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Removing adhesive after removing skin

B

batman75

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Apr 15, 2010
726
175
I bought a used iPad on Amazon. The owner has a skin on the back. I removed it because I didn't like it.

Anyway after removing it I noticed some adhesive residue on the back. I got most of it off by running it with my hands.

I tried using goo gone and IPA for the final bits of residue. However neither seem to dissolve or loosen this residue.

Does anyone have any tips on how to clear it off?

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1449529620.049608.jpg
 
I was gonna say 3M adhesive remover but the chemical might be too strong for the iPad. I use the 3M for removing adhesive on vehicle's emblem and side molding. I would suggest using a hair dryer first to loosen up the adhesive. Using a heat gun might be too hot. Just a suggestion... at your own risk.
 
Jeff R said:
I was gonna say 3M adhesive remover but the chemical might be too strong for the iPad. I use the 3M for removing adhesive on vehicle's emblem and side molding. I would suggest using a hair dryer first to loosen up the adhesive. Using a heat gun might be too hot. Just a suggestion... at your own risk.
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Hum definitely not a heat gun... Not even a blowdryer
 
Try again with the GooGone and be sure to let it sit. Use a plastic (not metal!) scraper.

An alternative is WD 40 as sometimes it loosen adhesives which resist other products. Again, let it sit a few minutes and use a plastic scraper.
 
There is a product made for crafters, you can find at any store that carries craft supplies, i.e. Michaels, JoAnns, Wallyworld etc. It is called "Un-Do adhesive remover". Works on everything I've ever tried it on and doesn't do any damage. Similar to Goo Gone but works better in my opinion.
 
Eucalyptus oil removes sticky residue. You will be left with a slightly greasy iPad though, but I think a gadget cleaner spray or foam should then remove that.
 
artfossil said:
Try again with the GooGone and be sure to let it sit. Use a plastic (not metal!) scraper.

An alternative is WD 40 as sometimes it loosen adhesives which resist other products. Again, let it sit a few minutes and use a plastic scraper.
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As this post...

Wd40 spray some on to coat all the gunk then wait 5 minutes and then wipe with a lint free cloth. Might take a few tries but it'll come off.

Do not use 3m stick stuff remover it's not safe on anodised coatings.
 
PattyMc said:
There is a product made for crafters, you can find at any store that carries craft supplies, i.e. Michaels, JoAnns, Wallyworld etc. It is called "Un-Do adhesive remover". Works on everything I've ever tried it on and doesn't do any damage. Similar to Goo Gone but works better in my opinion.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Will try this tomorrow.
 
artfossil said:
Try again with the GooGone and be sure to let it sit. Use a plastic (not metal!) scraper.

An alternative is WD 40 as sometimes it loosen adhesives which resist other products. Again, let it sit a few minutes and use a plastic scraper.
Click to expand...

I let the goo gone work for about 29 minutes but no effect.

What should I use for a plastic scraper? A credit card?
 
Grab some clear tape (not that 3M tape) but shipping box tape or duct tape (preferably clear shipping tape) but then roll plenty around two fingers and then press it on the iPad... allow it to stick then pull it off (repeat and the tape will pull it off.) If it doesn't work by doing it slowly do it quickly, (like dabbing at it) just allow the stronger tape adhesive to pull the other adhesive off the iPad. I've used this for a very long time and it's safe, effective, and much better than using chemicals or scraping it... DO NOT SCRAPE THE IPAD!!!


Kal.
 
Sure, use a credit card as a scraper. Or sometimes people have plastic kitchen scrapers. DON'T use a plastic scrubber, as that might be too abrasive.
 
Kal-037 said:
Grab some clear tape (not that 3M tape) but shipping box tape or duct tape (preferably clear shipping tape) but then roll plenty around two fingers and then press it on the iPad... allow it to stick then pull it off (repeat and the tape will pull it off.) If it doesn't work by doing it slowly do it quickly, (like dabbing at it) just allow the stronger tape adhesive to pull the other adhesive off the iPad. I've used this for a very long time and it's safe, effective, and much better than using chemicals or scraping it... DO NOT SCRAPE THE IPAD!!!


Kal.
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I like the clear plastic shipping tape approach and it might work. These adhesives can be so different plus the longer they've been on, the more stubborn they can be.

I would never hesitate to use something that doesn't scratch to scrape adhesive from plastic or metal. Often, you have to combine some kind of "loosening" agent PLUS some elbow grease (physical manipulation) to break the adhesive bond.
 
Look up eucalyptus oil, it's natural and works amazingly well. You only need a small dab on a tissue or cloth and the sticky substance will wipe off.
 
Are you sure that what we are seeing is a ruined finish and not goo on top of the finish?
 
artfossil said:
Never use acetone on metal (or plastic) as it can ruin the finish. I'd never use acetone anywhere near a piece of technology.
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Acetone will destroy most plastics. It will not hurt metal, though it will usually dissolve or damage a painted finish. The iPad back is anodized aluminum and is safe. Careful application is obviously required.
 
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newellj said:
Acetone will destroy most plastics. It will not hurt metal, though it will usually dissolve or damage a painted finish. The iPad back is anodized aluminum and is safe. Careful application is obviously required.
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Thanks for the info about anodized finishes! I'll still give it a wide berth. :)
 
artfossil said:
Thanks for the info about anodized finishes! I'll still give it a wide berth. :)
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Here's a good reason for doing that or at least being super-cautious. Unlike denatured alcohol, which is relatively safe around plastics, acetone will seriously damage most plastics. So if you knock over the can (or bottle, if you're using nail polish remover), or have too much on the cloth and it goes somewhere you didn't intend for it to go, you could have a very unwelcome problem. :( Better safe than sorry in most cases.

Newtons Apple said:
WD40 has always removed any adhesive I have tried it on. Acetone is kind of dangerous and I would save that for a last resort!
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Even though I suggested it, I agree about using it as a last resort. My usual solvent progression is denatured alcohol, benzene/naptha, then acetone. In truly tough cases, you can always try sulphuric acid. J/K! ;)
 
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