Remove old, crusty Velcro glue from leatherette

aj_chicago · 11-03-2021, 10:37 AM

Thought I would float this out here to see if any "restorers" here have come across this. I just acquired a really nice Pentax KX 35mm camera and it all works like a champ so far. A previous owner decided to mount two squares of Velcro to the back of the leatherette. With qualms, I decided to remove them. What I ended up with are two crusty squares of old glue that are as hard as a rock. Was hoping someone had tackled this before. I really don't want to replace the leatherette, but I don't want to ruin it either. It reminds me of Super Glue, and I suppose it could be. If I try acetone might I ruin the leatherette? Dilemma...

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Last edited by aj_chicago; 11-03-2021 at 10:52 AM.

Kozlok · 11-03-2021, 11:15 AM

I'd bet that acetone WILL ruin the leatherette, since that is likely a polymer based material. I'd be tempted to try a little Isopropyl Alcohol, but again, keep an eye out for damage. Another tactic may be to use warm soap and water; but be mindful of how much you put on; you don't want it wandering around. I'd probably get a cloth hot, wet and soapy and try to soak it off. Put dry towels around the outside to prevent water migrating anywhere else.

Another method that would be dry is to get it warm with a lamp or hairdryer (but keep an eye on it; not too hot!), and then use some duct tape to try to pull it off.

Parallax · 11-03-2021, 11:23 AM - **2 Likes**

I would try WD-40. It's a pretty good solvent but is harmless to vinyl, and most plastics, resins, and painted surfaces.
As stated above, don't use acetone.

**ismaelg** · 11-03-2021, 11:37 AM - **3 Likes**

Hello,

I use non-acetone nail polish remover. You can also try Goo-Gone anti adhesive. You can also try a cleaner like 409 or Fantastik applying a small amount to a toothbrush and rubbing slightly. I have also used 91% alcohol in a cotton swab. The idea is to start from the mildest (just a little soapy water) and increase "aggression" as needed.

Thanks,
Ismael

Parallax · 11-03-2021, 12:39 PM - **5 Likes**

Originally posted by ismaelg

Hello,

I use non-acetone nail polish remover. You can also try Goo-Gone anti adhesive. You can also try a cleaner like 409 or Fantastik applying a small amount to a toothbrush and rubbing slightly. I have also used 91% alcohol in a cotton swab. The idea is to start from the mildest (just a little soapy water) and increase "aggression" as needed.

Thanks,
Ismael

To the OP-
Considering ismaelg's expertise in this area I'd suggest going with his recommendation.

Check out his posts on the restorations he's done on antique cameras.

**ismaelg** · 11-03-2021, 01:15 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by Parallax

I would try WD-40. It's a pretty good solvent but is harmless to vinyl, and most plastics, resins, and painted surfaces.
As stated above, don't use acetone.

Interesting. I'll try that. Thanks!

Originally posted by Parallax

To the OP-
Considering ismaelg's expertise in this area I'd suggest going with his recommendation. ;(
Check out his posts on the restorations he's done on antique cameras.

Who, me? I just have a very bad habit to taking things apart

Thanks,
Ismael

Ontarian50 · 11-03-2021, 02:31 PM

I've seen quite a few cameras with that stuff stuck into the leatherette.

Best remover I've found is lighter fluid (naptha). Squirt some on and let it sit. Before it completely evaporates, see if it has softened up the adhesive. Scraping, rubbing may be needed to get it off.

It does seem many have resorted to using an epoxy to attach stuff to camera backs, and lighter fluid will soften and loosen epoxy.

If it's really sticky tape residue, well lighter fluid works even faster on that.

The good thing is Pentax leatherette is really tough stuff and can be scraped and worked over without damage.

Lighter fluid does have a drying effect on some plastics/leatherette, but its just a matter of wiping it over with a silicone based treatment to get it moisturized and looking like new again.

**AggieDad** · 11-03-2021, 03:25 PM

I second the lighter fluid (naphtha). I have used naphtha any number of adhesives, most recently on 3M's automotive double-faced tape. It has always gotten the job done for me.

aj_chicago · 11-03-2021, 03:46 PM

Found this... "VELCRO® Brand Pressure Sensitive Hook 88 and Loop 1000 is available on with a rubber or acrylic based adhesive which allows them to adhere well to a variety of surfaces." I assume this is acrylic. WD40 softens hardened acrylic glue and I happen to have that so gonna give Parallax's idea a go. Will dab with q-tip and try to keep it on the glue. Will check back. Thanks for the ideas!

Lighter fluid if that doesn't work.

MarkJerling · 11-03-2021, 04:51 PM

I recently had a similar problem with glue residue. "Nothing" wanted to work. I tried isopropyl alcohol, methylated spirits, acetone and ordinary household detergent.
In the end, the thing that worked was ordinary Canola cooking oil!

