Removing sticky labels from different materials is not an easy task. Improper removal methods can damage the surfaces of your products. This can affect your product’s quality and increase your operational costs. To help you remove sticky labels without damaging surfaces, this article will introduce the correct methods and provide practical solutions.
Why Safe Label Removal Matters for Businesses
Reduce Production Costs
In enterprise production, plastic bins, glass containers, and metal pallets can all be reused. Discarding these tools because sticky labels cannot be properly removed will waste resources and increase your production costs. If you choose reusable stickers or use the correct removal method, you can reuse these tools, thereby reducing your production costs.
Enhance Efficiency
When you replace stickers on a product, using a scraper to remove old stickers one by one wastes time and can easily scratch the surface. In bulk replacement cases, overall efficiency can drop significantly. Therefore, you need to choose suitable sticker materials and use the correct removal method to improve efficiency.
Best Ways to Remove Sticky Labels Without Residue
Gentle Label Removal Methods
Warm Water Soaking Method
If you want to remove sticky labels from a large number of washable containers, you can use the warm water soaking method. First, you need to prepare warm water with dish soap, and completely submerge the items in the warm water for 10 to 20 minutes. During this process, the warm soapy water helps soften the adhesive. Once the labels are fully soaked, gently peel them off and wipe away any remaining residue with a cloth.
Oil Softening Method
Oils can dissolve the residue on the surface. It’s a gentle way to remove sticky labels. You just need to apply oil or petroleum jelly onto the residue and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Then use a soft cloth to wipe off the residue from the surface, and finally clean it with a damp cloth.
Scraper Removal Method
If you have a plastic scraper or a plastic card at hand, you can use it to remove sticky labels. First, soften the label with warm water or oil. Then, use the scraper at an angle to gently scrape it off from the edge. Use light pressure until the label is completely removed.
Thermal Label Removal Methods
Hair Dryer Method
This method uses hot air from a hair dryer to heat the adhesive. When the glue gets hot, it becomes softer and less sticky, so it can be peeled off easily. You just need to move the hair dryer back and forth about 15 cm away from the sticker to heat it. Once the edge of the sticker starts to curl up, you can slowly peel it off.
Heat Gun Method
The air temperature from a heat gun is higher than that from a regular hair dryer, so it softens the adhesive quickly. That means using a heat gun to remove sticky labels is more efficient than using a hair dryer, and it is suitable for removing sticky stickers in large quantities.
However, when you use this method to remove residue from plastic or acrylic surfaces, you need to control the heat gun’s temperature to prevent objects from deforming or cracking.
Steam Removal Method
Steam removal uses the moisture and heat from high-temperature steam to remove sticky labels. The heat softens the glue, and the steam penetrates the adhesive, helping the sticker peel off quickly. Once you notice that the sticky labels start to get wet, you can use a scraper to scrape them off. However, this method cannot be used to remove stickers from electrical equipment.
Solvent Label Removal Methods
When removing sticky labels from electronic devices, try to avoid using solvents. Liquid can seep inside and damage the components. For other surfaces, common solvents include rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, and commercial adhesive removers. Before use, it is recommended to test a small area of the product first to confirm that the solvent will not corrode the surface. If it’s safe, you can dip a cotton swab in the solvent and apply it to the adhesive, then use a scraper to scrape off the sticker.
Safe Removal Methods by Applications
Plastic Surfaces
Sticky labels on plastic products are quite difficult to handle because most plastics are not resistant to high temperatures or corrosion. High temperatures can cause plastic products to deform, and corrosive solvents may cause plastic products to turn white or even be damaged. Therefore, it is recommended to use gentle methods to remove the sticky labels from plastic containers, such as plastic bottles. Both the warm water soaking method and the oil softening method are good choices.
However, when using these gentle methods, make sure sticky labels are fully softened in warm water or oil before peeling them off. When you peel them, start from the edge to prevent sticky labels from being torn and leaving residue.
Glass Surfaces
Glass is a common application for stickers. You can stick stickers on glass bottles, jars, or windows to display advertisements or product information. Glass is a product that is resistant to high temperatures and corrosion, so sticky labels on the surface are relatively easy to handle. You can use a heat gun or a solvent to remove sticky labels from glass.
But when operating, you should pay attention to two details. Avoid applying heat in one place when heating the sticker, or you may burn the label and leave residue on the glass. If you use solvents to remove the sticky labels, remember to wipe the surface clean with a cloth after removing the labels; otherwise, the residue will affect the transparency of the glass.
Metal Surfaces
Metal surfaces are generally hard and heat-resistant, so for most standard metal surfaces, you can prioritize using heat-based removal methods. However, if the metal has a painted surface, you should avoid heat, as it may cause the paint to peel or discolor. In such cases, use gentle methods, such as warm water or petroleum jelly.
Additionally, when removing labels from brushed stainless steel, it is best to avoid using metal scrapers, as they can easily scratch the surface.
FAQ
What Is a Removable Adhesive?
A removable adhesive is a type of pressure-sensitive adhesive that can be cleanly removed and even reused. Compared to permanent adhesives, it does not leave residue on the surface when you peel it off. This makes it suitable for delicate materials such as glass, books, and clothing.
What Is the Best Way to Remove Sticky Labels in Bulk?
The high-temperature steam removal method is one of the fastest ways to remove sticky labels in bulk. It uses high-temperature steam to soften a large number of labels. At the same time, you can quickly peel off the sticky stickers, which is very suitable for an assembly line.
How to Remove Sticky Labels That Have Hardened Over Time?
You can first use a heat method or a warm water soaking method to soften the sticky label and make the dried adhesive soft again. Then, while heating the sticker, use a plastic scraper to remove the sticker. Once the sticker is removed, use a soft cloth to wipe away any remaining adhesive on the surface to avoid damaging the product.
How to Remove Sticky Labels Without Leaving Residue
During residue removal, in addition to choosing the right method based on the material, you also need to be patient. Before peeling off the sticker, you should fully soften the label first. Even during the peeling process, if you find the sticker difficult to remove, you should continue to soften it with water or oil instead of simply tearing it off.
Which Type of Label Is Best for Relabeling?
Static cling stickers and removable labels are the best choices if you want to reapply them. Static cling stickers are adhesive-free and rely on electrostatic attraction to adhere to surfaces, so they do not leave any residue after removal. Removable labels feature a special adhesive structure. When you peel them off, the adhesive comes away with the label, so no residue stays on the surface.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right method to remove sticky labels can help protect the product surface and allow it to be reused. This not only helps you save costs but also improves your work efficiency. If you want to learn more about how to remove sticky labels, you can contact us. LIYANTIAN has a professional technical team that can provide you with the best solutions.
