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Lololobolosse

macrumors member
Original poster
Sep 7, 2021
45
4
I just got a iMac g3 and theres a lot of sticky stuff on it like there was tape everywhere on it what i can use to erase it ?
 
Test anything you use on a small patch first to ensure you don’t damage the plastic. Also, GooGone works great at getting glue and tape residue off, it’s a pretty strong solvent though so test first and be careful with it.
 
Test anything you use on a small patch first to ensure you don’t damage the plastic. Also, GooGone works great at getting glue and tape residue off, it’s a pretty strong solvent though so test first and be careful with it.

GooGone is generally too reactive for plastics like those used on various Macs. I destroyed a clamshell iBook LCD frame with that stuff — first etching into the spot and then making that spot so brittle that it snapped clean through.
 
For actual adhesive residue...light oil is great. Oils are often less damaging than solvents (like GooGone) on plastics or other materials (or paint finishes). WD40 works, but any light oil will too, including something safer like vegetable oil.

Same for wax and many other sticky things. Once the goo has been dissolved, then a mild soap will take care of the oil.

As was mentioned, test a small patch first.

As for the reason for the stickiness...I have seen a few plastics that will become sticky over many years' time...without ever having an adhesive on them. Not sure why or what causes it, but don't know if any of the above (or any tips about removing adhesives) will help.
 
For actual adhesive residue...light oil is great. Oils are often less damaging than solvents (like GooGone) on plastics or other materials (or paint finishes). WD40 works, but any light oil will too, including something safer like vegetable oil.

Very much in agreement here. My go-to is mineral oil.

Same for wax and many other sticky things. Once the goo has been dissolved, then a mild soap will take care of the oil.

As was mentioned, test a small patch first.

As for the reason for the stickiness...I have seen a few plastics that will become sticky over many years' time...without ever having an adhesive on them. Not sure why or what causes it, but don't know if any of the above (or any tips about removing adhesives) will help.

My understanding, however limited, is that some polymers in plastics, over time, tend to be more reactive to the elements — atmosphere, temperature, humidity — than for others, causing them to begin to break down at the point (i.e., the surface) where they have regular contact with these reactive elements.
 
I used essence f and it worked very well
But now i want to upgrade the ram but im not sure about the ram pc66, pc100 or pc133 ?
 
Test anything you use on a small patch first to ensure you don’t damage the plastic. Also, GooGone works great at getting glue and tape residue off, it’s a pretty strong solvent though so test first and be careful with it.

I am a big fan of GooGone but I recommend to not use it and instead go with IPA. I tested GooGone on a Quicksilver case and ACD monitor plastic and the stuff fogged both test spots. Because of this, I do not use GG at all on this era plasics which includes the imac g3 tray and slot loaders. Its a little more work to use IPA or magic eraser or an oil, but GG is way too harsh and its pretty much impossible IME to recover plastic clarity from that sort of fogging damage. Conversely, GooGone works like a million bucks on aluminum macs - just dont use it on PowerPC plastic macs.
 
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