Removing Stickers from Leather

Discuss technique for prolonging the life of your gear or giving it that aged look

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Spooky
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Removing Stickers from Leather

Post by Spooky »

I have been toying with the idea of placing vintage stickers on my Gladstone bag
(e.g. vintage hotel stickers from Venice, Shanghai, Peru, etc.).

Fellow Gearheads:
What are your thoughts on removing stickers from leather?

Before I start placing stickers on my bag,
I'd like to know if there is a reliable way to remove them after a couple of years of wear/tear
(without damaging the leather).
Although slightly worn vintage stickers may look even more authentic/SA,
I still would like to know if they can be safely removed before I go down this path.

Thanks!
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Michaelson
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Post by Michaelson »

There is a product that I use that is like 'Goo-Gon', but is called 'At-Tack' that is 100% organic and non hazardous. A few drops on the label and remaining 'sticky' will soften the material, making it easy to wipe off after a few minutes with a dry papertowel. After removing the old material, you just wipe the area off with a soapy cloth, then a clean wet wash rag.
Apply leather dressing and you're done.

At-Tack is available from united Ad Lagbel, 650 Columbia Street, Brea, CA, 92621. I get mine through 'Marker Tek' supplies (the folks who make dry/erase products). Stock number AT 108.

Regards! Michaelson
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Post by Indiana Jerry »

Glad you said that, my first thought was 'Goo-Gone', and my second was 'wonder what it will do to leather?' ;)

(But in Latin 'Jehova' begins with an 'I'...)
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Spooky
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Post by Spooky »

Michaelson,
Great advice as always! :D

I looked up At-Tack, the company formerly known as UAL is now calledVeriad.
I'll order some this week.

Guess this is all systems go for vintage labels on my Gladstone. 8) 8) 8)

Thanks!
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Post by Michaelson »

Humm. Company changed names, eh? You can tell how long it's been since I'VE ordered a bottle! :shock: :lol: :wink:

Regards! Michaelson
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Post by skywlkr »

My mom is really into scrapbooking. She showed me a product that is non-staining and acid free that is used to remove any type of adhesive. I'm not sure what it is called but it comes in a bottle and has a spoon-shaped thing attached to it. This stuff totally works. I've used it several times. When used the liquid evaporates completly, and the adhesive kind of balls up if there is a lot or totally disintegrates. My mom gets this stuff at Michaels, but I'm sure it can be found at any craft store or store that sells scrapbooking supplies.

Luke
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Spooky
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Post by Spooky »

skywlkrinc,

I already ordered a bottle of At-Tack for myself, however, could you find out the brand name of the product you described?
It might be helpful to other members (especially, since Veriad charges an extra $5 for orders under $25 :twisted: :evil: :roll:).

Best Regards,
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Kt Templar
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Post by Kt Templar »

Doing artwork, we use lighter fuel to clean almost everything, gets rid of spray mount, cow gum, sticky labels, sticky tape gunk. But it can etch cheap plastics and might dry or stain leather. Try it out on an unobtrusive bit if you fancy.
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Post by Doh »

I have NO IDEA if it's safe for use on leather, but Bestine (rubber cement thinner) also takes sticker glue away. It's INCREDIBLY flammable, too, so use extreme caution.

If you ever need to remove a price tag from a hard surface, it works like a charm. But did I mention that I have no idea if it's safe to use on leather?
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skywlkr
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Post by skywlkr »

Spooky wrote:skywlkrinc,

I already ordered a bottle of At-Tack for myself, however, could you find out the brand name of the product you described?
It might be helpful to other members (especially, since Veriad charges an extra $5 for orders under $25 :twisted: :evil: :roll:).

Best Regards,
Next time I'm at my parents' house I'll check it out.

Luke
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Post by zeus36 »

I was going to recommend some stuff called Undo. I had read that it would shear the bonds at the molecular level (seperating duct tape from bathroom tissue! )

Then I found this :

http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=800844

I would stay away from stickers.
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Kt Templar
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Post by Kt Templar »

:Sigh: is it just me, but there are times I wished I had an "Undo" button almost as much as a "Find" button.
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