book-label gunk removal

[jinian]

I'd already tried acetone and alcohol to no avail, and I didn't have any cellophane tape or packing tape easily available. (They're here someplace...) For some reason, my next impulse toward removing the packing-tape residue on this book about ferns Wim's dad gave me was peanut oil. And it's working. Rub on peanut oil, polish oiled area with paper towel until it has the right sheen, and the book cover is back in its original nonadhesive state. Wow.

Comments

[jinian.livejournal.com]

3-in-one oil works fine too. I wonder about vaseline now.

Obviously one should not use oil on anything likely to be damaged by it, but most book covers are shiny and resistant.

[lirrin.livejournal.com]

Orange oil is the standby gummy-crap-on-something remover. Works very well. Plus it smells good. :)

[jinian.livejournal.com]

Now that you mention it, I think I remember hearing you say that. Maybe that's why I thought of oil.

[elynne.livejournal.com]

At the remainder book company I worked for once long long ago, we used lighter fluid. Works like a charm; smells like... well. Also, lighter fluid + warehouse full of books = fire hazard, anyone?

[jinian.livejournal.com]

Yes, I should have mentioned that we also don't keep naphtha in the house. That was what we always used to remove pitch from my hair when I was a kid. I think it'll take off about anything.