Not sure what that would do the leatherette though. In my case, it was glue on stainless steel, so no real danger of damaging the substrate!

aj_chicago · 11-03-2021, 05:01 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by MarkJerling

I recently had a similar problem with glue residue. "Nothing" wanted to work. I tried isopropyl alcohol, methylated spirits, acetone and ordinary household detergent.
In the end, the thing that worked was ordinary Canola cooking oil!

Not sure what that would do the leatherette though. In my case, it was glue on stainless steel, so no real danger of damaging the substrate!

Ya. I see all kinds of options for hard surfaces. I read something similar and it suggested peanut butter or mayo for the oil in them. Might try some peanut butter and plastic wrap over night, but I don't have great expectations.

---------- Post added 11-03-21 at 05:02 PM ----------

Well, WD40 did zero. Still hard as a rock. Didn't leave it on that long (50 min.), but I figure that if it was going to dissolve it at all it had time to do something. It didn't. I'm beginning to think this is Super Glue. I see there are Super Glue removal products out there from the Super Glue manufacturers... $6.78 free shipping. I just hate buying a product that I am NEVER going to use again, let alone not knowing if it will work.

**ChrisPlatt** · 11-03-2021, 05:33 PM - **2 Likes**

Sounds like another job for Nose grease!

Chris

**ismaelg** · 11-03-2021, 05:35 PM

When it comes to worst to remove adhesives, I have a chemical we call "Bencina" but it is NOT benzene. When I get home I'll check if it says something on the label. I've had that bottle for over 10 years and is my last resort for stubborn adhesives.

Thanks,

**DonV** · 11-03-2021, 06:56 PM

Just do a search for "Bencina", it is a petroleum distillate, consisting of pentane, hexane, and heptane molecules.
Pretty nasty stuff, so keep away from children and don't breath a lot it it!
It is "similar" to naptha or lighter fluid.

See the small green banner "es ecologico" - don't believe for a moment that "it's ecological" !

Warnings include don't inhale vapors, keep away from children, keep away from head , sparks, and flames !!!!!!!!!!!
It has a high flammability= "posee alta inflamabilidad".

**ismaelg** · 11-03-2021, 07:28 PM - **3 Likes**

Just got home and ran to the workbench to take this crappy cell phone pic

This bottle is probably over 10 years old. I used it primarily to remove stickers and adhesive residues on diecast toy restorations. I heard a while ago in a hardware store that it was no longer available or at least was very hard to find.

I knew there was a connection: pentane + hexane = PENTAX
Yeah, I feel funny today. Must be the fumes!

Thanks,
Ismael

11-03-2021, 12:39 PM - 5 Likes	#5
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,332	Originally posted by ismaelg Hello, I use non-acetone nail polish remover. You can also try Goo-Gone anti adhesive. You can also try a cleaner like 409 or Fantastik applying a small amount to a toothbrush and rubbing slightly. I have also used 91% alcohol in a cotton swab. The idea is to start from the mildest (just a little soapy water) and increase "aggression" as needed. Thanks, Ismael To the OP- Considering ismaelg's expertise in this area I'd suggest going with his recommendation. Check out his posts on the restorations he's done on antique cameras. Last edited by Parallax; 11-03-2021 at 01:08 PM.

11-03-2021, 03:46 PM	#9
aj_chicago New Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: California Posts: 19 Original Poster	Found this... "VELCRO® Brand Pressure Sensitive Hook 88 and Loop 1000 is available on with a rubber or acrylic based adhesive which allows them to adhere well to a variety of surfaces." I assume this is acrylic. WD40 softens hardened acrylic glue and I happen to have that so gonna give Parallax's idea a go. Will dab with q-tip and try to keep it on the glue. Will check back. Thanks for the ideas! Lighter fluid if that doesn't work. Last edited by aj_chicago; 11-03-2021 at 04:05 PM.

11-03-2021, 06:56 PM	#14
DonV Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Near Charlotte NC Photos: Albums Posts: 693	Just do a search for "Bencina", it is a petroleum distillate, consisting of pentane, hexane, and heptane molecules. Pretty nasty stuff, so keep away from children and don't breath a lot it it! It is "similar" to naptha or lighter fluid. See the small green banner "es ecologico" - don't believe for a moment that "it's ecological" ! Warnings include don't inhale vapors, keep away from children, keep away from head , sparks, and flames !!!!!!!!!!! It has a high flammability= "posee alta inflamabilidad". Attached Images

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11-03-2021, 11:15 AM	#2
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	I'd bet that acetone WILL ruin the leatherette, since that is likely a polymer based material. I'd be tempted to try a little Isopropyl Alcohol, but again, keep an eye out for damage. Another tactic may be to use warm soap and water; but be mindful of how much you put on; you don't want it wandering around. I'd probably get a cloth hot, wet and soapy and try to soak it off. Put dry towels around the outside to prevent water migrating anywhere else. Another method that would be dry is to get it warm with a lamp or hairdryer (but keep an eye on it; not too hot!), and then use some duct tape to try to pull it off.

