,

Jay.