Removing sticker residue

[Kaidonni]

I recently removed a number of stickers from some Lego (the hangar bay doors of the Icons Discovery shuttle, to be precise). This has left residue behind, and I'm trying to figure out a way of removing it without damaging the Lego itself in any way. Warm water and washing-up liquid doesn't work. I've considered isopropyl alcohol, but wouldn't know the correct brand in the UK for using on Lego.

I would appreciate any advice and suggestions. Many thanks.

Edited October 17, 2023 by Kaidonni

[Toastie]

I have absolutely no clue, whether there is a chance that either this German company ("Mellerud") has subsidiaries in the UK or not, Brexit is Brexit, but this product will absolutely work:

https://mellerud.de/spezial/aufkleber-und-klebereste-entferner?gclid=Cj0KCQjw4bipBhCyARIsAFsieCz2XYG2EvXZ8mhvzMl6H92foouhWoYktIqhdwqu2BQSqMjIRhZi1sAaAmjyEALw_wcB

Maybe there is something similar/comparable in the UK; I for sure know it works without damaging ABS (and many other plastic materials).

All the best,
Thorsten

[1963maniac]

Thorsten's idea is safer I'm sure but, denatured alcohol or high 90% isopropyl alcohol works, but you have to be relatively quick with it before it starts to change the ABS. Let it evaporate between wipes.

[JopieK]

https://www.kelco.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/abs-chemical-compatibility-guide.pdf

It seems that cellulose "Lacquer Thinners" are better to use (A category) on ABS as Isopropanol (B category). 

[Toastie]

53 minutes ago, JopieK said:

"Lacker Thinners"

I believe "lacquer thinners" are meant, right? The cellulose part is addressing the paint to be dissolved, not the thinner.

Oh, I would be >very< careful with these, as these are formulations and you never know what is actually in there.

Should the company comply with current regulations (EU/US) then Wikipedia is right: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacquer_thinner ; such approved thinners contain mostly acetone and some aromatic solvents (low VOC). Well, acetone falls into category D:Severe Effect in the list you cited ... in fact, acetone is very well suited to "glue" LEGO bricks together. Not as permanently as superglue, but it comes close. With acetone, you can actually wipe off entire ABS layers and strongly compromise the shiny surface. With the chance of permanently adding residue from the unsuited cloth you were using. Or remains of the sticker residue ...

Here is one example (available in the UK): https://www.rawlinspaints.com/home/accessories/solvents-thinners/5142-rustins-cellulose-thinners.html

Srcoll down to "Product Specifications". The list that opens says "Ketones" as major component; acetone is such a ketone ... 

Light petroleum/light petrol (German: Reinigungsbenzin) based stain removers may also work, I suggest first use a crappy LEGO brick - chances are, it will not damage it.

Best wishes,
Thorsten

 

Edited October 18, 2023 by Toastie

[JopieK]

19 minutes ago, Toastie said:

I believe "lacquer thinners" are meant, right? The cellulose part is addressing the paint to be dissolved, not the thinner.

Oh, I would be >very< careful with these, as these are formulations and you never know what is actually in there.

Should the company comply with current regulations (EU/US) then Wikipedia is right: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lacquer_thinner ; such approved thinners contain mostly acetone and some aromatic solvents (low VOC). Well, acetone falls into category D:Severe Effect in the list you cited ... in fact, acetone is very well suited to "glue" LEGO bricks together. Not as permanently as superglue, but it comes close. With acetone, you can actually wipe off entire ABS layers and strongly compromise the shiny surface. With the chance of permanently adding residue from the unsuited cloth you were using. Or remains of the sticker residue ...

Here is one example (available in the UK): https://www.rawlinspaints.com/home/accessories/solvents-thinners/5142-rustins-cellulose-thinners.html

Srcoll down to "Product Specifications". The list that opens says "Ketones" as major component; acetone is such a ketone ... 

Light petroleum/light petrol (German: Reinigungsbenzin) based stain removers may also work, I suggest first use a crappy LEGO brick - chances are, it will not damage it.

Best wishes,
Thorsten

 

Yup, indeed a spelling error. Of course one should not use any of the ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) like ingredients. (Acetone etc glues ABS/LEGO well as it dissolves the plastic, basically that is why it glues) 

I guess WD40 be a better choice but use not too much. Isopropyl alcohol will also work but do not overuse it either.

[Kaidonni]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I haven't asked Lego themselves, wonder what they might suggest.

I'm erring on the side of the WD40, maybe it is the 'safest' method (for the Lego, that is)? It might also be possible for me to buy Mellerud off the German Amazon website without it costing too much in postage.

[MAB]

I find neat washing up liquid left for a couple of hours usually helps to shift residue, followed by a wash.

[Toastie]

38 minutes ago, MAB said:

washing up liquid left for a couple of hours usually helps to shift residue

Yes, may also work, depending on a) age of the sticker/sticker residue and b) time of exposure to sunlight, as this degrades the adhesive on the sticker to "something else".

But immersion in water/with detergent for a prolonged time may work. I am not that patient, though

Best,
Thorsten

Edited October 18, 2023 by Toastie