11-03-2021, 11:23 AM - 2 Likes	#3
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,332	I would try WD-40. It's a pretty good solvent but is harmless to vinyl, and most plastics, resins, and painted surfaces. As stated above, don't use acetone.

11-03-2021, 11:37 AM - 3 Likes	#4
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,681	Hello, I use non-acetone nail polish remover. You can also try Goo-Gone anti adhesive. You can also try a cleaner like 409 or Fantastik applying a small amount to a toothbrush and rubbing slightly. I have also used 91% alcohol in a cotton swab. The idea is to start from the mildest (just a little soapy water) and increase "aggression" as needed. Thanks, Ismael

11-03-2021, 01:15 PM - 3 Likes	#6
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,681	Originally posted by Parallax I would try WD-40. It's a pretty good solvent but is harmless to vinyl, and most plastics, resins, and painted surfaces. As stated above, don't use acetone. Interesting. I'll try that. Thanks! Originally posted by Parallax To the OP- Considering ismaelg's expertise in this area I'd suggest going with his recommendation. ;( Check out his posts on the restorations he's done on antique cameras. Who, me? I just have a very bad habit to taking things apart Thanks, Ismael

11-03-2021, 02:31 PM	#7
Ontarian50 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 530	I've seen quite a few cameras with that stuff stuck into the leatherette. Best remover I've found is lighter fluid (naptha). Squirt some on and let it sit. Before it completely evaporates, see if it has softened up the adhesive. Scraping, rubbing may be needed to get it off. It does seem many have resorted to using an epoxy to attach stuff to camera backs, and lighter fluid will soften and loosen epoxy. If it's really sticky tape residue, well lighter fluid works even faster on that. The good thing is Pentax leatherette is really tough stuff and can be scraped and worked over without damage. Lighter fluid does have a drying effect on some plastics/leatherette, but its just a matter of wiping it over with a silicone based treatment to get it moisturized and looking like new again.

11-03-2021, 03:25 PM	#8
AggieDad Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Houston, TX Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,453	I second the lighter fluid (naphtha). I have used naphtha any number of adhesives, most recently on 3M's automotive double-faced tape. It has always gotten the job done for me.

11-03-2021, 04:51 PM	#10
MarkJerling Moderator Site Supporter Join Date: May 2012 Location: Wairarapa, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 20,406	I recently had a similar problem with glue residue. "Nothing" wanted to work. I tried isopropyl alcohol, methylated spirits, acetone and ordinary household detergent. In the end, the thing that worked was ordinary Canola cooking oil! Not sure what that would do the leatherette though. In my case, it was glue on stainless steel, so no real danger of damaging the substrate!

11-03-2021, 05:01 PM - 1 Like	#11
aj_chicago New Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: California Posts: 19 Original Poster	Originally posted by MarkJerling I recently had a similar problem with glue residue. "Nothing" wanted to work. I tried isopropyl alcohol, methylated spirits, acetone and ordinary household detergent. In the end, the thing that worked was ordinary Canola cooking oil! Not sure what that would do the leatherette though. In my case, it was glue on stainless steel, so no real danger of damaging the substrate! Ya. I see all kinds of options for hard surfaces. I read something similar and it suggested peanut butter or mayo for the oil in them. Might try some peanut butter and plastic wrap over night, but I don't have great expectations. ---------- Post added 11-03-21 at 05:02 PM ---------- Well, WD40 did zero. Still hard as a rock. Didn't leave it on that long (50 min.), but I figure that if it was going to dissolve it at all it had time to do something. It didn't. I'm beginning to think this is Super Glue. I see there are Super Glue removal products out there from the Super Glue manufacturers... $6.78 free shipping. I just hate buying a product that I am NEVER going to use again, let alone not knowing if it will work.

11-03-2021, 05:33 PM - 2 Likes	#12
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,694	Sounds like another job for Nose grease! Chris

11-03-2021, 05:35 PM	#13
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,681	When it comes to worst to remove adhesives, I have a chemical we call "Bencina" but it is NOT benzene. When I get home I'll check if it says something on the label. I've had that bottle for over 10 years and is my last resort for stubborn adhesives. Thanks,

11-03-2021, 07:28 PM - 3 Likes	#15
ismaelg Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Puerto Rico Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,681	Just got home and ran to the workbench to take this crappy cell phone pic This bottle is probably over 10 years old. I used it primarily to remove stickers and adhesive residues on diecast toy restorations. I heard a while ago in a hardware store that it was no longer available or at least was very hard to find. I knew there was a connection: pentane + hexane = PENTAX Yeah, I feel funny today. Must be the fumes! Thanks, Ismael