removing price tags from toys

[milkit1]

I am collecting Starting Lineups for my son and was wondering if anyone knows a good way of getting the price tags off without causing too much damage?

thanks!

[Butch7999]

Different tags use different adhesives, and the type of paper to which the tags are affixed makes a difference
in the difficulty of removal as well. Two popular removal methods that usually meet with some success are
heating the tag with a hair-dryer until the adhesive dries to the point of "non-stickiness,"
and a sparing application of acetone (e.g., nail-polish remover).
Try either method on the box of the least valuable collectible with the tag in the most unobtrusive position,
to minimize damage if either method proves less than ideal.

[milkit1]

Thanks Butch! Should I apply the nail polish removal just on the price tag?

[Butch7999]

Yes, the tag only, at least for starters, and do so in teeny tiny dabs, applying it using a Q-Tip or even a toothpick.
Always start any tag-removal or tape-removal treatment with the absolute minimum application.
You can go bigger if the early results show some positive but incomplete effect, but you can't go back
and use less if a large initial treatment adversely affects the box or paper!

Actually, before you try any acetone product, here's another recommendation, from Bruce Whitehill's excellent "Big Game Hunter" website
[ http://thebiggamehunter.com/collecti...pairing-games/ ]:

"One of the most annoying things a collector comes across is a price sticker on the box cover. Never try to pull off a sticker
without using rubber cement thinner. (In an office supply store you should be able to find Carter’s Rubber Cement Thinner in 4 fl. oz. bottles.)
Put the cement thinner in a clean, miniature oil can or use an eye dropper. Saturate a corner of the sticker,
then try gently peeling back the corner. Keep putting the cement thinner on as you slowly peel off the sticker.
Try not to lift up on the sticker but to fold it over so the non-sticky side is against the box;
press down as you slide the sticker along on the box. If the paper begins to lift off with the sticker,
try the same procedure at a different point on the sticker."

[Mr. Zipper]

I've successfully used Goo Gone to remove stickers and/or gunky residue from a number of surfaces from plastic to a magazine cover to an 8x10 glossy. Never had a problem.

Lightly dab sticker with Q-tip with Goo Gone, let it sit for a minute and gently rub it right off.

[gnaz01]

I've used WD-40 with great success!

[jcmtiger]

Hair dryer always worked for me, your fingers get a little hot though. Don't hold the dryer to close or it will shut off.

Joe

[murphusa]

a dab of peanut butter will also take of the residue

[slidekellyslide]

Originally Posted by murphusa

a dab of peanut butter will also take of the residue

Doesn't peanut butter have oil in it? Goo Gone or nail polish remover will remove the stuff and doesn't stay in the cardboard.

[ctownboy]

Hello,

I usually use aim a hair dryer at the price tag and heat it up. Then, I try to remove as much of the tag as possible with my fingers. If there is paper residue left, I put some water on it and gently rub it with my finger. This will usually just leave the adhesive underneath.

Once I am down to just the adhesive or sticky residue, I put a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the adhesive and let it sit there for a few seconds. Then, I start to gently rub the area and let the adhesive come off. After that, for the adhesive that is harder to get off, I use my fingernail and gently scratch or scrape the rest off. I then use a towel to wipe away the alcohol (if there is any still there) and the loose residue.

If the sticker price is on the cardboard and you are wanting to keep the cardboard in nice condition, don't use too much water or alcohol and don't rub, scratch or scrape too much because all of this will damage the underlying cardboard.

David

[Scott Garner]

Originally Posted by slidekellyslide

Doesn't peanut butter have oil in it? Goo Gone or nail polish remover will remove the stuff and doesn't stay in the cardboard.

True Dan, but Jim's idea makes for a better sandwich. Just add some strawberry jam and a couple of slabs of bread and you're good to go!

[Gary Dunaier]

I would think it's better to just leave the price tag on, to avoid risk of damaging the packaging.

[bcbgcbrcb]

I agree with Gary. I'm actually very surprised that his was the first suggestion to leave the price tag on. In the long fun, I believe that it will help the value, especially if the selling store's name is on the pricetag.

[milkit1]

some of the tags make the figure look bad like toys r us for example. HUGE orange price tags.

[Taxman]

Bestine...you can get it at the local Michaels or Hobby Lobby..

http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CGYQ8wIwAA#

[batsballsbases]

Bestine does work well on types of glue.

[Tedw9]

I use Zippo lighter fluid to remove tags. Just a drop and it usually spreads over the whole sticker which is then easy to remove. The glue residue below is now wet and wipes off with a the corner of a paper towel with a little lighter fluid on it. Once removed, the lighter fluid evaporates.

[milkit1]

awesome, thanks for all the help