Removing sticker glue from Plexi/Lexan?

[pmc]

I tried soaking it and then scraping it off with a putty knife. But I scratched up the Plexi. ---meadow muffin---.

I've still got the sticky stuff left (no more paper). It's sticky to the touch and it resists water and soap.

I've used both nail-polish (acetone) and Goof-Off (yum) in the past, but on clear plastic I've had issues with fogging. Despite my scratch job, I don't want to further the mistake by fogging it too.

Any ideas?

-pmc

[Devospeed]

Try this stuff, I use it on all my vinyl removal. It stinks but it will remove any glue residue. Just spray it on and let it sit for a minute or two. Wipe up with a damp cloth.
http://www.beacongraphics.com/adhesive-remover.html

[somunny]

Try soaking a paper towel with some Windex, place it on the affected area and put something on top to hold it against the plexi.  Let it sit for ten or fifteen minutes and then see if it will wipe off.

It's worth a try as most people have glass cleaner around the house and this method has worked for me in the past.

Steve

[PetitMorte]

The best stuff I've ever found for removing sticky is Goo-Gone (With citrus power)

This stuff removes the goo from pinball playfields after stripping off the mylar protectors.

Spray it on, let it sit for 10 min, then wipe off the goo.

[NightGod]

Goo Gone is another alternative-it's a citrus based remover that is alot milder than Goof-off. It takes a little longer to work, but it's worth it for applications where you need something that won't damage the surface.

[MikeDeuce]

Windex or anything with ammonia is a no-no with acrylics... it will cause the plastic to crystallize/fog (unless you get lucky).

I've used plastic safe citrus type cleaners with luck, followed up by novus #1.

[Texasmame]

I would tackle stickers with these things, in this order - one didn't work, go on to the next.   Also, spot test on an area that will be covered in case it damages the plastic.

1. Soap and warm water
2. Windex
3. Simple Green
4. Goof-Off 2
5. Lighter Fluid
6. Goof-Off
7. Gasoline

Never met a sticker or marker I couldn't get off!  

[MiKman]

WD-40 always works for me to get sticky stuff off things like appliances. never tried it on plexi before tho...

[Ken Layton]

Ronsonol lighter fluid --- plain and simple.

[NoOne=NBA=]

I use Undu for pretty much all adhesive removal.

It deactivates the adhesive temporarily, and will actually allow things to be reapplied once it dries.
I've been able to work mylar stickers off with it, and have them completely intact.
Vinyl stickers tend to stretch when you pull at them though.

I've used it on plexi alot, and on cabinet paint and laminate.
I haven't ever used it on Lexan, so I don't know what will happen if you do.

My only complaint about it is that it literally smells like a skunk.

[MikeDeuce]

Acrylite is the type of acrylic that I get from my local plastics store and here is the cleaning info from their spec sheet:

Cleaning: Wash ACRYLITE sheet with a mild soapor detergent and plenty of lukewarm water. Use a cleansoft cloth, applying only light pressure. Rinse with clearwater and dry by blotting with a damp cloth or chamois.

Grease, oil or tar may be removed with a good grade of hexane, aliphatic naphtha, or kerosene. Thesesolvents may be obtained at a paint or hardware storeand should be used in accordance with manufacturers

[pmc]

Lots of good ideas and alternatives. I have to pick up some stuff at the hardware store, so I'm going to pick up and try Goo Gone and try it. Do you think the hardware store will carry Novus? I've been planning on buying some anyway.

A comment on Simple Green: It was recommended to me for cleaning BBQ pits and grills. It's not that powerful, but I guess it works OK. I've found that for general cleaning, hot soapy water works much better. What is Simple Green's real niche?

-pmc

[westell]

I  used Goo-Gone on my Robotron restoration and it worked great

[bleemus]

I've had the most luck with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol.  Not sure how this will effect lexan, but that stuff comes right off if you soak a paper towel and slap it on there and have it soak for a bit.  Plus, a bottle of Isopropyl is normally under a buck; all this other stuff costs more, in general.

[NightGod]

A comment on Simple Green: It was recommended to me for cleaning BBQ pits and grills. It's not that powerful, but I guess it works OK. I've found that for general cleaning, hot soapy water works much better. What is Simple Green's real niche?-pmc

In my experience, Simple Green works best if you have something you can let it sit on for a while. Seems to work about as good as oven cleaner on grease, but you avoid all the toxic hell fumes. The key is you have to let it sit 15-20 minutes, maybe re-wetting it once in the middle, before you wipe it off.

[Mr Ironpants]

So do you think we should tell are significant others that we know so much about cleaning?

My cleaner of choice is a product called bug-gone.  I bought if for my motorcycle windshield but it works great on all kinds of stuff (including stickers) and my windshield is some sort of plastic so it should be safe for plexi.

[krick]

Ronsonol lighter fluid --- plain and simple.

Amen!, brotha.   I've never met a sticker that lighter fluid couldn't take off.

I used to use it back in the day to remove stubborn price stickers off star wars action figure packages without damaging the cardboard...

You lay the item so the the sticker is flat, put a big drop of lighter fluid on the sticker and let it soak in so it dissolves the glue.  Then carefully peel off the sticker.  Sometimes, you need to dab at the spot where the sticker was using a paper towel and some more lighter fluid to remove the residual glue.